Mount Isa City Council employee Michael “Blue” Slater is hanging up his hat after 37 years on the job.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The veteran worker has earned the right to spend the rest of his days “doing the things that I like, travelling here and there”.
One of council’s longest serving employees, Mr Slater began his career with council as a labourer, responsible for cleaning out pump stations, before moving on to line marking, and ending up in bitumen patching, where he has enjoyed his role for many years.
Supervisor Walter Pegler said Mr Slater’s work ethic was exemplary, always putting in a full day’s work with rarely a sick day to be had, and he was multi-skilled across many areas of council operations.
“In the three and a half years I have been with council Bluey spent most of his time working on the jetpatcher repairing potholes,” Mr Pegler said.
“Bluey has also done linemarking, signage, roller operating as well as the fuel run, filling up plant as required.
“Bluey is a valued team member and will be missed,” he said.
Mr Slater said he had enjoyed his time at council, and had worked with many good crews, but he was looking forward to some new adventures.
“I’m planning a road trip next month, then I’ll see what else comes up…..I just have to get used to not getting up at 4am every morning, that’ll take some getting used to after 37 years.”