Michael is currently Regional Community Manager for Bendigo Bank’s Melbourne Central Region. Michael has over 20 years international experience in biotechnology and technology commercialisation and finance. He holds a BA from University of California Santa Cruz, a MSc from the University of London and an MBA from Monash University and has been a regular speaker at international conferences, trade shows and events.
He was senior counsellor for over ten years in group homes in California, working with at risk youth for whom harmful drug use was the norm. He has seen first-hand how destructive drug use can be when it is stigmatised, criminalised and de-personalised. He has also seen how a respectful, honest approach to drug use can help those suffering addiction lead healthier, meaningful lives. He is especially interested that young people are fully educated and supported about the dangers of sustained drug use and that they receive assistance to reduce potential harm, including programs like pill testing, needle exchange and safe using spaces.
