For decades, my work centred on economic policy and infrastructure—asking how we build systems that serve communities for generations rather than election cycles.

In retirement those same principles find expression in a simpler, more immediate setting: at home in Mosman nestled beside Sydney Harbour, and working the land on my coastal farm.

I’ve retired from a formal role, but not from my mission. My passion for a better future still surfaces—whether I’m restoring a patch of sub-tropical rainforest, tending to my young vineyard, and being part of a city neighbourhood facing immense change.

It made me realise that the ideas in my book, Big Fixes, aren’t just for boardrooms—they belong in everyday life. To enjoy this site, you don’t need to have read the book. I’ll unpack key themes like stewardship, long-termism, life long learning as I get on with life on the land and suburbia.

The core theme here is simple: choices today make ripples into the future. Think of a stone skipping across still water, leaving ripples radiating outwards – far and wide. My mission today continues in helping make more astute choices—big and little—so that the right ripples shape a better future.

If you are a:

• Frustrated Reformer: Struggling within a rigid system or short-term culture.
• Rising Leader: Looking to build the grit needed to lead with integrity.
• Long-Term Thinker: Championing a project that won’t bear fruit for years,

…then I’m willing to offer an independent ear to help with your impact. Equally, if you are facing a transition in life, such as retirement, career change or wrestling with a new business idea and you would like to chat about what next, then I might be able to help.

Fortunately, there is still plenty left in the tank to have the hunger to adapt and make a contribution (aka the ripples) in retirement. In fact I’m just acting out that same mission in a new context as mentor, sounding board, and friendly provocateur.

This site is the home for two areas of my life:

• Field Notes: Documenting the “little fixes”—the practical, daily acts of stewardship on the land and in our communities that build better mindsets, cultures, and futures.
• An Archive: Preserving policy frameworks, speeches, and core ideas from my career and my book, BIG FIXES: Building Bridges to an Inclusive Future.

Also, you might like to check out my YouTube channel ‘Second Ripple’. It’s new and content will grow as I post stories about the vineyard and other new activities I am diving into, usually as a complete novice.

If anything I’ve mentioned prompts your curiosity, I welcome the opportunity to answer questions. But most of all I’m interested to hear about your mission and the big and little fixes you have in mind.

I look forward to you dropping me a line at garrybowditch@gmail.com

Again, welcome.