Mike Foley: Board Member

Mike Foley is a very well known identity of Darwin and the top end. He is one of those characters who is probably best known for his music but behind the public face is a man who has dedicated an immense amount of personal time and skills to the community that has been his home for more than 30 years.

Since arriving in the NT in 1977, Mike has carried out a number of management functions including the old Uluru Motel, Mandorah Inn, owned and conducted a tour operation on Cox Peninsula, the original airport bus service, a chauffeur driven limo service and an art gallery. Whilst on Cox Peninsula Mike wrote ‘A History of Cox Peninsula’ for the NT Government.

Mike has also worked on a number of community organizations, Browns Mart Community Arts, ED Australia Day Council, Keep Australia Beautiful Council, Mindil Beach Sunset Markets; He has organised major functions such as the World Water Ski Racing Championships, an important Bi-centennial media event, ‘Good News Day’; Organised the opening ceremonies for the Bowali Visitors Centre and Warradjan Cultural Centre in Kakadu, the extensive judging journeys to every town and community in the NT for the Keep Australia Beautiful Council and two of its major awards presentations.

He has also voluntarily worked for the Mrs Australia Awards, Channel 9 Telethon, Rose of Tralee NT, Alzheimers Australia NT, Cancer Society of NT, Somerville; He has been a Board Member of the National Heart Foundation, Browns Mart Trustees, as a TV and community radio presenter and more. His interest in politics saw him stand in the 1987 NT election and in last year’s Lord Mayoral race.

Amongst all of this Mike has built a very well known profile as a musician and has performed at almost every venue in the top end and beyond for locals and visitors alike. Mike has a personal edict which put simply is “you can never do enough to return to the community, that which it provides.” Mike says, “I am honored and delighted to have the opportunity to work with the terrific people of Variety and support this most important cause.”