Family chats compared notes about shire work
The common ground was work at the former Buln Buln shire and, in more recent times, since local government amalgamations 1994 created Baw Baw shire.
Garry, who lives at Nilma, has been with the shire for the past 29 years but is a “baby” when compared to his late father-in-law the late Jack Butler and Brother-inlaw John Butler.
Jack worked for Buln Buln shire for 25 years finishing as a foreman after 25 years on road crews, kerbs and channels and bitumen sealing but, not being done with civic duties, was elected to the shire council where he served six years including one year as shire president.
John Butler joined Buln Buln shire’s workforce from school in 1961 and didn’t leave until 40 years later, by which time he had become the co-ordinator of parks and gardens in Drouin.
He’d been with the shire almost 30 years when Garry joined in July, 1990, initially as a concretor.
All up, the threesome has worked by the local councils for a total of 100 years.
Garry, who recalls Ken Brown and Merv Appleyard as his first bosses on the crew he joined, is now the Baw Baw shire’s co-ordinator for infrastructure maintenance in urban areas handling a staff of 15 and contractors that look after signage, line marking, stormwater drains, cleaning, street sweeping, drain and footpath repairs, street furniture and trees.
He and John were both with Buln Buln shire when amalgamation took place and the shire joined Warragul and Narracan shires to become Baw Baw shire.
According to Garry the family chats compared notes about work at the shire generally, the ongoing changes to the way things are done and the pace of change brought about by the shire’s growth.
Garry said the rate of change and growth was a challenge in maintaining the shire’s assets and provided no shortage of things for he and John to talk about when they catch up.
“There are changes in people’s expectations and the way councils go about their business”.
Technological change has increased pressure to react more quickly and a greater focus on health and safety had changed the way of working, Garry said.
Now 58 years old he admits to some early thoughts about when he may eventually discard the hiviz vest and work boots for retirement.
But he doesn’t give the impression it is imminent.
He had enjoyed the variety of work he has had with the shire and the opportunities given him.
Those opportunities have led to gaining a level three parks and gardens qualification, leadership training and a level four arborist qualification.
Garry is proud of the combined achievements of Jack, John and himself for the shire over the years with Jack honoured with having a park named after him in Alcorn St, Drouin.