 Many thanks to Donald for providing his profile.
Donald Hope Authorised Civil Celebrant - Appointed 2009
What gave me the absolute interest in being a registered Marriage Celebrant is because of my dear Mother, who is currently a Minister for a local Christian group in Albury. She showed me how rewarding it is to be part of something special, such as uniting couples and celebrating life in every way. Having an Uncle in Sydney and an Aunt in the Gold Coast as Celebrants also contributed in my interest.
Many years ago I became involved with a local band as a singer and for the next ten years, we travelled throughout Victoria, NSW and ACT where we performed in several venues from clubs to schools which enabled us to get some radio air time as well. This provided me with a lot of confidence being in front man to a diverse crowd. As we only travelled on weekends, my full time work at the time consulted the unemployed in the skills to acquiring jobs through a government incentive to decrease the unemployment rate. This became a rewarding position in being able to provide assistance to those needing guidance.
A good friend of mine introduced me in the world of Martial Arts during this time which I honestly thought I would never survive due to the strict work out. Five years later, I received my Black belt (who would’ve thought) and was given my own class where it grew to a total of 40 students consisting of adults and kids. My instructional technique became much respected where I trained many students and they too, acquired their Black belts.
When my contract as an Employment Consultant came to an end, I was left to decide in a more secure position that would expand my life experience to the absolute edge. I joined the Royal Australian Air Force in January 2000 and got married to my long time girlfriend. My first three months in the RAAF became quite a culture shock but no doubt have made many friends on the way. From my first posting in Sydney, I worked within a medical unit where I was involved in aero medical evacuations and lecturing in the subject of remote communications.
During this time, I began my studies in Psychology through correspondence. Soon I was transferred to Butterworth Malaysia for three months involved in security duties which was way out of what I usually did (that’s flexibility for you).
In 2006, I was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, where I worked with an Australian contingent within an American base (a location within an unfriendly environment). My six month tour allowed me to become aware of how lucky we really are as Australians.
My travels around the Middle East was indeed something that is never to be forgotten and after coming back home to my wife and two kids, I found the importance of treasuring life and ceased my studies to find more time with my family.
Soon after my posting in Sale Victoria, my family and I came to love the area and due to this interest, I resigned from the RAAF and acquired work within the Defence environment as a civilian.
In 2009 I became a registered Marriage Celebrant and love very bit of it.
My life experience in providing guidance, teaching, appearance techniques and coordination can be utilised in every aspect and continues to fuel my interest because of the many personalities of couples, conducting general ceremonies and of course, the duty in uniting them as one.
My most memorable wedding was for a couple in their 50s held on Christmas day. A beautiful day, beautiful scenery and excellent guests to chat with. The whole ceremony was viewed via Skype to their relatives in New York and everything turned out as planned.
Donald Hope
Civil Marriage And Family Celebrant
Gippsland Victoria
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