Mike’s reservoir of knowledge celebrated after 55 years

Para Hills man and SA Water Asset Planner Mike Stasiuk has been commended for his 55 years of work maintaining mechanical equipment on reservoirs and weirs to keep water on tap for communities across the state.

Since joining the business in 1963, Mike has been a valuable employee with an array of skills from solving engineering puzzles and managing projects to teaching trades, such as motor mechanics and welding to apprentices.

Today as an asset planner, Mike has a statewide role, where he brings a lifetime of knowledge to help solve some of SA Water’s engineering challenges.

His supervisor, SA Water’s Lead Asset Planner of Mechanical and Engineering Francis Fung said that Mike’s expertise is a wonderful resource and benefits customers immensely.

“Mike’s a gifted communicator and teacher, who inspires colleagues and shares his know-how with them in an engaging way,” Francis said.

“We’re fortunate at SA Water to have Mike and other dedicated employees working to serve customers and communities across South Australia.”

After starting out as an apprentice mechanic six decades ago, Mike worked hard, studying and becoming skilled in motor mechanics, metallurgy, and automotive science to progress his career.

In the mid-1970s, Mike was handpicked to set up a training centre at Ottoway in Adelaide’s north-west and taught motor mechanics, oxy welding, fitting and turning to around 100 SA Water apprentices every year.

By1979, he had been promoted to Mechanical Superintendent at SA Water’s Elizabeth Depot, a role which involved building pump stations and installing flow control valves across the state from Renmark to Kangaroo Island.

In 1985, he stepped up again to manage SA Water’s Thebarton Workshop and assist with managing workshops in Happy Valley.

During the late 1990s, Mike headed up the key project to establish a new SA Water workshop serving customers in Adelaide’s northern metro and regional suburbs, before moving into his current head office role of SA Water Asset Planner.

Proud of clocking up 55-years of service, Mike is now reflecting on his career and plans for the future.

“I’ve been privileged to work with very talented people and have seen many changes in engineering technology during my long career,” Mike said.

“In many ways, today’s workplace is radically different from when I first started out, but some things have stayed the same.

“Working hard and gaining experience still pays off and I’d encourage young people joining the workforce to keep an open mind and grasp opportunities that come their way.”

Looking ahead, Mike plans to keep working at SA Water, but make more time for his family and travel.

“I’m blessed with great health so I want to make the most of that and see more of Australia,” Mike said.

In acknowledgement of Mike’s loyalty and dedication he will receive a gift and a certificate signed by SA Water’s Chief Executive Roch Cheroux at a special presentation in SA Water House next month.

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