Ian Russ (second from right) is congratulated on 40 years of service by his superintendent Terry Watterson, Rio Tinto Aluminium Pacific boss Armando Torres and Rio Tinto Weipa general manager Shona Markham.
RIO Tinto Weipa’s longest-serving employees have been celebrated by the mining company.
Those who had achieved milestones in the past 12 months were acknowledged at Rio’s annual “pin night”, formally called the service awards.
Cliff Lamotte was announced as the Weipa site’s longest-serving employee after he reached his 45-year milestone.
He was among 80 staff members recognised for their contributions, with 14 having more than 30 years of service.
After recently notching 40 years with the bauxite miner, Ian Russ was one of them.
He was able to reflect on his remarkable career, having witnessed a transformation from traditional labour to cutting-edge automation.
From humble beginnings as a plant operator to his current role as an electrical maintainer in the powerhouse, Mr Russ has seen the industry evolve in ways he could never have imagined.
He fondly recalled his early days at the beneficiation plant, where a pair of shorts and a T-shirt were standard workplace attire.
As the years passed, the evolution of the workplace uniform mirrored the advancements that have shaped the industry over time.
“The biggest change I’ve seen over the years is the automation of a lot of jobs which has changed the way tasks are performed,” he said.
Despite these advancements, one thing that has remained constant and continues to drive Mr Russ’ passion for work is the people he works with.
Over the years, he has developed strong bonds with his team, which has kept him motivated throughout his journey.
As Mr Russ looks back on his long and fulfilling career, he acknowledges that it is not just the evolution of technology that made his time at Rio Tinto rewarding.
It was also the sense of belonging and the genuine connections he formed with his colleagues that made every day enjoyable.
‘Pugwash’ Waldon, Garry Stainkey, Des Land, ‘Plum’ Berry, Brad Clarke, Ian Russ, Lloyd Stainkey, Bill Rollin, Theresa Mills, Warren Rolston, Jodie Jones, Stephen Cruse, Armando Torres, Barry Feeney, Barry Murray and Shona Markham.
MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENTS
45 YEARS
Cliff Lamotte
40 YEARS
Ian Russ
35 YEARS
Peter Berry
Quinton Small
30 YEARS
Desmond Land
Jodie Jones
25 YEARS
Kerrilyn Taylor
Phillip Boyland
20 YEARS
Cal Seaborn
Cary Marshall
Darren Gobbey
Howard Waretini
Ian Dick
Kelvin Moon
15 YEARS
Aaron Schleich
Andreana Dorante
Andrew Jacobson
Ashley Ginn
Cecil Woodley
Christa Maza
Duane Jay
Frances Whittle
Ian Anderson
Janine Schleich
Jannett Lowcock
Jed Smith
Lorraine Parker
Maggie Wagstaff
Michael Widmer
Michelle Kostecki
Patricia Price
Rod Wilson
Russell Stamm
Scott Wallace
Tegan Witcher
Wendy Williams
10 YEARS
Aaron Whap
Adele Morris
Alexander Reid
Alexandra Coleman
Allan Polmear
Tony Michael
Anthony Gibson
Brad Ginn
Cole Haller
Dacko Mosby
Dane Rennie
Darren Khalu
Darren Lee
David Geitz
Derek Fordham
Derek Rosendale
Francis Elu
Gavin Jenkins
Gibson Charger
Glenn Morris
Hubert Marcello Fabila
James Francisco
Joel Deegan
Marvin Bell
Melissa Worthington
Michael Dunbar-Roberts
Michael Kuehn
Michael Van Uden
Mick Cerneka
Mick Gregory
Neville Turner
Nickolas Woodley
Olive Mosby
Ray Madge
Reuben Slingo
Rhiannan Crossley
Ronald Clermont
Sean Cieslak
Selicia Brumby
Shannin Sacchi
Steve Nash
Tammy Clegg
Trent Gordon
