Our New Minister for Gaming & Racing

Looking at his vast range of ministries, it is clear the Minister is going to be a busy man. But who is he and what makes him tick?

Minister Harris hails from the Central Coast, representing the electorate of Wyong, where he was the member from 2007 to 2011 and then again from 2015. He is married with two children and calls Hamlyn Terrace home. Leadership was in his DNA right from his schooling days, attending Woy Woy High School and becoming school captain. 

After school, Harris put his leadership skills into action and became a teacher at Griffith Public School. He quickly ascended to the position of principal and served in this role in schools at Merriwagga and Hillston in Central NSW. However, the call of the Central Coast was too great to resist, and he returned home to become principal at Dooralong Public School, followed by other leadership roles at Northlakes, Gwandalan and finally Kariong Public schools. 

In 2006, Harris stepped away from teaching and successfully contested the seat of Wyong. 

Outside of his parliamentary duties, Harris appears to live and breathe the Central Coast. A quick scroll through his social media feeds and you’ll learn he is a regular volunteer surf life saver at the Soldiers Beach Surf Club. He is an ardent supporter of live music, particularly when it comes to giving a chance to young, up-and-coming artists, and it’s clear he loves his sport — barracking for the Socceroos, the Australian Diamonds netball team, the Central Coast Mariners, the Toukley Hawks Rugby League Club and the Manly Sea Eagles. He was even spotted in a Scottish Premiership Champions Celtic FC jersey when they visited Australia to play Everton last year!

This all bodes well for the club industry, which is also heavily involved in local community organisations, live music and sport. 

Congratulations once again to Minister David Harris. ClubsNSW is excited to work with him and his team over the next term of Parliament. 

Last April, Minister Harris kindly put together a video introducing himself to the club industry, which you can watch here if you missed it.