John commenced Dancing In 1973 when square dancing was being revived in the southern area of Tasmania. Three years later Johns’ calling career began, and he then started the Casino City Square Dance Club in April 1976. Simultaneously, he assisted at the Southern Eights Square Dance Club by running beginner Classes. He later became caller lor that club as well.

After the death of our beloved caller Fred Byrne, Johnny became responsible for assisting at the Cygnet Swingers Square Dance Club and encouraging Southern trainee callers to accept the challenge of calling.

In more recent years. John has been kept busy with Society functions and his own club with  dances Mainstream. Plus and beginners on separate nights.

John was the Convenor for Tasmania’s first State! Convention and Co-Convenor of the fourth. Other executive positions he has held are! President of the! Tasmanian Callers Association for the! past two years and currently is the Tasmanian Board member and Slate Co-Ordinator for the Australian Callers Federation.

Johnny is a fully qualified plumber and is employed In a supervisory capacity by the Hobart City Council.
He is married to the Convention Secretary. Iris Weatherburn, and together they make a good team.
They have two teenage children. Cindy and John who are both square-dancers as well.

John has attended nine previous National Conventions and has called six of

them. His impressable sense of humour and carefree nature have made Johny a

popular and successful caller where-ever he goes. In 1985. The Tasmanian Square

Dance Society rewarded his untiring efforts by making him a Life Member.

Source: Archives of the 30^th Australian National Square Dance Convention – 1989