3 May 2021
Published 28 October 2020
When a fresh-faced Barry Juffs started work at Council as a 17-year-old way back in 1967, he’d never have believed that the teenagers of 2020 are expected to have 17 different jobs in their lifetime.
That’s because he dedicated his entire 53-year career working at the Dayboro Works Depot; which has today been renamed in his honour.
Mayor Peter Flannery said it was a fitting tribute to honour Barry’s lifelong service to the community.
“Barry was one of Council’s most skilled and certainly most experienced operators, with an extensive local knowledge that proved critical during the flood response in 1974,” he said.
“Starting work in 1967 as a fresh eyed 17-year-old, Barry witnessed 16 prime ministers, the Australian population more than doubling, the internet and the take-off of commercial aviation during his time at Council.
“The world has changed dramatically, but one thing remained; Barry’s loyalty to serving the community he calls home.
“In fact, it’s hard to imagine Dayboro without the Juffs family, the name is synonymous with the area from the road and bridges, to now the Barry Juffs Dayboro Works Depot.
“Barry comes from a generation that valued the importance of loyalty to a company, and that’s something special worth recognising and celebrating.
“When most people chop and change jobs every year or two, it’s rare to have a committed employee like Barry.
“To say thank you for his passion and commitment, it was only right we renamed the facility in his honour.”
Councillor Darren Grimwade (Div 11) wished Barry all the best in his retirement, having only stopped driving his beloved backhoe in the middle of this year.
“After more than five decades of work, I doubt Barry will be able to let his hands sit idle so I wish him all the best in this next chapter of life,” he said.
“As a highly skilled plant operator, Barry was a well-respected and integral member of Council’s 630 person strong Asset Maintenance team.
“His intricate local knowledge of the Dayboro region is second to none with decades of wisdom under his tool belt.
“Which is something he’s been able to gain from working with his father in his early years to passing it onto his son more recently.
“I know Barry’s vivacious smile and enthusiasm that he brought to work every day will be sorely missed by many at the depot.”