Pride of Workmanship Award win for Callide Mine Grounds Keeper

The impressive condition of the grounds around the Callide Mine has generated many positive comments recently from Batchfire employees and site visitors.

It’s all thanks to the hard work of our Grounds and Gardens Keeper, Duane Blucher, from Cater Care, one of Batchfire’s sub-contractor partners.

Since joining us a year ago Duane has executed his responsibilities to a consistently high standard, with the results plain to see right across our site.

As recognition for his dedication and work ethic Batchfire nominated him for the Biloela Rotary Club’s Pride of Workmanship Awards which celebrated the theme ‘Do it once – do it well’ in 2022.

We are delighted that Duane was named among the winners at the recent award ceremony and dinner hosted at Biloela Anzac Memorial Club.

Duane’s family were on hand to see him receive his award

A proud Wakka Wakka man from Eidsvold, we asked Duane to tell us more about winning the award and his role at the Callide Mine.

“It was the best night I’ve had for a long time,” Duane said. “There were a lot of people there including my daughter Christina, niece Racheal and nephew Tyrell.

“We had another get-together when I went home to Eidsvold so we could all enjoy the award together.

“I’ve been with Cater Care working at the Callide Mine for a year now. It’s a really good job and I enjoy coming to work every day.

“When I first arrived the grass was pretty long in some places, now it looks like a footy field! My role includes trimming the trees, maintaining the gardens, raking up leaves, anything that keeps the site looking its best,” he said.

“If I’m taking a break then I love to sit under a tree and be on the land, instead of going inside into the air-conditioning. That’s just the way I am. It’s a good opportunity to stay connected to the site and see what needs to be done next.

“Everyone at Batchfire knows me and I’ve had a lot of compliments which I appreciate. To be recognised for the work you do is very satisfying.”

This is not the first time that Duane’s outstanding work has seen him take out a high-profile award win!

“I was part of the Council maintenance team when Eidsvold won the Tidy Town Award in 2010 which I’m also very proud of,” he said.

“I just like coming to work to do things that I enjoy. I don’t expect to receive any extra recognition, but of course I’ll take it!”

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