Who is Dr G?

Dr. Gary Shiels (hereby referred to as Dr. G) received an AM for his services to town planning, and working with the community, on Australia Day 2023. Dr G has a PhD with the research topic, Planning for Successful Ageing and three master’s degrees in planning related fields of disciplines. His research studied the behaviors of persons between the ages of 80 and 106 who were ageing successfully. The research also involved interviews with health professionals specializing in different parts of the human anatomy who worked with older persons and studying the lifestyle habits of the longest lived persons on this planet.

This Website draws on the findings from that research and his lifetime experiences as a town planner and as life saver. In particular, as a life saver and long-time competitor his great passion has been the study and pursuit of physical activity and nutrition and the role they play in the performance of athletes and the impact those components have on the ageing process. His interest in the relationship between lifestyle and ageing, resulted in him providing planning advice to many age care providers and developers of seniors living accommodation.

Qualifications and Intentions of the Commentator

I am not a medical practitioner, so if you have a medical condition, please consult your GP before making any lifestyle changes.

My commentary is based on research undertaken for my PhD on Successful Ageing; a lifetime of experience gained as a competitor, coach and mentor; my ongoing pursuit of knowledge about diet and exercise; and my observations of people as they age, particularly my dear old mum, who passed at 96.

I am proposing that the website will grow as I populate it with the findings from my research and experiences. The topics you can expect include:

Some critical information about the unhealthy state of 70% of our population and the need for everyone to become more active.

  • Clarifying the plethora of misinformation in the public domain about heathy foods, and whether medication is a substitute for exercise.

  • Examining the science and lifestyle factors behind successful ageing and how we might apply it to our lifestyle.

  • I will also suggest articles and books for the enthusiasts who really want to pursue an improvement in their quality of life.

Involvement with North Bondi Life Saving Club

Gary joined the North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club in 1964. One of his earliest duties was part of the guard of honour of our, now, king. In the late 60s and early 70s surf carnivals were much smaller than they are today and it was possible to compete in multiple events in the one carnival. It was not uncommon to run from a surf boat race, to the beach Sprint, to the March past, to the surf race, finishing the day totally exhausted.

When a new member joined the surf club, folklore had it, that they were stood up against the wall and rocks were thrown at them and if they it didn’t duck were in the boat crew. After a couple of years, Gary learnt to duck and started paddling surf skis.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Background Story & Past Experiences

The above photo has been colloquially referred to as Gaz and Chaz or the King and I.

Also, Gary began paddling double skis with John. A photo of John and Gary in 1973 after winning three Sydney Branch Titles and finishing 2nd in the NSW championships is attached. John and Gary were joined by another John in the surf ski relay winning Gold at the NSW Titles in 1977 and finishing with silver in 1976 and 1978.  John and Gary have raced in and won numerous singles and doubles ski events, in open and master’s competition at NSW and Australia championships over the past 50 years.

John, John & Gary, North Bondi NSW Titles1st1977,2nd1976,1978

Gary and John in a double ski race powering past the headland (early 70’s)

John and Gary, North Bondi, 2nd NSW 1976 Branch Title Holders 1974,1975,1976

During his 60 years of as a member Gary has held the positions of Captain, President, Secretary and Public Officer and served on the committee for over 40 years. During his time as President, he assisted with the seamless acceptance of female lifesavers. Gary also introduced the first professionally organised ocean swims and ironman events, which were great fund raisers for the club.

Start of an early Cole Classic Circa (1984)

He has been a competitor, coach, and mentor since joining and still competes in masters’ events at the Australian surf titles. His contribution has earned him Life Membership, and he is one of the Patrons of this fine Club.

Briefing at the first Foster Sydney Ironman event (1985)

Education

Tertiary Institutions & Universities

PhD

UNSW 2016 Thesis Topic: Planning for Successful Ageing in an Age-Friendly Built Environment

NSW University, 2016

Masters Degree

Masters in Urban Design

Sydney University 2000

Masters Degree

Engineering Science (Transportation Planning)

NSW University, 1981

Masters Degree

Urban Studies

Macquarie University, 1978

Working & Professional Experience

Gary started his professional career in the late 1960’s as an engineering assistant at the Department of Motor Transport, designing intersections and traffic signals. In the 1970’s he was employed as an engineering assistant/planner by Kuring gai Council. Subsequently, he held the position of planner, then Deputy Town Planner Woollahra Council.

