Four centuries of water experience

Southern Rural Water has celebrated more than 400 years combined service by 11 veterans in the water industry across the state.
Topping the list was Groundwater and Rivers’ Frank Crameri of Kooweerup with 47 years of service.
Five Maffra based employees have almost 200 years’ service.
Groundwater and Rivers’ Vince Lopardi has served 41 years, while Maffra Irrigation District’s Peter Brough (44 years), Russell White (39 years), David Rodaughan (37 years) and David Thorpe (34 years) have a total of 154 years’ service.
Other staff recognised included Groundwater and Rivers’ Gary Wills of Warrnambool (44 years) and recently retired Brian Malloy of Morwell, covering the South Gippsland area (37 years).
In the Werribee Irrigation District, long serving staff are Jeff Bonning (40 years), Stephen Peter (38 years) and Ray Dohnt (34 years).
The employees were recognised at a recent all-staff event at the Pakenham Racecourse where those present received long service medals.
There were some terrific stories and insights from those who have “been there, done everything and still enjoy working with water”.
They spoke about their ongoing love for the work, its variety and the opportunities it has given them, and the support of their families.
They also had plenty of tales to tell about one another.
General Manager Customer Service Craig Parker noted that the long-serving employees had been important mentors to many other staff during their years.
“They are always willing to share their knowledge with their colleagues and take fresh faces under their wings.
“They have so much on-the-ground understanding that you can only learn from (their) experience.
“They have an intimate knowledge of their work area and fantastic relationships with their customers.
“We hope to have them here for plenty more years to come.”