John Atkins
Head of office, Freehills
Director, Committee for Perth
Favourite holiday destination?
“Tuscany for an extended stay. I love the lifestyle and the history, but it is a long time since I have been there.”
Favourite place within WA to take a short break?
“Augusta. It is quiet, not particularly focused on tourists, has the beach and the river to enjoy and you can really get away from it all.
“It is too far for most people to travel. That is just fine!”
What do you think is the best destination to holiday if you have to/want to take the kids?
“Skiing anywhere. We all enjoy it. I love being in the mountains and skiing is a great release. Everyone is too tired at night to get into trouble.”
What is your pet hate when travelling on airplanes?
“The food.”
If you could only take one item on a long-haul flight what would it be?
“My tracksuit. I sleep pretty well on planes and it helps to be comfortable if a little daggy.”
What has been your biggest travel disaster?
“Booking so that we had a 13-hour transfer time between flights when I thought I had booked for one hour. A 13-hour wait at Changhi airport is not fun when one of you has picked up a nasty bug on the Nile.”
How often do you take a holiday?
“Several times a year but usually just short breaks. A longer one over Christmas.”
You wish Perth could be more like…
“Melbourne because there are so many opportunities to be entertained in different ways. There is a vibrancy and diversity that is very exciting to be part of. It is an International city. Perth must embrace the need to develop in this way if we are to attract and retain the best and brightest.
“We have some interesting tests coming up. Will we insist that we have a world class stadium? Will we finally redevelop parts of the river foreshore in a world class way?
“In the past we have made too many compromises and not been bold enough.
“I hope that we can learn from the Melbourne experience of the last 20 years and be confident enough to make the bold and visionary decisions that are needed.”
You hope Perth always retains… “Its relaxed lifestyle. This is a key point of difference. There are many others. Our beaches and outdoor lifestyle are examples. Also our unique position as a resources hub and our indigenous cultural heritage set us apart. We must build on these and celebrate them.”
Where have you always wanted to travel/holiday but haven’t managed to yet? When do you hope to go there?
“Africa. Soon.”
What was the last book you read?
“Bill Bryson’s the Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid.”
What CD is currently in your car?
“Probably something the kids put in.”
What is your favourite overseas-based restaurant?
“A tiny little guest house in the mountains near Nagano in Japan where we stayed in January. No English spoken but a feast was served every night.”
What WA/Perth restaurant do you keep going back to and why?
“Bellissimo in Claremont because our children really like it and insist on going there for birthday celebrations.”
Do you support the Eagles or the Dockers?
“Eagles passionately – I was there [at the grand final] last year!”
