A lifetime in Engineering with Council
Published on 09 May 2024
Rob Fisher commenced work with Temora Shire Council over two decades ago, 17 years old, as a Civil Construction trainee. It was just two years later at 20, following completion of his traineeship, he was awarded the opportunity to move into a Team Leader role.
As I have him recall the journey, I’m not sure he quite believes it himself. He hit the ground running as leader, responsible for surveying and level control for the 2000-metre 0523 runway at Temora’s famous Aviation Museum – which was one of only three public runways in NSW at the time, including Sydney.
“It was a learning curve. If I am honest, it has been ever since. Council has given me the support I need to learn all aspects of engineering,” said Rob.
On another side of engineering, Rob worked on the survey set out and level control during construction for the reconfiguration of Temora’s Sewerage Treatment Plant, which at the time, was exceeding its capacity during wet weather events. The current treatment, now in place for 20 years, is an intel works and lagoon-based system, which complies with Environmental Protection Agency licensing. At the time of the reconfiguration, a bypass facilities were implemented to prevent raw sewage overflows – future proofing for now two decades.
This is still one of the projects that longest serving Councillor in NSW, Temora Shire Cr Nigel Judd recalls as a great achievement for Council.
“It was ahead of its time for a local government area in rural NSW. It created operational efficiency, safety, and quality. It’s still going strong after all this time,” said Cr Judd of the project.
When Rob was asked what the benefits have been in committing over two decades to Local Government, he lists quick job progression, support in on-the-job training (both formal and informal), and the varied work that is well suited to his strong practical background, ‘perfectionist’ traits and a self-proclaimed ‘Jack of all trades’.
After Rob completed his original certificate III, Council has continued to support him through a certificate IV and Postgraduate qualification in Asset Management. While he wasn’t sure
University was his pathway at 17, in 2022 he passed his Postgraduate with academic excellence and High Distinctions – all at the same time of kick-starting his family.
He credit’s Council in giving him, and others like him, the opportunity to stay where they are born and breed, close to family. He says he has a great sense of loyalty and pride working as one part of the greater vision of Temora Shire.
“The opportunities and progression with Council kept me here, I like to think I have reciprocated in a way,” said Rob.