Rick came to Ballarat in 1987 to work for the commonwealth employment service (CES). Became the face of the ces, doing all their media, including Job Shop on BTV6 - a weekly employment program. Open a restaurant called Conders in the mid 90s. Worked at the Ballarat Council in economic development including as the City's first retail Manager. Started with the newly elected Catherine King at the end of 2001. Stayed 4 years. Moved to canberra to work for a shadow minister, ministers and back benchers. Worked for Peter Garrett. Came back to Ballarat to retire on 2015. Worked for Jaala Pulford, Sharon Knight and finally Michaela Settle. Voluntary work with the Shower Bus and with Sex Work Law Reform coalition. Carer and safe sex educator during the AIDS crisis.