Long-serving employees dinner

Wagga Wagga City Council recognised the outstanding contribution and achievements of 28 dedicated employees at a recognition dinner at the Civic Theatre last week.

Together, the remarkable contingent of long-serving Council staff have contributed 620 years of service to the organisation.

“We are so fortunate to have so many dedicated staff who have given invaluable service, not only to Wagga Wagga City Council but also to the community in which they live,” General Manager Peter Thompson said.

“It has given me great pleasure to recognise their commitment and celebrate their milestones.”

The awards night recognised eight staff who have served Council for 15 years, another six who have worked with the organisation for 20 years, 11 who have dedicated 25 years to the city and three employees who have served 30 years or more in a Council capacity.

Truck and trailer operator Mark Murphy was congratulated on four decades of unwavering dedication t to Council, the longest serving employee recognised at the awards.

Fellow Council veteran Alexander Jack, affectionately known as AJ, was recognised for 30 years of service as a Sewer and Environmental Assets Attendant.

He provided one of the night’s more heart-warming moments.

Mr Jack received his accolade alongside his team compatriot, Water Reclamation Officer Stephen McKay, who was full of praise for his colleague.

“An enduring memory of Alex’s dedication is the day the tertiary pond at Kooringal was in imminent danger of uncontrolled overflow due to a huge turtle having become lodged in the outlet pipe,” Mr McKay said.

“Once again whilst others were looking at each other avoiding the inevitable, Alex took the plunge, up to his neck, and removed the unfortunate turtle.

“Alex saved the day yet again.”

Both Mr Jack and Mr McKay spoke of their pride at celebrating their milestones on the same night, while Director Commercial Operations Caroline Angel described their working partnership as “one to admire”.

“These two have formed an incredible friendship that extends well beyond their working hours,” Ms Angel said.

“The respect and care they have for one another on both a professional and personal level is something very special.”

Congratulations to the following employees:

(15 years) Tanya Jackson, Kathleen Fliedner, Simon Malloy, Sarah Hofsteede, Graham Cox, Ryan Rollings, Danielle Gamble, Sharon Smith; (20 years) Donuvan Brightman, Michael Scarrone, Max Hosgood, Rodney Smith, Trent Whitehead, Stephen McKay; (25 years) David Johns, John Wieland, Michelle Lubke, Jennifer Mansell, Keith Newell, Cynthia Price, Shay Lucas, John Alexander, Robert Wishart, Janet Kemp, Paul Simpson; (30 years) Alexander Jack; (35 years) Rodney Taber; (40 years) Mark Murphy