Alan hangs up tools after 47 years

Alan will be missed by the team at Downer, as he takes his well-earned retirement.

For just three years shy of 50, Alan Ratu has done the same job, wearing many shirts.

Over the past 47 years, Alan's employer has changed seven times, necessitating a change of work uniform but not of job.

Each employer in turn has kept Alan on, a reflection of how good at his job he is.

"I started working for what was the Stratford Borough Council, which then changed to Stratford District Council," he says.

Drainlaying later became contracted out, and he moved with the contract.

He names another four contracting firms he worked for, before his current employer, Downer.

Throughout the years and the many bosses, Alan has carried on.

"The knowledge he has is incredible," says roading supervisor for Downer, Duane Leggett.

"He knows all of the district in detail."

A barbecue lunch was held on Friday to recognise the many years of service given by Alan, as well as farewell him as the 66-year-old retired the same day.

"He has earned his retirement and we all wish him the best," said Duane, speaking at the farewell. "He will be missed by us all."

Alan says through the years working on Stratford's drains, he has met many people, and always enjoyed his work.

"I seem to know lots of people around town. Through the years you get to know so many of them, and I've worked with some good people."

He hasn't put much thought into what he will do with all his free time now, with no more middle of the night call outs to broken pipes.

"I have taken up carving, so I will be doing that. I thought it would be a good thing to try."

Director of assets at Stratford District Council, Sven Hanne, also spoke at Alan's farewell, saying he would be missed greatly.

"It won't be long before one of us stands on a street somewhere, trying to locate a fault, and someone says, 'Alan would have known this'."

It isn't just his knowledge which will be missed, Sven said.

"Alan has always been a good worker and a great person to have on your team. His absence will be noticed."

Duane echoed this, telling the Downer team, "the bar has been set high by Alan, there is a lot to live up to".