SOMERSET Regional Council celebrated the achievements and dedication of 17 team members at its annual Service Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, 12 December.

The ceremony recognised milestone years for Council staff.

Celebrating 10 years were Mark Edwards – Supervisor Construction and Maintenance, Peter Budda-Deen – Weed and Vegetation Control Operator, Darren McPherson – Natural Resource Management Officer, Sarah Reedy – Library Assistant, Chrsitopher Wheeler – Supervisor Construction and Maintenance, Michelle Francis – Sport and Recreation Officer, Troy Bayliss – Plumbing Inspector, Drew McDonald – Plant Operator, and Veronica Eagle – Tourism Officer.

Celebrating 15 years were Jeffrey Goode – Loader Plant Operator, and Anthony Spencer – Grade Plant Operator.

Celebrating 20 years were Natalie Daniells – Records Officer, Michael Dauth – Fernvale Town Steward, and Bruce Small – Loader Plant Operator.

Celebrating 25 years were Peter Heath – Workshop Supervisor, and Kent Beddow – Cemetery Mowing Team Crew Leader.

Celebrating an impressive 30 years with Council was Thomas Varney, Supervisor Construction and Maintenance.

Mr Varney began his extensive career with Somerset Regional Council as a labourer before joining the bridge crew, the bitumen crew and finally the construction and maintenance crew.

“The whole lot’s been an experience and a highlight to me,” Mr Varney said.

“I actually enjoy doing what I do, the different roles that I have to do now is probably keeping me motivated.”

Mr Varney said he enjoyed mentoring new team members coming through Council.

“Seeing some younger people come through, and then teaching them, and seeing the people they become after that is really rewarding,” he said.

Over in the workshop, Peter Heath has seen many changes in his 25 years with Somerset Regional Council.

“When I first came, it was a real challenge because a lot of things weren’t in place, and I had to change a lot of things around and set a lot of procedures up,” Mr Heath said.

“No two days are the same, that's for sure, it's always changing.

“I think our biggest asset in the workshop is that everyone gets along.

“If you've got common interests, and you can talk and get along and do your work, it makes it a whole lot easier for the day, that’s for sure.”

Natalie Daniells has seen many interesting things working in Council’s records department.

“I think the 2011 floods was definitely the most memorable thing,” Ms Daniells said.

“I'd only just starred in records, so I was really thrown in the deep end salvaging the records at that time.

“There was a lot of water damage to our files, so it was a massive eye-opener for me into record keeping.”

Somerset Regional Council CEO Andrew Johnson thanked the 17 team members for their many years of hard work.

“Our team is dedicated to keeping Somerset beautiful, prosperous and resilient, and they do a wonderful job,” Mr Johnson said.

“Thank you for your commitment and service to the residents of Somerset.”