Namoi Valley Bricks celebrated 160 years of experience on Saturday night.
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About 80 people gathered at the Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club to toast the long service of Trevor Stacey, Rod Hall, Michael Broekman, Colin Small, Gavin Rennick and "Duck" Steve O'Dea.
Fellow employee Rod Hall is a foreman at the brickworks and started out in 1993.
“I worked up from labourer to foreman over the years,” he said.
Rod moved to Gunnedah in 1986 and during his time at the brickworks he has driven the truck and forklifts, fired the kilns, and done dragging and maintenance.
“It’s a good workforce – easy to get along with,” he said.
“There’s good job security and variety in my work.”
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Gavin Rennick has also been at the brickworks for 25 years and has been a labourer, brick layer and truck driver. He is now a fitter and machinist, servicing machinery and carrying out maintenance.
“It’s different all the time. I might be here one day, the next day I’ll be out at the clay pit. There’s a huge variety,” Gavin said.
He completed his four-year fitter and machinist apprenticeship at the brickworks in 2016 after encouragement from Michael.
“Michael’s given me some good opportunities. He’s the reason why I’m still here,” he said.
“He’s a fantastic person to work with.”
It’s a good workforce – easy to get along with.
- Rod Hall
Michael has been at the brickworks for 30 years and previously worked as a fitter and turner. He took on the role of director in 1994 and is well-respected by his staff including Colin Small who has been at the brickworks for 50 years.
Colin said he has known Michael since he was just a youngster and he has worked under Michael’s grandfather Tony and father Gerard, the current owner.
“He’s a bloody good boss,” Colin said.
At the party on Saturday, Colin received a Swiss watch and Scania insignia items from Scania rep "Butch" Quin who travelled for the event.
Fellow employee Trevor has been at the brickworks for 11 years and is currently the human resources and work, health and safety officer (WHS).
“I came from my own business to here and had the opportunity to upskill, which is good,” he said.
“When I came here, I didn’t have those skills and Mick gave me the opportunity.”
His role is “quite diverse” and involves time in the workshop, sales, dispatch, carrying out WHS activities, and inventory control and procurement.
“You don’t have to be sitting in front of of a PC all day,” he said.
“It’s a good group of people to get along with.”
Michael’s given me some good opportunities. He’s the reason why I’m still here.
- Gavin Rennick
Steve O’Dea, better known as “Duck”, has been working as a labourer for 20 years, starting at the age of 30.
Gunnedah “born and bred”, Duck followed in the footsteps of his father Don who was employed at the brickworks for more than 40 years.
“I’ve seen a few people come and go,” Duck said.
“Thanks to Gerry and Michael for giving me the start.
“I like Gunnedah. I’ve got good family here and friends.”
Duck drives forklifts, puts bricks in the kiln, straps pallets and stacks bricks.
“Since I’ve got a bit older, the boss has gone a bit easier on me,” he said.
“It’s a nice job for me – good hours, [and] good, friendly people.”
Michael said it has been a focus of the brickworks to honour the long-term dedication of its employees.
“Without employees electing to stick with companies for long periods of time, the strength of the company wavers, it diminishes,” he said.
“The strength of our operation is because these guys and other ones coming up are deciding to use the brick industry as their career path and we’re very grateful for it.
“The combined 130 years of service that these guys have given is what’s made our business resilient and with this ongoing commitment, Namoi Valley Bricks should stand the test of time.”
Michael said he would like to especially acknowledge Colin’s 50 years.
“That sort of dedication is only generational and the wealth of experience that Colin has in our business is immeasurable,” he said.