Bill was born in Victoria in 1938, attended primary school in India and secondary school in Sydney, followed by tertiary education at the University of Tasmania. Following a varied and adventurous employment history, including as a Patrol Officer in Papua New Guinea, he moved to the Barossa in 1997.

He is married to Jan, and together they have nine children, 23 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

From the day of his arrival in the region, Bill has fully embraced the Barossa, volunteering across a wide swathe of groups. Highlights include the Barossa Rare Wine Auction Committee and the Barossa Vintage Festival Committee, of which he was chair from 2009 to 2013. He was curator of the Vintage Festival Archive until 2020.

Bill has been President of the Friends of the Barossa Library since 2011, as well as 6 years as Secretary. He is Secretary of the Barossa Arts Council, publicity officer of the Barossa Film Club, President and Treasurer of the South Australian Federation of Film Societies. A founding member of BBBfm, the Barossa Community Radio Station, in 1997, he continues to coordinate Community Service Announcements and Regional Arts.

He was the regional organiser for SALA, a member of the Angaston Community and Business Alliance, Coordinator of the Angaston Christmas Parade and Arts Convenor of the Angaston Show.

Bill received the Order of Australia medal early in 2020.