Mark’s journey from the front line to the front bar

After a life in the Army Mark is continuing his service - this time to the community of Korumburra!

A Life of Service and Spirit: Mark’s Journey from the Army to the Top Pub in Korumburra

When you step into the Top Pub in Korumburra, you’ll likely find its new owner, Mark, chatting easily with locals at the bar. Few would guess that behind his relaxed smile lies a story shaped by years in some of the world’s most dangerous places. From disarming explosives overseas to running a family-friendly country pub, Mark’s life is a testament to resilience, mateship, and finding meaning in community.

From the Frontline to the Front Bar

Q: Mark, I know this is only the second time in your life that you’ve owned a pub, but you’ve had quite a few different careers. One of them was in the Armed Forces. Can you tell us about that?
A: Yeah, I joined the Army in my early twenties. I went in as what they call an assault pioneer — infantry that does demolition work. I did that for a few years, then changed over to EOD, which stands for Explosive Ordnance Disposal. Basically, I’d go in and disarm landmines and other explosives that could harm civilians or allies. I did that for about ten years, then spent the last five years of my Army career as a plant operator — running dozers, graders, diggers. They call that the “retirement village” in the Army.

Q: When you were disarming explosives, where were you based? Were you overseas?
A: I was mainly based in Sydney for training, but I was deployed to a number of countries — Somalia, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iraq, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In Cambodia and Vietnam, a lot of our work was train-the-trainer, helping local forces learn how to clear leftover explosives from the Vietnam War. Villages were expanding into old battlefields, so we were clearing those areas to keep people safe.

Q: That sounds extremely dangerous. How risky was the work?
A: Pretty dangerous, yeah. Some jobs were simple, but others were extremely high-risk. Over time, they developed ways to do more things remotely, but back then you’d still be out there hands-on. Sometimes the enemy would trigger explosives remotely with mobile phones — it could go from average to extremely dangerous very quickly. But it was a career I chose.

Courage, Close Calls, and Camaraderie

Q: Did you ever have any close calls?
A: Oh, yeah — quite a few. Sometimes you’d think you’d disarmed one, but then you’d find another wire leading to a second or third device. You had to be careful and always have people watching your back. We worked in teams, and I was lucky to have good people around me.

Q: How do you think working in that environment shaped you as a person?
A: It definitely makes you more resilient, but it can also make you tense — always on edge. That’s hard to shake. But I had a great 15 years. I made mates who’ll always be my mates. The bond is like family.

Q: Do you still keep in touch with your Army mates?
A: Yeah, absolutely. We catch up once a year, and I talk to a few on the phone. Sadly, a lot of the times we meet are for funerals. Some of the guys just can’t handle it anymore, and that’s really tough. We support each other as much as we can, mentally and emotionally.

Finding Purpose Beyond the Uniform

Q: You’ve mentioned being passionate about mental health. What does that look like for you?
A: Sometimes it’s as simple as making a phone call and listening. We all know what each other’s been through, so we can relate. I’ve had my own dark times — days where I really struggled. My wife’s seen me at my worst. But I was lucky to have support and the strength to ask for help. That’s what I always tell people — if you need help, ask. You’re not weak for doing that.

Q: You went on to start a family after leaving the Army. Tell me about that.
A: Yeah, I met my wife in the Army — she was a truck driver. She’s tiny, barely reaches the pedals! We met when I was sent to a reservist unit for 12 months of respite. We hit it off, and when she got pregnant with our first son, Jordan, we decided it was time to get out. We had two more kids after that. She enjoyed her four years in the Army, but at the time, deployment spots for women were rare — it was still very male-dominated.

From Heavy Machinery to Hospitality

Q: What did you do after leaving the Defence Force?
A: I worked for Silcar doing project management, then moved to Boral Quarries and Asphalt for a few years. After that, I joined a private company doing subdivision and road construction work. Eventually, I decided I wanted to work for myself again. Some people my age buy motorbikes or boats — I bought a pub!

Q: And that’s this one — the Top Pub!
A: That’s right. I’ve been here about four months now. It’s been great — good people, good town.

Community, Family, and the Korumburra Spirit

Q: Do you see the same kind of mateship here among your patrons?
A: Yeah, absolutely. It’s really similar. You get groups of locals who come in, sit around, have a laugh, talk about life. It’s that same sense of community. I love seeing kids come in with their parents — they have their apple juice, do some colouring, play with the pub dog. It feels like a family place, and that makes it all worthwhile.

Q: Korumburra’s a close-knit town. How have you found settling in?
A: Honestly, really easy. I came from a town of 150 people, so I understand small-town life. Everyone’s been welcoming. They’ve offered help, introduced themselves, been patient while I learn names. It already feels like home.

Q: You’ve recently turned 51. At this stage of life, what are your priorities?
A: My priorities now are work-life balance and family. Family’s number one. I want to keep the business running well, give back to the community, and make the pub a place where people can relax and connect. I’ve seen how important that is.

What Matters Most

Q: What do you do to support the local community?
A: It’s not just about sponsoring clubs — it’s creating an environment where people can come in, have a chat, and feel welcome. Whether they’re buying a beer or just having a soft drink, they’re part of it.

Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
A: Hmm, I don’t know — I like fishing, golf, all the usual things. I actually played reserves AFL for Melbourne when I was younger. My wife would probably say my special skill is being a pain in the backside!

Q: What would she say are your best qualities? Peta (Marks wife) - “Your best qualities are your ability to make me feel safe and cared for but still make me laugh every day!”

A: Probably loyalty and a strong work ethic. If I say I’m going to do something, I do it. Integrity means a lot to me — that’s what I took from Defence life.

Q: The pub seems to run smoothly. You’ve got good staff?
A: I’ve been very lucky — great bar staff, kitchen crew, everyone. They’ve helped me settle in. I’d do anything to help them too.
Q: So, no regrets about buying the pub?

A: None at all. I feel very lucky — good home life, good work life, great staff. I don’t need much more than that.

Looking Ahead

Q: What’s your dream for the future?
A: I’d like to travel around Australia again — see the places we went when I was younger. And I want to see this pub continue to grow. Maybe one day when someone else owns it, they’ll say a little bit of me is still here.

Q: Sounds like you’ve really settled in.
A: I hope so! I come from a farming background, so I relate to a lot of the locals. I enjoy chatting with everyone. Sometimes I wander off mid-shift to talk to people — drives the bar staff mad — but that’s part of the job!

Q: Final question — do you feel lucky?
A: Very lucky. Lucky for my family, my work, my staff. I’m happy — and that’s all I could really ask for.