Lockyer Valley Regional Council’s longest serving employees were recognised at a special ceremony yesterday.
2026 marked an important milestone for a range of employees across the organisation, who were celebrated for their continued commitment to Council, with service milestones ranging from 10 to 40 years.
Lockyer Valley Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan said their dedication and commitment deserved to be celebrated.
“Our organisation is what it is because of one thing – our people,” Mayor Milligan said.
“Each and every day, these individuals show up to their day-to-day roles, with their experience and dedication benefiting the wider community.
“It is their dedication that helps us continue to deliver for our community and we sincerely thank them for their many years of hard work, commitment and loyalty.”
Building Certifier/Regulatory Officer Garry Shum described his 25-year long career with Council as a “journey”.
“I had a few years being the only Building Certifier and was responsible for servicing Gatton Shire Council, Laidley Shire Council and Cambooya Shire Council,” Garry said.
“At the peak, we had four building certifiers and three cadet certifiers, and now it’s just the one certifier again.
“I was heavily involved in the aftermath of the 2011 flood event and not having any experience or training in disasters, I just had to get in and do whatever was needed.
“We are now fortunate to have extensive disaster management systems and training now in place.
“From amalgamations and another re-structure, to learning new programs and software, staff coming and going – it has all been a challenge.”
Garry said helping the community complete their buildings to a safe standard was the most enjoyable part of his career at Council.
“Knowing they rely on you for giving information that may save them some heartache makes the days meaningful,” he said.
“I have especially enjoyed the people I have worked with and become friends with over the years.
“It’s these two things that have kept me turning up each day, for the good days and the bad.”
Spatial Systems Officer Joel Cranston said he felt fortunate to find a career path he genuinely enjoys.
“I certainly didn’t have the next 20 years mapped out when I started as a business admin trainee in 2006. I was lucky enough to find something I really enjoyed, and Council gave me the opportunity to run with it and turn it into a career,” Joel said.
“It’s allowed me to work and build a life close to home, which meant even more when I started a family.
“I’ve been able to keep learning and developing in an area I enjoy, while still being close to home and not spending hours of my day travelling.”
Joel said a lot had changed throughout his 20 years with Council.
“What used to be mainly about making maps now finds its way into so many parts of Council, from roads and assets through to planning, flooding and helping people make sense of information,” he said.
“Between the people, the opportunities Council has given me and being able to have a career I enjoy close to home and family, there’s been plenty of reasons to stick around.”
