For a short time Jeff was in involved in local government in Newcastle where he was elected alderman for West Ward in the 1980 and 1984 council elections. This was an exciting time to be involved in the Council under Lord Mayor Alderman Joy Cummings AM.

Working part time, Jeff undertook and completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree (1985) which complimented his work for a local accounting firm before commencing work with then Federal Member for Newcastle, Allan Morris MHR. This was Jeff's work from 1983 until 1991 and was a source of great challenge and satisfaction. Jeff frequently had the opportunity to work at the new Parliament House in Canberra and this is now a wonderful memory. A post graduate diploma in Industrial Relations (Dip Ind Rel) was attained in 1989.

On 6 February, 1982 Jeff married Michelle Sparkes of neighbouring suburb Shortland, whom he had met through a church fellowship group. In the coming years there would be four children born into the family: Prudence Joy (13 June 1988), Penelope Faith (Penny) (17 January 1991), Thomas Jeffrey (20 July 1994) and Rebekah Grace (18 March 1998).

In 1991 Jeff began preparation for the priesthood at St John's College Morpeth, having been accepted for ordination training the year before. While at College he successfully completed a Diploma of Theology (Dip Theol) from the Melbourne College of Divinity which he turned into a Bachelor of Divinity in 2002 through continued study. He gained a Master of Arts (Theology) in 2006 by online study through the Australian Catholic University.

The family have ministered in the Newcastle Diocese at Gosford (1994-5), Singleton (1996-7), Beresfield (1998-2000) and have now been at Forster/Tuncurry since July 2000. Jeff's gifts are mainly in the areas of preaching and encouraging, liturgy and the healing ministry.

Jeff's interests include cricket, rugby league, walking, novels and theology.