There aren’t many people who can say they’ve worked for the same company for the past five decades but it’s an impressive milestone Dennis Smith can gladly boast about.
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The 67-year-old garbage truck driver from Dungog has been working for J.J Richards & Sons for the past 50 years after starting with the company as an 18-year-old in 1965.
Back in the days before proper sewage treatment was introduced to the regional parts of Australia, Dennis’ first role was as a night soil man also known as a dunny man which meant he would go house to house each night to empty people’s toilet pans.
As a sign of appreciation, people would often leave parcels of food out for the men of the night or in Dennis’ case even some bottles of beer.
After getting his driver’s license, Dennis began driving the company’s 1963 Bedford’s which assisted him with his nightly duties.
He continued driving similar vintage Bedford’s years later until he switched over to a modern kerbside garbage truck in 1992.
Dennis initially serviced both the Dungog and Gloucester areas but when the towns expanded he was allocated the Dungog Shire which he continues to do to this day.
Reflecting on his long career, the loyal employee says he knew from the start he would be with the company well into the future.
“I knew I’d be there for life,” he said.
“I like the job, I like the company and I have a good relationship with the owners.”
“Back then you stuck with a job. There’s always going to be garbage, so I knew it would be guaranteed work and 50 years down the track, well I’m still here.”
Dennis’ work ethic was celebrated at J.J Richards & Sons offices in Tuncurry on January 30.
Surrounded by staff, Dennis was congratulated by the company’s associate director Rob Marlow who described him as “a highly regarded” employee.
“He’s probably had about three sickies in the 50 years,” Mr Marlow said.
“He’s highly regarded by all the councils he’s worked for. Everyone has a top opinion of him.”
Dennis, who is a diehard South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter, was given a framed Rabbitohs jersey as well as a gold watch from the company to mark his 50-year service.
Traditionally, a gold watch from an employer commemorated a person’s service to their workplace upon their retirement.
But when asked if he was considering retirement, Dennis replied with a firm ‘no.’
“I’ve probably got another couple of years left in me yet,” he said.
“Until I get sick or I physically can’t do the job anymore I won’t be retiring. I’d get bored if I didn’t work.”
