Long-serving employees honoured
Lockyer Valley Regional Council recently paid tribute to some of its longest serving employees.
This year marked a milestone for a host of employees, who were acknowledged for their continued service, spanning from 10 to 35 years’ service.
Lockyer Valley Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan said their effort and commitment was to be congratulated.
“This is where you will find the strength of our Council – in the dedication of its people.
“These individuals contribute to the day-to-day operations of the organisation, and it is their commitment that sees the community flourish.
“For their years of hard work and loyalty, we thank them,” she said.
Mayor Milligan said it was unusual to see employees stick around in today’s workforce, which is often much more transient.
“It’s wonderful we can skill people who then stay on to continue to contribute to the organisation and community.
“The great thing about our workforce is their ability to adapt to change. Those ripples of change lead to so many opportunities,” she said.
Construction Works Supervisor Clayton McKay, who has just clocked up 35 years with the organisation, attributes his longevity to the diversity and challenges his roles have presented.
“I started my career with Council as a Trainee and over the years have worked on the road crew, as a Ganger and most recently as a Foreman/Works Supervisor in the construction crew.
“I’m still here because I’m not stuck in one place all the time. You get to see so much of the region, and while the roles are challenging at times, you always have the support of coordinators and management.
“Different work projects keep it interesting, and I’ve met so many characters along the way,” he said.
It’s a 30-year milestone for Acting Coordinator Building and Plumbing, Michael Litzow, who started with Council as an Apprentice Plumber in 1995, progressing to an Engineer Technical Officer/Cadet Engineer in 2006, and a Plumbing Inspector in 2000
Michael’s early projects include connecting sewerage to the town of Helidon, Wivenhoe water pipelines from Gatton to Helidon then Helidon to Withcott/Tabletop and more recently, being involved in the growth of Plainland.
“Council has been a good place to work and raise a family. The organisation has provided me with a career close to home, without the need to travel.
“I’ve met a lot of people along the way and made some wonderful friendships,” Michael said.
Management Accountant Kacey Bachmann started at Laidley Shire Council as a Finance Trainee 25 years ago, mostly working with rates.
Asked why she’s stayed, she said the answer is simple – the people.
“I've been fortunate to work with such a wonderful team - they are the best part of coming to work and are supportive and accommodating with life's ups and downs,” Kacey said.
Project and Business Support Officer Annette Kilah started her career with Council in 1982 as a Junior Library Assistant with the Gatton Shire Council Library.
After leaving to have her first child in 1996, Annette returned in 1997 and in 2000, she gained the position of Customer Service Officer where she remained until 2002. Over the years, she has worked in Planning, Human Resources, as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Mayor and Councillors, and in the Marketing, Communications and Events Team.
Since 2019, Annette has worked as the Project and Business Support Officer for the Tourism and Special Projects Team, where she remains today.
“I have the opportunity to assist in the delivery of major events, while also working with special projects such as the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Collaborative and the Lockyer Equine Precinct Project.
“I have seen many changes over the years, made lifelong friends and get to spend my workday with a team that is passionate about what they do. I have been lucky enough to work in many different areas of Council and have been drawn to positions that serve the community.
“Local Government has given me the opportunity to develop knowledge in many different areas of Council and appreciate the importance of teamwork to achieve great outcomes,” Annette said.
For information on how you can start your career at Lockyer Valley Regional Council, visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/work-for-council or contact 1300 005 872.
