AFTER 40 years of service, Kevin Murphy has retired from his role at Mansfield Shire Council.
Kevin began his career in 1985 as an Environmental Health and Local Laws Officer.
Bob Hawke was the Prime Minister.
In that year, 40,000 farmers marched on Parliament house in Melbourne to protest the government’s rural policies.
Capital Gains tax was introduced.
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Neighbours premiered on TV for the first time.
Kevin outlasted Neighbours – it was cancelled in 2022.
Kevin worked with Sunshine Council and Moorabbin for five years, following a 3 1/2 years at university where he completed his Diploma of Applied Science in Environmental Health with a year of fieldwork and some time working around Melbourne.
Part of his responsibilities at that early time included Enforcement of ‘Weights and Measures’ and included going to Goodfellows Supermarket (now Foodworks) and checking that their scales were accurate and going to the petrol stations to make sure a litre charged was a litre in the tank.
This was in addition to Local Laws and complaint resolution.
Back in that era Mt Buller / Stirling were part of the shire and council looked after food and commercial accommodation requirements.
“I knew I wanted to settle here and make this my home," said Kevin.
"I fully intended to be with shire for a long time.
"I thought that would be 10 years.
"I didn’t expect it to be 40 years later that I’d retire here."
In the early days, Kevin's work was more hands-on, and he spent a lot of time on the ground – checking food premises, inspecting wastewater systems and making sure local businesses were complying with health regulations.
Over time, his role evolved, and Kevin’s focus broadened to include areas like emergency management, fire prevention and overseeing other aspects of community safety.
Kevin was part of the shire during some significant changes, including the 1989 amalgamation with Benalla City and Mansfield Shire Councils, which saw a reshaping of local government in the region.
Like many in local councils at the time, Kevin had to adapt to the shifting responsibilities and directions from the state that redefined council roles, but he always remained focused on delivering services to the people of Mansfield Shire.
Following the de-amalgamation Kevin continued with Mansfield Shire Council in a broadened role that encapsulated environmental health, wastewater management, local laws, fire prevention and emergency management.
"One of the things I’ve always appreciated about this job is the opportunity to work directly with people in the community and with local and regional agencies," he said.
"There was also a lot of interaction with other staff.
"Some of those staff remain close friends and I have had the opportunity to work with many dedicated and caring staff over the years.
"Whether it was a shopkeeper or a plumber, there was always something new to learn and I was able to help and guide people out when they needed it."
As technology progressed, so too did the way the council operated, with Kevin working alongside a growing team.
He recalls when the office was a much smaller space and how the introduction of portable phones and computers gradually changed the way staff communicated and worked.
Smoking within the office was also common practice back in the day.
“When we first decided to adopt mobile phone technology, we bought three shared portable phones,” said Kevin.
“They were the size of house bricks.”
CEO Kirsten Alexander said everyone would miss Kevin’s calm, steady approach.
“Kevin’s commitment to this community has been extraordinary,” she said.
“We are grateful to Kevin for his service and all the ways that has had a positive impact on this community.
"We will miss Kevin’s wealth of knowledge and his legacy of being willing to share his skill, experience and history with his colleagues.
“On behalf of the Mansfield Shire Council, we thank Kevin for his many years of dedicated service and wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Senior Sergeant Steve Carden from Victoria Police Mansfield said that Kevin’s work in emergency management had been invaluable to the community.
“There is no doubt that the work Kevin has done has saved many lives,” he said.
“His work in emergency management preparation, planning, response and recovery has definitely saved lives – it has kept this community as safe as possible.
"And this is apart from the work he has done in the CFA.
“Emergency management is about being able to develop and manage strong relationships and to read a room.
"Kevin is one of the finest operators I have ever come across in his ability to do this.
"He makes sure everyone is on the same page, mitigating all kinds of risks over many years of service."
When asked to provide advice to those starting their careers today, Kevin said he's always tried to focus on the bigger picture.
"Change is inevitable, and being flexible and accepting of it is key to navigating any challenge," he said.
"It’s also important to stay true to yourself and your values.
"Have philosophies that guide your actions.
"It’s always been good to have rules to follow, but it’s equally important to have your own principles.
"Those are what will guide you in the long run."
Now, after nearly four decades of loyal service, Kevin is looking forward to spending more time outdoors, travelling with his caravan, and enjoying the slower pace of life in retirement.
"I’ve worked alongside some great colleagues and met a lot of good people along the way," he said.
"I’ll miss the daily routine, but I’m ready for this next chapter that will still be focused on living in Mansfield."
