My sister died and my mum was really distant, as you do - you don't expect your offspring to die before you. I thought I was bulletproof up until that stage.

One of the most obvious parts of my character is the smile, and if I wasn't comfortable in myself then I wouldn't be able to smile so much.

Given how well the cards have been dealt to someone like myself, I think there's an inherent obligation to try to reach out and make a difference.

Fame and fortune should never get in front of your passion. The passion will generate the fame and fortune, if you're good enough.

Norm Smith personally came and signed me up to the Melbourne Football Club. The fact that I then played cricket for Melbourne Cricket Club - the footy club didn't like it that much.

About 1998, when 'Wide World of Sports' and the 'Footy Show' came to an end for me, I couldn't type. When I started architecture, it was a very aesthetic, creative, an almost art process, where lettering and thick line were how you expressed yourself on the paper.

I try and open a few doors to the mind, encourage people to embrace change and to stretch their capabilities.