Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council purchasing manager Darryl Pollard is celebrating a stunning three decades in the role, an achievement Mayor Territa Dick describes as an “extraordinary milestone”. Photo: Supplied.
No one’s really sure how many orders Darryl Pollard has placed in his 30 years as Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council’s purchasing manager, but no one was counting anything but his “extraordinary milestone” as the community celebrated his achievement last week.
Mr Pollard started in the role back in 1994 and has been the head of the remote council’s procurement operation ever since, a feat chief executive officer Kevin Bell put down to his “toxic” approach to both work and people.
“Darryl is never overwhelmed and his positive nature and approach to his work is toxic in a positive way,” Mr Bell said.
“People are drawn to Darryl because he is always happy and has a smile on his face, and no task is too hard.
“It makes me extremely proud seeing such a valued, well-liked member of our team celebrate such an amazing milestone; 30 years’ service to the Kowanyama community is an incredible feat and a testament to Darryl as a person; he has seen our organisation go through many challenges and changes, and just continued to do his part for the council and community.”
Not one to bask in the spotlight, Mr Pollard said it was his passion for the Kowanyama community and its residents that drove him professionally.
“I love the Kowanyama community and each day I remain motivated by the people and knowing what I am doing is contributing to making those community members’ lives better,” he said.
Kowanyama Mayor Territa Dick praised Mr Pollard’s achievement and said he was “truly a gem” that improved the liveability of the community.
“I would like to congratulate and acknowledge Uncle Darryl on his outstanding commitment and achievements to Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council,” Mayor Dick said.
“This is an extraordinary milestone.
“[Over] the years I have seen your hard work, your passion and consistency, and your drive for Kowanyama never goes unnoticed.”
Mr Bell said Mr Pollard was an anomaly in the current local government employment environment, with most councils struggling to attract and retain key staff.
“The biggest challenge facing all local governments right now is the attraction and retention of key personnel, and we are lucky that we have had that corporate knowledge retained through Darryl and some other staff within our organisation to keep our operation progressing and moving forward,” he explained.
