Local Bloke… James McAuley from Randwick

By James Hutton on October 12, 2018 in People

Randwick’s James McAuley moved from London to Syd- ney 14 years ago. He is a research scientist and Associate Professor at NeuRA, where he is developing and testing new treatments aimed to prevent and better manage chronic low back pain. He shares his local favourites with The Beast…

How long have you lived here? I have lived and worked in Rand- wick for eight years. I came to Australia from London in 2004 and lived in Darlinghurst at first. In 2010 I finally decided to make the Eastern Suburbs home. I love it here.

Why do you live here? Living close to work gives me more time with my family, as I’m not wasting time on a daily commute. Plus there are not many places in the world where you can have amazing beaches right on your doorstep and still have the convenience of living in a vibrant multicultural city.

What’s your favourite beach? I love the long, wide beach at South Maroubra. It’s a perfect place for kids as it has a large, safe natural rock pool. It’s a great place to soak up some beautiful sunshine while our little boy Alfie runs around and burns off some energy. In a year or two he’ ll join Maroubra Nippers.

What’s your favourite eatery? Carbon Mexican Woodfire. My son was born in Mexico two years ago. We had to wait eight weeks for his citizenship, so we ate a lot of Mexican food. I developed a real taste for it, particularly the street food in Mexico City. In Sydney, Mexican food can be a bit hit and miss so it was great to come across Carbon in Bondi – great food and drinks, super tasty and authentic, but with an Aussie twist.

Where do you like to have a drink? Bat Country at The Spot. It has a super chilled, relaxed atmosphere and it’s the first place I had draught Young Henry’s, which is still my favourite beer.

Best thing about the Eastern Suburbs? The people and the close proximity to the beach – essential for a Pom!

Worst thing about the Eastern Suburbs? Property prices – an obvious answer, but true.

Do you have a favourite sporting team? The Swans. AFL is a new game for me. I had heard of it when I was in the UK, but never knew the rules and hadn’t been to a game. Once I moved here I went to a couple of games and loved it.

What music are you into at the moment? I’m still loving Frank Ocean, Plan B and Stereophonics, and I’m a long-time fan of the Preatures and War on Drugs. I used to run underground house clubs in London and Sydney and I still love that music too. You just can’t beat deep funky techy beats.

Who is your favourite person? My son Alfie and my partner Marco.

What do you get up to on the weekends? Playgrounds, beach and entertaining an energetic two year-old.

What do you do for work? I’m a research scientist and Associate Professor at NeuRA in Randwick, where I am developing and testing new treatments aimed to prevent and better manage chronic low back pain.

What’s your favourite thing about work? It is fun. And stimulating. I have some great people in my team. There are not many jobs where you can have an idea about how to improve people’s health and then try out ways of actually doing it.

Do you have a favourite quote? “Everything stinks until it is finished” – Dr Seuss.

Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast? Tidy up after yourself. And if you have chronic low back pain and are interested in helping us potentially change the way chronic low back pain is treated, visit our trial web- site – www.neura.edu.au/resolve – and contact us if you are interested in participating.