Our Staff
Alex Clarke
In 1982 Alex was introduced to computers at John Curtin High School in Fremantle WA, using a mainframe connected to remote terminals via the phone line, which was cutting edge technology at the time. Shortly afterwards he received a Commodore 64 and began experimenting with BASIC programming. After traveling in India, Europe and around Australia he settled on the North Coast and landed a job at The Northern Rivers Echo newspaper doing design and layout. This was his introduction to the Mac. In 1996 he founded PowerMax Computers Lismore.
Alex is our Chief Technician, co-ordinating Apple Warranty repair work, and is our networking expert. Alex holds Apple Certified Macintosh Technician and Technical Co-ordinator qualifications from Apple.
In his spare time Alex is half of MachineCodex, a small software development company that's had great success with Mac and iPad applications Neutrino, Dateline and Tafl.
Amelia Ahern
Born locally and raised as part of the Rainbow Regions second generation of alternative lifestylers, Amelia's first computer was a Mac Colour Classic with a tiny 9" screen. After several years traveling in Europe she returned to Australia and secured a job with a traveling physical theatre company Circus Monoxide. Here she began learning the fine art of admin, management and book keeping.
After restoring a 1962 International truck and exploring the East Coast of Australia, in 2004 she joined PowerMax Computers with an IT Traineeship. She believes passionately in the value of training and has provided over 1000 hours of one-on-one lessons to PowerMax customers, as well as establishing the monthly workshop we run. Her other roles in the business include manager, finance officer, customer service supervisor and human resource co-ordinator. In her spare time Amelia loves renovating her home, bushwalking, taking photographs and training at Roller Derby.
Bryan Hillard
Bryan grew up in the Lismore area, and attended high school and Southern Cross University in the region. Studying for a Bachelor of Music (Production Major), he gained a lot of experience using Macs in the recording studio. Added to the previous experience that harks back to the Apple IIGS, he has been using Apple computers and operating systems for around 25 years.
After working as a Apple Certified Macintosh Technician since 2006, he has found his way to become part of the PowerMax team.
Bryan spends his spare time socialising with mates, cooking, and looking through his telescope, clouds permitting.
Dean Pirera
Dean grew up in Melbourne, and was interested in technology from an early age - he pulled apart the VCR at 6 years old. More importantly, he put it back together again.
He moved to the Northern Rivers and in 2005 started his own business Complete IT Services - Remote Computer Support (formerly AppleCore Solutions) as a mobile consultant for Mac and PC. He has written a reference book Mac OS X Keyboard Shortcuts which is very useful for those wanting to learn more shortcuts.
After many years as an associate Dean has joined our team and brings a wide range of skills including Apple Help Desk qualifications. Dean is great at discussing technology with people of different competencies. He has taught Mac workshops "Mac for Absolute Beginners" and "Mac the Next Step" at TAFE and currently provides one to one tuition and on site technical support and training to our PowerMax customers. When Dean is not at PowerMax he continues to run his own business and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Joanne Sriamporn
Joanne was born in Lismore. Joanne spent time growing up in Sydney, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, moving back in Lismore in her early teens. She was introduced to computers in primary school, and her family's first home computer in 1993 was a Mac Color Classic.
Jo spent her high school years at Kadina High School in Goonellabah, where she took two years of elective information and technology units. Her favourite subjects were English, Maths, Visual Art and Ancient History. During her final years of high school Joanne developed a major body of work in visual art using her skills in digital drawing and painting.
Joanne has a passion for archaeology and history. "I spend my free time drawing, dancing, skateboarding and playing music on my guitar. I am currently learning how to surf," Jo says.
Keir
Starting primary school at a small school run by parents just out of Nimbin, Keir had never been introduced to a Mac before he reached high school.
Since purchasing his first iPod in 2007, Keir’s interest in technology was kick started with his discovery of electronic music. After receiving his first MacBook in 2010, Keir has taken a thriving interest in Mac computers, iPods and Apple’s latest innovative technologies like the MacBook Air and iPad 2.
He started studying IT at Trinity College Lismore in 2010 and later moved on to Lismore TAFE to begin working on a Certificate IV in IT Tools for New Media (Multimedia). Early in 2011, near the beginning of his TAFE course, Keir started a traineeship with PowerMax Computers, training to become a Certified Apple Technician.
Keir’s main interests at school were Information Technology and Drama. In his spare time he loves to skateboard, swim at waterholes with his friends and listen to music.