John Terry Moore is a retired celebrant and author of four novels, who lives in Wandana Heights with his husband Russell. He speaks with the Independent’s Jena Carr about what he loves about living in the Geelong region.
What is your connection to Geelong?
My parents lived in Geelong during World War II, and I felt the region was welcoming.
Russell and I came to Geelong looking to return to more rural surroundings. We bought a house on five acres at Marcus Hill and grew flowers while working at our full-time jobs.
We chose Geelong because it was within commuting distance of Fisherman’s Bend, where I worked for Isuzu General Motors.
What do you like about where you live?
We sold our second property at Connewarre’s ‘Southern Belle Gardens’ and moved to Wandana Heights because it was a nice home, with an office for my celebrant’s business.
Importantly, we bought two huge kelpies with us, so we needed walking tracks close by, which are wonderful.
We also have our doctor within walking distance and shopping centres at Barrabool Hills Shopping Centre and Highton Village.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
I would like to see more access roads provided, so Wandana Drive doesn’t have to deal with huge traffic flows. When we moved here nearly 20 years ago, there were many families with little kids.
They’ve grown up and now drive cars like lunatics, and the tennis club car park has become a favourite place for wheelies.
Where is your favourite place to spend time?
Province Café at the Barrabool Hills Shopping Centre is great, and Russell has many mates in Woolies, where we always feel welcome.
We’re also regular customers of the Discount Chemist in the same complex, and they are lovely to deal with.
What is something people may not know about you?
I was Tasmanian Champion single sculler (a person using a pair of oars to move a boat) for several years.
Jeff Sykes from Geelong defeated me at Franklin for the Australian title one year. I was a lover, not a fighter.
What do you like about writing books?
It gives me a chance to reach out to young people around the globe who are unsure of many aspects of their lives and who can access my gay romance stories with successful and positive outcomes.
These stories are part of the healing process of younger generations, helping the way kids feel about themselves and their families.
My publisher, Dreamspinner Press, has the most amazing website, where e-books can be sourced for a minimal amount.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Love is grand, as Russell and I have been partners in all things for nearly 41 years. We were married in Geelong on February 21, 2018.
