Council congratulates long-serving employees

Lockyer Valley Regional Council recently paid tribute to some of its longest serving employees.

Three members of staff have clocked up in excess of 45 years and were congratulated for their efforts and commitment.

Lockyer Valley Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan said such longevity was a rarity, these days.

I'm proud to say here at Council we recently celebrated the achievements of a number of our staff, who have been on board for anywhere from 10 years all the way to 48 years.

This is a wonderful achievement and something both our employees, and Council as an employer, can be proud of.

Most of our staff are members of our community and they take great pride in what they do and I thank them all for their hard work and dedication, she said.

Plant and Fleet Coordinator Donald Neumann started his career with the then Gatton Shire Council in January 1971 as an apprentice mechanic, and has worked his way up through the ranks since then.

I have gone from apprentice mechanic to Workshop Foreman, Coordinator Depot Services and now, Plant and Fleet Coordinator.

Of course every time I had to apply for the position, but this has proven to be one of the highlights of my career as it's given me the opportunity to work my way up the ladder to be in control of the entire plant and fleet operation, Don said.

Don says long-term, secure employment in an environment of continual change allowed him to develop both his trade and supervisory skills.

A career in local government is an industry where you can still make a difference for the benefit of the community in terms of service delivery in a sustainable manner, he said.

January 2019 will mark 49 years for truck driver Barry Damrow.

During his career with Council, Barry has worked as a labourer and on a slasher. He has held the position of truck driver for around 35 years.

I've always had job security throughout my career and when you're working with a great bunch of men, that makes all the difference too, Barry said.

Barry named the opportunity to work on the Strengthening Grantham Project after the 2011 floods as a career highlight.

Labourer Lawrence Kraut is another long-serving Council employee, having worked for Council for 47 years.

Mayor Milligan said all staff members made an invaluable contribution and were extremely passionate about their jobs.

We are committed to growing our own and this is a great example of that, Mayor Milligan said.

For information visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au or contact 1300 005 872.