This year we celebrated two remarkable team members: Tony Worton and Mick Hodges for their unwavering commitment and exceptional service.
Tony Worton: 30 Years of Dedication
Tony Worton, our Lifting and Mooring Supervisor, marks an incredible 30 years with Birdon. His journey began as a Boilermaker when Birdon was just a small team of five employees working in a single shed at our Port Macquarie site. Today, Birdon has grown to nearly 750 employees with multiple sites across Australia, the US, and the world, and Tony has been a steadfast pillar throughout this transformation.
Tony recalls the early days working under the guidance of founder Jim Bruce, who instilled in him the ‘Make It Happen’ value that continues to drive our business forward.
“Jim threw me into a lot of roles and he always had the confidence that I could ‘make it happen’. If it wasn’t for him always encouraging me to get out of my comfort zone and try new things, I wouldn’t be the person I am today,” Tony reflects.
Tony is not the only person from his family who works for us, we are lucky to have his two sons Jacob and Thomas working for us as well.
To celebrate the thirty years of life with Birdon, on a recent holiday, Tony decided to commemorate the milestone with a permanent reminder of a man, a company and a value that he attributes to so much of the pride and happiness that he feels today when he reflects on his career.
“Birdon really is a family to me. It’s so much more than a job. It’s my life.”
Mick Hodges; 25 Years of Commitment
Mick Hodges, our Marine Supervisor, celebrates 25 years of service with Birdon. Mick’s journey has been marked by his passion for watching the company grow and evolve. From repairing fishing boats to building ferries, Mick has witnessed and contributed to Birdon’s remarkable transformation.
Mick’s experience at Birdon has been enriched by the people he has worked with over the years. “The people I have worked with have had my back. When we’ve faced major challenges, I’ve had people that have made me laugh and that I can have a sneaky cry with if needed,” Mick reminisces. He recalls being thrown in the deep end when he first started, but with the support of his teammates, he was able to increase his skills and confidence.
One of Mick’s most rewarding and challenging projects was the first ferry build, Wisemans ferry. “We had so much to learn, but we dug in and made it happen. I’ve learned so much over the years. I’m still learning,” Mick states proudly.
He also draws inspiration from the resilience of owners Jamie Bruce and Tammy Bugler, whose ability to keep the company going through tough times and build the company to where it is today has been truly inspiring.
Jamie Bruce shares, “Tony and Mick have been integral to Birdon’s success. Their dedication and loyalty have been unwavering, and we are incredibly proud to have been a part of their careers. Their contributions have shaped Birdon into the company it is today, and we are grateful for their commitment.”
Tammy Bugler adds, “It’s been an honour to work alongside Tony and Mick. Their hard work and perseverance have been a source of inspiration for all of us. We are thankful for their loyalty and the positive impact they have had on Birdon. They truly embody the spirit of our company.”
Alongside celebrating Tony and Mick’s milestones, we also celebrated multiple milestones at our company Christmas party, including completed apprenticeships and team members who have celebrated 5, 10, 15, and 20 years with the business.
As we celebrate these significant milestones, we are reminded of the dedication, hard work, and unwavering spirit that Tony and Mick bring to Birdon. Their stories are a testament to the values that define our company and the incredible people who make Birdon a family. Here’s to Tony and Mick, and to many more years of success and growth together.
