Can’t get back in zinc
After 16 years of service with Mount Isa Mines at George Fisher I decided to take up voluntary redundancy in November 2015.There were many information sessions provided by MIM for the employees, locals and Mount Isa and all others involved.
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It was announced that when the mines recover that all redundant employees would have first preference to be reemployed by the mine as either contractor basis or a fulltime position depending on company needs at the time.
The majority used the funds to move away from Mount Isa to their desired location, only a small handful like me chose to stay in the Isa.
As choosing to remain a local to Mount Isa and supporting 30 years of underground experience, I have been trying to obtain a contractor position at George Fisher since leaving, even after countless positions have been advertised with the local employment agencies I am still unable to obtain a start even at the lowest position on the zinc side of operations throughout Mount Isa.
Management has implemented a flag against several ex-employees, including me, stating this “individual is not to be reemployed by zinc ops”. I have been told many stories by management but fail to comprehend the reason behind it. Only one redundant employee has been able to return to GFM on a contractor basis.
Over the 16 years I had a clean record with the company, I was reliable, responsible, worked with pride, turned up to work drug free, maintained the machinery to a high standard and carried out the tasks with 100% of my ability, providing the highest work quantity and quality where possible and to this day, still continue to do so.
Even though it’s the same company I have been working as a contractor for MIM within the copper operations for over two years and have been chasing a fulltime position but will never gain the opportunity to do so.
T Dorigo, Mount Isa
An old Australian tennis story
It was in 1980 and I had just finished my night shift with the mine in Mount Isa. It was Friday morning on the May Day long weekend.
In those days we played tennis at the association next to the town swimming pool. I stopped because there was some people working on the courts.
I went inside the clubhouse and asked what was going on and was told on the weekend there was going to be a State of Queensland Tennis Championship organised by the Rafters and Tennis Association.
When I came out of the clubhouse I was approached by an old gentlemen. Well he looked old to me in his 70s.
He asked me if I wanted to play with him in the veteran championship. We introduced each other and he told me his name was Vincent Ceshire from Longreach.
The next two days I found out old Vince was a lion on the court.
We beat everybody and became the 1980 Mount Isa veteran champions.
In the evening we had a nice barbecue and a few beers. Gee that was beautiful.
We said goodbye to each other with a nice hug and 15 years later I went down to Longreach with a group of Mount Isa tennis players.
By then old Vince had passed away. I was there at the clubhouse in Longreach and was very nicely surprised to see Vince’s name on the roll of honour. Old Vince was the local champion for many years.
Well I didn’t win anything in Longreach but coming back to Mount Isa I was very happy thinking in my tennis life I played with a regional Queensland champion.
Now I am 85-years-old in the sunset of my life, but you Vince will remain in my memory as a champion and a gentleman for the rest of my life.
It was an honour knowing you mate.
I am getting a bit sentimental now but I can’t help it. RIP my friend. Thank you.
Sergio Buontempi,
Mount Isa