Neil was born in Sydney in 1953. His parents were Eunice, who grew up in the Northern Rivers and Mick from Glebe. Neil attended Cronulla Primary with lots of other baby boomers, and then went on to Caringbah High school. Eunice and Mick could not afford to keep Neil at school, so he left in Form V (year 11 equivalent) to help support the family. He sought a career in advertising, and gained a job at a local pharmaceutical company, who supported his further studies in advertising.
This company, Park Davis, arranged for a course, after hours, three nights a week for three years. Neil still has contact with his first boss from those times, who, in a very practical way, demonstrated the importance of vocational training.
After a lot of study and a lot of work Neil's career followed a slightly different path for a short time. He became a soldier in the 8/12 medium regiment of the Australian Artillery. Although Neil never saw active service in his two and a half years of army life, it was formative in developing his senses of discipline and respect.
After leaving the army Neil married Wendy, and continued in a strong career in advertising. Neil experienced all aspects of business and advertising from planning to media placement, from client service to account management, but his first love was the creative aspects of advertising. Graphic Design, Copywriting, TV Direction and developing concepts became his forte.
Neil and Wendy have been married for over 30 years and have a family of three, Annie 24, James 22 and Jack 17.
Neil has always taken a keen interest in politics. In 1974 he first voted for the labor party, only to see, with many other Australian voters, his democratic right disenfranchised with the events of November 11th the following year.
In business, the army and in family life, Neil has learned the value of listening and responding to the needs of people. Neil has a fine sense of humour, but also a steely resolve.
In 2004, Neil saw the re-election of the coalition and became determined to change the selfish and ideologically driven regime of John Howard. He joined the ALP, applied his resolve to achieve several local leadership roles and to gain the support of his colleagues and the Labor Party to contest the seat of Gilmore.
Since deciding to contest Gilmore, Neil has successfully undertaken a post graduate degree in International Relations, to help better acquaint him with the requirements of his future federal parliamentary life. Neil has vowed to serve the people of Gilmore, and Australia with the twin concepts of loyalty and duty.
Call Neil Reilly on 0408 625 359 for further information.
