John Monkhouse was born at Manjimup, Western Australia. He boarded to complete his secondary education at St. Ildephonsus College at New Norcia. He obtained a marketing diploma accounting degree at Perth Technical College and lectured there for 3 years.
After a period at Wesfarmers, John joined the H.C Sleigh and Co. (Golden Fleece) with rural appointments until 1968 when he returned to Perth.
John has a long-term involvement as an executive member of the Apex Clubs of Australia, assisting in the management of its service activities.
He chaired a committee to successfully build a sporting complex at Newman College and was president of the Marist Ex-Students Assn. for 7 years.
As an active member, since 1999, of the Catenian Association in Western Australian, John took on leading roles and was elected the Provincial President. As a vice- president and trustee of the Catenian (Province 20 ) Youth Support Project Inc. he was a founding member of the Charity.
He has a passionate interest in the objects of the Charity and implementing its role in providing financial support to students striving to pursue their careers with a tertiary education.
John has recently completed his involvement on the Human Research Ethics Committee at University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle campus)