Diversity the key to enjoying 45 years of water service

The foundation stone to Angaston man, Steven Bain’s 45 year career with SA Water has been the diversity of the work he’s undertaken, and the camaraderie of the people he has worked with.

“I’ve worked with a variety of people from all nationalities over the journey – and I’ve made a lot of friends,” Steven said.

A construction and maintenance worker, Steven has been based at the Barossa’s Nuriootpa depot since 1986, but has seen a lot of action since joining SA Water in 1973.

Starting out as a construction worker on the Salisbury sewer, Steven has always sought to try his hand at a number of roles across the state, including driving trucks at the Thebarton and old St Mary’s depots, and helping to build the Morgan Water Treatment Plant.

“I still see a lot of diversity in my day-to-day duties. I could be changing meters, repairing mains, ensuring our water tanks are sound, managing our land, or conducting pump station checks,” Steven said.

Steven appreciates that his role and experience provide him opportunities to work alone and as part of the larger team.

“When there’s a big job that brings us all together, I’m able to provide my insight and knowledge of the area,” Steven said.

Steven's supervisor, Lyn Sullivan, the District Leader at Nuriootpa said, “It’s simply not enough to say Steve is a dedicated and reliable worker, because he brings much more than that to our team."

“We have a lot of new staff at Nuriootpa, and Steve is always available to help with advice and information about the district.

"When working in town, it’s also interesting to see how many people want to stop and talk to him, sometimes about work, but mainly just to have a chat. He's highly thought of by our customers and the community.”

After 45 years on the job, Steven has learnt a lot, but says the most important lesson he can pass on to others is to ask questions.

“Listen and learn from other people. Ask them about life in general but when it comes to work, always ask about the best way to do a job safely," Steven said.

Steven still enjoys his job at SA Water and plans on staying for a bit longer.

“SA Water has been good to me and my family over these 45 years, so when it comes to the future, let’s just say I’ll play it by ear,” Steven said.

Steven’s 45 year milestone will be recognised on 31 May at SA Water's Nuriootpa depot with a lunch presentation and certificate from SA Water’s Chief Executive, Roch Cheroux.

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