SOUTHERN Downs Regional Council’s longest serving staff members have been recognised at a special awards event last Tuesday night at Warwick Town Hall.
More than 41 staff with a combined total of 900 years of service were thanked for their commitment and dedication, with a special mention going to longest serving employee Owen McPaul.
Affectionately known as Macca, the valued employee started his career with the Stanthorpe Council in 1968 as a labourer doing survey work.
“SDRC is proud to recognise an incredible 45 years of service to council,” acting CEO David Tuxford said.
“He played a leading part in projects such as the installation of the large steel Armco culverts under Texas Road and the rebuilding of the concrete bridge on Glenlyon Dam Road after the 1974 floods.
“Macca has operated many different types of machinery over the years but the past 20 years have been spent on a grader maintaining our region’s roads.
Mr Tuxford said Macca decided to hang up his ‘high vis shirt’ on 11 July this year and wished him all the best in his retirement.
Staff with 10,15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service were presented with a special framed photograph of iconic landscapes of the Southern Downs and for the first time awards were presented to staff members who exemplified the five values of the organisation (communication, integrity, efficiency, leadership and co-operation).
Mayor Peter Blundell and several other councillors attended to offer their congratulations.
“All organisations should take time to recognise their most valuable resource – their people,” Cr Blundell said.
NOTE TO SUBS: Please just use the picutre of Cr Blundell and Macca as I doubt there will be enough room for both. Thanks.
