After introducing James McMahon to those gathered for the fifth instalment of the Catholic Man Breakfast Series on October 16, Master of Ceremonies, Greg Diamond, took a deep breath, “Reading the biography of men like James, makes me wonder, ‘What have I done with my life?’” he said.
It was an apt response to a remarkable individual who engaged with more than 200 men at the Duxton Hotel in Perth, not only with his experiences as a 24-year Australian Army veteran, Deputy Chairman of the West Coast Eagles Football Club and his current role as the Commissioner of Western Australia’s Department of Corrective Services, but also by the fact he could successfully fulfil these roles guided by his Catholic faith.
Despite his many achievements, including the Distinguished Service Medal and Distinguished Service Cross during his time as Commanding Officer with the elite SAS in Iraq, Afghanistan and East Timor, McMahon was adamant about what both drove and anchored him.
“My faith is my life and my life is my faith,” he told the audience.
“I am absolutely proud to be Catholic.”
It was a message enthusiastically received by an audience consisting of Church and business leaders, representatives from many parishes and as well as students from seven Catholic Colleges.
Charlie Hosken, 16, from John XXIII College was impressed by the dynamic presentation, “He has such great life experience and it has all been guided by his faith,” he said.
“I found it very inspiring.”
Now a parishioner at Subiaco, McMahon confessed that he had “lived life on both sides of the fence,” but such experiences had added to both his understanding of human nature and his need for faith and these had helped him become a more effective leader.
“You will make mistakes, but understand you are human,” he said.
“It is about what you do next.”
It is an understanding that drives him in his current role as Corrective Services Commissioner which he commenced late last year, where he hopes to improve the alarming rates of recidivism, one of the highest in Australia.
“Prisons are like hospitals – everyone needs individual care,” he shared.
“Reforming lives is about providing a pathway forward.”
McMahon went on to say that it was the tragic death of his brother during his highschool years that cemented his faith.
The strength shown by his parents during this dark period, as they clung to their faith and received support from the Catholic Community, set the pattern for his years ahead.
This experience, along with his Catholic schooling provided him with a foundation that continues to draw him to a church and quietly reflect whenever he finds himself getting “left of centre” in his life.
Faith had given him purpose, courage and humility, he said, and these are the qualities he draws on whenever they have been needed, even in those times when death may have been around the next corner.
The Breakfast Series is an initiative of menAlive, a Catholic organisation seeking to inspire men to a personal relationship with Jesus and to use their gifts to build up their families, the Church and society.
For more info on menAlive go to www.menalive.org.au.