Claire Storace – Profile

I first started a Law degree in the Netherlands, at the University of Amsterdam, where I was living at the time due to my father’s work commitments. After university I decided to travel and I moved to Malta to explore my Maltese heritage. Whilst there, I worked for a time in a law firm specialising in incorporating Off-shore Companies for overseas investors, but when Malta joined the EU the taxation laws were changed in line with regulations and setting up a company in Malta was not as attractive.

Meanwhile I was offered a position as Head of Marketing for a Five Star Boutique Hotel, based on my previous experience working within the Hospitality Industry which was how I funded my University Education. The Victoria Hotel specialised mainly in Conference and Incentive Group Business, and one of our main Clients was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As a result of my contacts there I was given the opportunity to work at the Malta High Commission in Canberra. Amongst consular duties and the promotion of Malta as a tourist destination I was fortunate to be able to assist the Malta Olympic Team at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

Whilst living in Canberra I met my husband, a civil engineer, and then an Officer in the Australian Defence Force. He was then posted to Townsville, and I followed. In the interim period before I obtained the appropriate working visa, I completed my thesis through the University of Amsterdam culminating in a Master of Laws. I then found work in the recruitment industry with Kelly Services, specialising in telecommunications.

My husband was on a two year posting cycle so we moved frequently. Fortunately the company I worked for was a Fortune 500 with branches all over Australia, allowing me to keep my job. I also completed a second master’s degree in Marketing Communications from the University of Canberra. Meanwhile, my husband left the Army and pursued a career as a Civil Engineer and Project Manager, and we moved to Airlie Beach in 2005 as part of his employment with Civdec.

My husband then decided to start his own construction company in partnership with a former colleague. By then we had two beautiful girls, and I assisted where I could in various aspects of the business, including recruitment, Human Resources and some legal issues. Meanwhile I converted my overseas law degree to one recognised in Australia through the University of New England.

Now my youngest daughter has started school I am free to pursue my love of the Law, and I am about to embark on an online Practical Legal Training course through the College of Law in conjunction with James Cook University. I am fortunate to be gaining invaluable hands-on experience at the Whitsunday office of Macrossan & Amiet.