After an incredible 25 years with us, we recently celebrated the retirement of Dave Howe.
Over the years, Dave has been a highly valued and respected member of our team, known for his depth of knowledge, reliability, and willingness to take on even the most challenging projects. His work has taken him across a wide range of environments – from canal construction at Hope Island to boundary surveys through the rural landscapes of Beerwah and Springbrook – often requiring creative thinking and a problem-solving mindset that became one of his trademarks.
When reflecting on his time, it wasn’t a single standout project that came to mind, but rather the variety of work and the unique challenges each job brought. Whether navigating industrial sites, remote landscapes, or complex survey conditions, Dave consistently approached his work with curiosity and dedication. And of course, some highlights extended beyond the field – including the very memorable (and by all accounts, “epic”) Arnolds Christmas in July at Mount Tamborine.
Along the way, there have been plenty of unforgettable moments. While working on the Hope Island canal project, a walk-through long grass turned into a standoff with a mob of kangaroos – led by a particularly imposing male who made it clear who was in charge, prompting a quick revision of plans. On another project at the Broadwater Parklands, surveying underground stormwater drains revealed a very different reality, encountering a group of homeless people sleeping rough – a reminder of the unseen worlds that exist alongside our everyday work.
His career has also taken him further afield, with experiences that are as remarkable as they are varied. From finding himself stuck neck-deep in drilling mud in the Libyan desert (much to the amusement of his coworkers), to a close call with a collapsing canal bank in Egypt, his stories are a testament to a career that has been anything but ordinary. He also reflected on quieter, more profound moments – like surveying through the changing landscapes of Senegal at sunset, where the atmosphere, light, and distant rhythm of drums created a moment that was hard to put into words, but impossible to forget.
As for retirement, Dave was most looking forward to one simple thing – not being in the office.
Although, in true form, retirement didn’t quite stick. After a short break, Dave decided he wasn’t quite ready to step away completely (turns out we’re hard to leave), and we’re pleased to have him back with us one day a week.
On behalf of everyone here, we thank Dave for his 25 years of dedication, hard work, and contribution to the business. His impact has been significant, and his presence continues to be greatly appreciated – even if it’s now just one day a week.
We wish him all the best for this next chapter, with a little more time to enjoy life outside of work… and just enough time with us to keep things interesting.
