Community
30 January, 2025
Shire workers reconnect
EMPLOYEES of the former Shire of Mortlake gathered over the weekend to share their memories of working together – 31 years after the shire was abolished.
The Shire of Mortlake was abolished in 1994 to give way to Moyne Shire, but the memories of the trials and tribulations of local government have lingered on over the decades for those who served in roles across the shire.
Among the around 100 in attendance at the Mortlake Recreation Reserve on Saturday was Mick Murphy OAM, a former Shire of Mortlake engineer and, subsequently, a Moyne Shire councillor and mayor.
He said the reunions were not out of the norm for the team who had worked so closely together.
“It was 31 years ago Moyne Shire was formed and the Shire of Mortlake was absorbed in to it,” he said.
“We had a unique relationship between the councillors, executive and staff – we’ve always had a function together when we were part of the Mortlake Shire, and we’ve all caught up with each other regularly since.
“We thought it was worth doing it again.”
Mr Murphy said all involved were happy to share their stories, recounting the good and bad alike in their efforts to serve their community.
“There’s probably some stories that were politically incorrect, but 30 years ago we didn’t worry too much about that,” he said.
“We’ve swapped a lot of notes, had a cool drink together and some beautiful food which was supervised by our former health inspector.
“The reality is, relationships which were formed like that never really melt away.
“We’ve got people from Cairns, Perth, Melbourne – all over Victoria – and of course plenty who are still local, or even still work for Moyne Shire.”
Mr Murphy said the Shire of Mortlake had a wonderful working dynamic, which he credited to strong leadership.
“We had a fantastic relationship right across the organisation in those days, and the tone was set by the councillors,” he said.
“The late councillor, Laurie Kenna, was our last president.
“We have five councillors here today, and it’s just wonderful they’ve made the effort because there was a relationship from the top to the bottom of the business.
“Just like any government body – they set the cultural values, and everyone else adopted them.
“From gutter sweepers to shire presidents, we’ve got everyone, and all in between.”
Mr Murphy said he fondly recalled his time working as the Shire of Mortlake’s last engineer before the formation of Moyne Shire, but said a lot had changed over the past three decades.
“I loved it,” he said.
“It used to be local government but it’s a very different business now – I’m happy to watch it from a distance.
“That’s not to be critical of anyone there now – they all work hard to do the best for our community – but it’s just significantly different.
“I think I’d be challenged by some of the rules and processes now, as opposed to pretty well having carte blanche to do what we thought was best on behalf of the community in those days.”
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