Max can claim Hahndorf authenticity, as he was born in the Academy, on 2nd October 1926.

His family ran a mixed farm at Mt Barker Junction so the work ethic, together with strong family and community loyalty, was well ingrained during his early years.  He took his first job digging potatoes on the family farm during the depression years.  Life was tough.

Max fell in love and married Flora. They were always deeply involved in St Michael's Church and School.  Max would be familiar to many now grown children of the town as he was the maintenance man at the school for many years.  Has has put his bit back into the town of his birth through committee work and sharing his knowledge of Hahndorf history.