Irish optimism: a career of practicality and longevity.
It doesn’t take long in Paddy Byrne’s company to realise he is a man with wit, charm and energy. He speaks quickly and engagingly; there is always a story to be told. Paddy speaks his mind, even on the challenging subjects, and this month marks 50 years of service to Ausco from Paddy. Clearly, it is his joie de vivre that has given him such longevity of tenure.
Paddy was born in Dublin and then lived his formative years in the outskirt suburb of Waterford. Yep, the same place famous for fine crystal. It is more than a coincidence. And, like many of the same era, Paddy’s family become 10-pound Poms setting off from the UK in search of optimism and opportunity in the new world. Paddy and his family landed in Adelaide.
“It was the best decision my father ever made. He gave us a future and I am now a proud Aussie,” explains Paddy.
A few years later and Paddy was ready for the workforce and started working for Ausco aged 17. In those days we built caravans (yes you read that correctly, caravans) and Paddy was tasked with putting the window frames in place. By 19 he was a leading hand, the youngest, and managing a team of 20.
In 50 years, Paddy has seen a lot of changes at Ausco. The factory has moved. We don’t build caravans anymore and we have expanded beyond our South Australian heritage. Paddy has been involved in some defining projects. He worked to rebuild Darwin after Cyclone Tracy and when the UN appointed Ausco, he worked on the supply of accommodation for peace keeping forces in Cambodia in the 1990s. Paddy has watched Ausco ramp up its commitment to safety and excellence. He has also seen colleagues come and go yet Paddy continues.
What sustains Paddy? It is the practical optimism and the very full life. Now a Storeman, Paddy explains he loves his life and job, and he has a lot in his life to love including his wife, Linda, and their three boys and four grandchildren. Paddy is also hugely artistic. He draws, paints, etches glass and plays guitar. He is adventurous and LOVES cars. Paddy even won the 1990 SA Championship for drag racing.
These days, Paddy spends his time experimenting with powder coating, hydro dipping and air brushing. He is looking forward to retirement when he can go cruising, another favoured pastime, with Linda and see more of his children and grandchildren. Until then, Paddy is going to keep himself in good health and do the best job he can.
When asked what advice he would give and it is having balance in life, work close to home, treat those you work with well (although you don’t always need to agree with them) and finally,
“There are worse jobs around but don’t ask me, I’ve never had one.”
Thank you Paddy for decades of service and excellence!
