Cr Gerard O'Connell was born and raised on the Fraser Coast. He has a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and a Bachelor of Theology. Gerard was a Catholic Priest in a number of Queensland parishes and has also worked as a Manager/Director in the education, hospitality, motor vehicle, hardware, retail and employment services sectors. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Gerard's community interests include sport (football, cricket, golf), health issues and current affairs.