Introducing Graeme Burow
20 December, 2022Earlier this month, we welcomed a new member to the Diocesan Staff – that group of people who in various ways assist Bishop Michael in his service of the diocese. Graeme Burow has taken up the appointment of Community Engagement Manager. Graeme has been a member of the Cathedral Parish since he moved to Rockhampton about 14 months ago. With an interesting background, he brings some good skills to the service of the diocese.
Originally from Brisbane, his father originally worked in the finance sector, before working with the Brisbane City Council for more than 20 years. His mother was a homemaker. Following in his father’s footsteps, Graeme worked in the finance sector, initially with Suncorp. Some work in adult education led to employment with Yellow Cabs, where amongst other things, he trained taxi drivers. For over eight years he broadcasted the Bay FM traffic report six times a day. He believes these reports were fantastic as they provided listeners with vital information on Southeast Queensland traffic conditions during peak times. These reports relied heavily on the information provided by the taxi drivers on the road, complimented by other information such as provided by google maps. His work in this service led him to know Brisbane well enough to realise that he did not want to work there anymore.
He is passionate about sport, especially cricket. He played 1st grade cricket with Everton Districts then Toombul, before returning to Everton Districts. He served many years as the secretary of Everton Districts Cricket Club. This experience, combined with broadcasting traffic reports, opened the door to being a panellist on the BayFM show on Saturday mornings. Later this led to cricket commentary with BayFM and Calling All Sports Brisbane, as part of their team broadcasting men’s Premier Grade and Women’s National Cricket League matches.
Eighteen months ago, Graeme moved to Rockhampton to set up Black and White Cabs in Central Queensland. He had been looking for a change, loved Rockhampton, so this wasn’t a difficult decision to make. Once Black and White Cabs were set up, he was looking for a new challenge – then the job of Community Engagement Officer caught his eye, and his thought was that this would not only challenge him but give him an opportunity to use his skills in a new way. When he worked in the insurance industry, he met with people experiencing difficulties and he learnt how to help in those circumstances. In the taxi industry, he developed the communication skills that were needed on an individual basis. In this new role he hopes to help people and make a difference.
Early in the new year, he intends to travel around the diocese to meet the people who make up the diverse and widely spaced diocese. He wants to hear your stories. Please welcome him and let him engage your community even more with our diocese.
