He’s a familiar face on John Street, working to keep the Singleton CBD clean and beautiful, and earlier this year Graham ‘Shep’ Sheppard’s efforts were recognised by the State Government.
Shep was awarded the NSW Government Community Service Award at Singleton’s Australia Day celebrations. The award was presented by Member for Upper Hunter, George Souris.
It follows almost a decade of service to Singleton Council by Shep as the CBD Caretaker, a role he took up on July 9, 2003.
The introduction of the caretaker position was a perfect fit for Shep, a born and bred Singleton man who has worn many hats in his 50-odd years.
He began his working life as a labourer at Saxonvale Vineyards before spending 16 years working for what was then known as the Department of Main Roads.
In 1994, he took redundancy and launched his own small mixed business out of town. But with the lure of friends and family he returned to Singleton after 12 months and for the best part of the next decade was a veritable jack-of-all trades.
“I delivered papers, prepared cricket pitches, delivered takeaway meals – you name it, I probably did it,” Shep says.
When the position of CBD caretaker was created in 2003 – Shep was the man for the job.
Operating the footpath sweeper, picking up litter and generally keeping the main street clean and tidy, the visual improvement to the town centre wrought by Shep was noticeable.
He was recognised for his dedication to his duties at the end of 2003 with a commendation in Singleton Council’s annual staff awards.
Shep says he enjoys being his own boss.
“I get to meet a lot of people and many of them stop to say hello. I take a lot of pride in keeping the street tidy but litter is always a problem.
“It can be managed better by people being a little more careful. Things like leaving the tops off bins on windy days can be frustrating.”
Singleton Council General Manager Lindy Hyam said Shep was a very humble, modest and genuinely lovely person.
“It is working with people like Shep that make this job so enriching.”
Shep says Singleton has grown from its days as a small country town, where the industry was dairies and cattle, and everyone knew everybody.
“And it will keep changing. It’s all part of the process. Whether that change comes from within or from some outside influence, it will be interesting to see.”
Outside of work, Shep loves to watch sport but particularly soccer. He is a lifetime member of the Singleton Soccer Club.
“Soccer has always been top of the list and I could watch cricket all day. But unfortunately I never had the talent to excel at sport.”
While he jokes about getting old Shep said he’d like to see Australia when he eventually retires.
“Singleton will always be home but there’s a lot to see out there.”
Anthony Egan, Director Corporate Services Group, nominated Shep as a Council high achiever for his dedication towards his work.
