More than 70 colleagues, suppliers, former colleagues and family members recently came together to celebrate Gippsland local, Ken Lascelles, for his 50 years of service and dedication to the farming community as a Saputo Dairy Australia employee.
Ken began his career at the AG Warehouse store in Maffra, known then as Murray Goulburn Trading.
Over the next five decades, he managed several stores, including Yarram, Finley and Cobram. Ken returned to the Maffra store in 1985, where he continues to serve the community.
When asked what kept him at the company for so long, Ken said, “The people I’ve worked with and the farmers in the community have been awesome and I’ve learned so much from them”.
“There's never a dull moment and always something going on and to be challenged all the time with different products and to solve problems, it's so motivating,” he said.
“The highlight was being able to bring my kids and family up while working at the store. All three of my girls and my wife have played a part in this business.
“I met my wife during the MG Trading days and all three of my girls have done work experience here in the store. I met my wife, Sue, when she was part of the working team.”
AG Warehouse’s head of operations (southern region) Tony Gomersall said Ken’s work ethic, knowledge and passion contributed to him working his way up to become a true leader of the business and a mainstay of the agricultural industry.
“Businesses are built on their people, and in our case, it rings true when you look at the impact Ken has had on our employees and the broader community he serves and lives in,” Tony said.
“Ken’s stories and camaraderie have left an enduring mark on everyone who has worked with him.
“He embodies the spirit of teamwork and is a fun-loving character. These sentiments are echoed by his colleagues, past and present.”
Saputo Dairy Australia hopes to retain Ken’s expertise in a casual capacity when he returns from a well-deserved journey across Australia with his wife, Sue, after his tenure officially concludes at the end of June.