Murray McDonald, John Horder and Richard Anderson have all served their respective committees for decades and have witnessed many changes.
Mr McDonald’s journey began in 1968 and now, 56 years later, he is the longest-serving member on G-MW’s water service committees.
Mr McDonald said it all began by chance when he attended his first Tongala Advisory Board meeting.
“Back then, they used to be held in Girgarre Hall in the middle of winter when it was about the coldest hall you could ever find,” he said.
“A couple of us went along to the meeting and it was suggested to me that I stand to join the board.
“After several years our advisory board merged with Tatura and I was lucky enough to be elected for it, and then eventually Goulburn-Murray Water was formed along with the water service committees as we know them.”
Mr Horder has been with the Shepparton Water Service Committee since 1993.
During his time with the committee, he has witnessed many changes, including the automation of the G-MW delivery network.
Horder said it was rewarding to be a part of the experience.
“Not a lot was known about modernisation at the time, so it was an important journey for the committee,” he said.
“After we had been through the process, we were able to give advice on what worked and what could be done differently.
“That was very rewarding to play a role in that process.”
Mr Anderson has been a part of the Rochester Campaspe Water Service Committee for just shy of 43 years, and is the current chair.
He said that despite the changes over the years, the importance of the work remained.
“I joined because I was interested in the direction being taken and making sure us farmers had a say in it,” he said.
“The role has changed a lot since then but having that link between G-MW and the customers is still very important.”
Come 2025, G-MW will replace its 12 water service committees with seven new customer committees.
More information about the committees is available on G-MW’s YourSay webpage: yoursay.gmwater.com.au/customer-committees
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