His father was trained as a radio technician and, as a child, Don watched and listened to him while he built and repaired valve radios. In the evenings they listened to the radio, and that's when Don discovered that sound can create images and he learnt the true meaning of "HI FI".

Early in high school, Don was given a mono 1/4" tape recorder, and he learnt to record, mix and edit. Soon Don moved on to a stereo tape recorder, home built amps, mixer and pirate radio station. This is when The Beatles arrived and changed his life. Don joined the Sydney Waterboard after high school. Don really wanted to work in a sound studio but was advised against it. After 5 years at the Waterboard, he joined the Australian Record Company (CBS) as a technician come mastering engineer. Don was finally in his element and he never looked back.

Don has been mastering in Sydney, Australia, since 1971 and began cutting vinyl masters, dubbing and editing for CBS Records at their Artarmon Plant. Don then moved to RCA Records and headed up their new facility in 1975 after RCA's huge success with ABBA. In 1980, Don joined EMI's Recording Studios. At EMI, he followed the transition from the analogue age into the digital age and watched with sadness the demise of vinyl. In 1988, Don became a freelance engineer and incorporated his own company - INTERNATIONAL MASTERING SERVICES P/L. Don has now built and set up "Benchmark Mastering", a mastering facility dedicated to the music industry, incorporating his broad experience with his Australian and international client base.