Barossa community keeps Lyn lovin’ work for 45 years

In reflecting on his 45 years of service with SA Water, Lyn Sullivan says it still feels like just yesterday he walked through the door as an 18-year-old.

“Having left straight from high school to getting on the tools, working in the water industry is all I’ve ever really known,” Lyn said.

“It certainly doesn’t feel like over four decades, but it’s something I’m proud to say I’ve achieved.”

Kicking-off his career at the utility’s Ottoway depot in 1974, Lyn joined the team in Thebarton repairing sewer chokes and pump stations before relocating to Gawler in the early 90s where he has lived ever since.

Now SA Water’s District Leader in Nuriootpa, Lyn said the sea change up north has proved to be a rewarding experience.

“I didn’t really know what to expect when I first moved to the area, but having raised a family in the area, I can’t imagine myself living anywhere else,” Lyn said.

“Not only is it a relaxing lifestyle, but also knowing that I head to work contribute to improving water services for customers in the Barossa and Light regions is something I continue to cherish.”

Lyn leads a team of seven people working to maintain the drinking water distribution network in towns like Nuriootpa, Saddleworth, and Swan Reach, including replacing water mains, fixing leaks and connecting new customers to the SA Water network.

“I’ve done a variety of different jobs and projects over the years, but my fondest memories involve helping build pump stations from scratch at Mallala and Kangaroo Flat and see the benefit they provided in the local community,” Lyn said.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have worked with some amazing people, and while I still like getting my hands dirty in the maintenance side of things, I get just as much satisfaction in helping guide the younger team members through their careers in the water industry,”

When he’s not at work, Lyn said nothing beats hitting the road out west with mates and kicking back with his fishing rod.

“I’m fortunate to have met some amazing people over the journey, and I still head to the Yorke Peninsula every year with an old colleague to try our hand - sometimes unsuccessfully – at catching a fish or two,” Lyn said.

SA Water’s Senior Manager of Customer Field Services Colin Bell said Lyn’s 45 year milestone is testament to his hard work and perseverance.

“More than four decades of service is such a tremendous achievement, and clearly demonstrates the positive impact he has on both our business and the wider Barossa Valley community,” Colin said.

“Lyn is a highly-valued member of our team, and we’re lucky to have him and many other dedicated people working across South Australia to deliver world class water and wastewater services for customers.”

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