The end of the financial year also marked the end of an era in the electricity industry in the North West, when two long standing employees will no longer be “keeping the lights on”.
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Wayne Tapp finishes with Ergon after a career spanning 38 years. Wayne moved up from Adelaide in 1976, and after a stint at Medleys in Mount Isa, began with NORQEB in Cloncurry, as a truck attendant in 1978. Wayne became one of the most valued linesmen in the area and became workgroup leader in Cloncurry. Wayne was involved in connecting most of the stations in the area to 'mains power', when the SWER lines were constructed. He notes how mechanically and technologically advanced the industry has become. Originally, to dig a hole for a new pole, it was a slow and painstaking job using a long crowbar and long handled shovel, these day, with the help of a $1/2 million 'borer truck' Wayne simply manoeuvres a couple of joysticks.
Wayne has thoroughly enjoyed his career, even the long periods on call, Christmas lunches missed and many changes, and is looking forward to slowing down and being able to prioritise his work with the Cloncurry Historical Society, and to spending more time with the grandkids, with a recent new addition.
The newly elected mayor of Cloncurry Greg Campbell also closes the door on his career with Ergon Energy. Greg started with NORQEB in Mount Isa in 1992 as an apprentice electrician. After three and a half years Greg returned home to Cloncurry, to look afterCamooweal, Burketown and Julia Creek. Greg became the youngest team leader in the industry a couple of years later, responsible for the safety and reliability of the Cloncurry network and crew. Greg has been involved in regional planning and managerial roles since then.
Greg said the dedication and resourcefulness of local crews had been a major factor in the success of the area.
“The support from customers and contractors makes a huge difference, especially during major storms and outages,” he said.
Mayor Greg is looking forward to having a strong relationship between Council and Ergon, with an emphasis on continued network upgrades to support growth and reliability, and sustainable local employment.
