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, 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.”
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.
“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.”
January marked 49 years for truck driver Barry Damrow.
“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.”
Labourer Lawrence Kraut is another long-serving Council employee, having worked for Council for 47 years.
In another example of longevity Lockyer Valley’s Gatton Child Care Centre has marked 30 years of service to the community.
The centre first opened on 23 January 1989 and was the first early childhood service operational in Gatton at the time.
Community Services Portfolio Councillor, Michael Hagan, said the facility had grown considerably over the years, now servicing around 70 local families.
“This really is a wonderful environment for children to play and learn and we are proud to be a part of the community in this way.”
Gatton Child Care Centre Director, Robyn Hardiman, recently clocked up 16 years’ service and named the introduction of the Kindergarten program in 2012 as one of the centre’s highlights.