In 1984 he was appointed Director Planning and Community Development at Leichhardt Council where he was responsible for 120 staff. His role was to manage Town Planning, Social Planning, Long Day Care, Family Day Care, and Seniors Care. During his time at Leichhardt, he gained an appreciation of the importance of planning for ageing.

In late 1988 Gary left council and he and his wife Vicki established The Town and Traffic Planning company, Gary Shiels and Associates P/L (GSA Planning) where Gary was the Managing Director and Vicki was a Director.

Past and present employment positions and workplaces.

Photo opening of the first GSA planning office 1990

The opening of the first office in Paddington in 1990 by the, then, Mayor and the street party for the opening is shown in the attached photos. The company soon grew to have offices in NSW and QLD. Soon the company outgrew the office in Jersey Road and move to larger premises in Paddington Street as shown in the attached photo. The company developed a reputation for negotiating successful outcomes from metropolitan Councils (Newspaper article). The company assisted with many “state of the art” seniors housing projects.

George Karavanas and Gary Shiels (2015)

Current GSA Planning office in Paddington Street

Newspaper article “Wise Council…” (1997)


2021 to June 2024

The company is considered to be Experts in Seniors Housing; Master planning; Planning for Successful Ageing; Expert Evidence; Mediation; all forms of Planning, Due Diligence, Urban Design and Traffic Studies.

To reduce the focus on the Managing Director, the company began trading as GSA Planning. Gary stepped down as Managing Director in 2021, partly gifting and partly selling the company to George Karavanas, a Director and longtime loyal employee.

Director Gary Shiels And Associates Pty Ltd
Chairman of local planning panels and advocate for Successful Ageing.

After stepping down as Managing Director, of GSA Planning after 33 years, Gary retained the company name of Gary Shiels and Associates and worked as a consultant to the company. Gary then served as and Acting Commissioner in the Land and Environment Court.

He then served as alternate chair and expert member on a five Local Planning Panels. He is renowned for his professional judgement and ethical approach to planning.


July 2024 to Present

Director Gary Shiels and Associates Pty Ltd
Presenter on Healthy Ageing, Author and developing the Dr. G website

As observed from this website, he also spends a considerable amount of time and energy, gratuitously, promoting successful ageing, the benefits exercise and a healthy Mediterranean diet, while avoiding refined/processed food. Gary has made a number of presentations heathy ageing, some of those with his close friend and associate Dr John Best. He is currently finalizing a book based on his research and experience as a coach and competitor for over 60 years.

Fields of Special Competence

Personal achievements and recognitions.

  • Presenting on Successful Ageing

  • Author of Healthy Ageing

  • Mentor, Coach and Trainer

  • Seniors Housing Developments

  • Age-Friendly Built Environments

  • Project Co-ordination and Master Planning

  • Urban Design

  • Chairing Local Planning Panels

  • Traffic Planning and Management

  • Life Fellow: Planning Institute of Australia (PIA)

  • Registered Planner: PIA

  • Fellow: Australian Institute of Management

  • Member: Australian Institute of Traffic Planning & Management

  • Life Member: North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, 1985

  • Life Member: Bondi Icebergs

Personal Achievements
& Successes

Notable achievements of my life so far

  • 1985: Life Member of the North Bondi SLSC.

  • 1987: Mayoral Scroll of Honour for outstanding service to the community.

  • 1988: Completed a Surf Ski Marathon from Forster to Bondi Beach, 280km over 4 days (approx. 80km per day).

  • 1992: Royal Australian Planning Institute – NSW
    Award for Planning Excellence.

  • 1992: Royal Australian Planning Institute – National
    Certificate of Merit for Planning Excellence In Urban Design.

  • 1997: Royal Australian Planning Institute – NSW
    Award of Excellence in planning and development.

  • 2002: Mayoral Scroll of Honour for outstanding service to the community.

  • 2006: Life Fellow – Planning Institute of Australia.

  • 2015: Registered Planner – Planning Institute of Australia.

  • 2023: Order of Australia (AM) For outstanding service to town planning and the community.

Government House AM Investiture – Gary and Vicki Shiels (2023)