01/05/2024
This week marks the retirement of one of our longstanding and loyal employees, Phil Dennis. Phil served in total for over 36 years with CB over two stints, the later of which he started in 1994.
He first commenced with us in 1985 as a Plant Mechanic based at Port Kembla, then transferring to the Menai Workshop for a period before going into field service roles. Phil left CB in late 1991 before returning in 1994, later becoming a Workshop Foreman (under Wayne Parnell) and Maintenance Workshop Manager from 2003 to 2015.
From there, Phil has been appointed to several senior leadership roles within the business as Quarry Manager, Capital Works Manager and, from 2022, as General Manager, Concrete.
This week Phil has reflected fondly on the many lifelong friends he has made within Cleary Bros and the industry, and opportunities he has had to travel overseas inspecting Caterpillar factories and other trade conferences. During a time of significant industry change during his working life, Phil recognises one of the most rewarding parts to be watching young apprentices grow from school leavers into quality tradesmen, or business leaders within other fields.
Phil expresses his thanks to the Cleary, Ovens and Sullivan families for the family-orientated culture he feels privileged to have been welcomed into and part of, saying “coming to work when you enjoy what you do has been easy.”
Cleary Bros CEO, Steve Rogers, thanks Phil for his many years of service.
“Phil has been a significant fixture in our business for so long. As most of us know, he is a friendly, dedicated tradesperson at heart who has always been committed to bringing through the next generation. He has been a mentor and friend to many.
“No matter what role he has had at CB, Phil has always been passionate about what he does, and to find a way to build or fix anything no matter what the hurdles. He was one of the instigators for our Museum Open days here at Port Kembla to share with the local community our legacy of historic plant and vehicles. Most recently he oversaw the construction of our new world-class Concrete Batch Plant at Albion Park which will position CB for its next generation of growth and beyond.
“We are all going to miss his enthusiasm and willingness to help out in all areas.
Thank you Phil, for your incredible contributions to our CB team. On behalf of everyone here at Cleary Bros, we hope you enjoy your future planned adventures with Donna and your beautiful family during your long and happy retirement.
Photo of Phil in front of a 992 Loader converted into a waste compactor at Lucas Heights circa 1986
