However, last week he farewelled his colleagues at Murrumbidgee Irrigation and will now enjoy retirement, but it won’t be the last time they see Mr Heath, as he plans to continue on in a smaller capacity after a well-earned extended break. 

He said the decision to pull back hadn’t been an easy one, especially at a time where the industry continues to go through plenty of change. Mr Heath said his more than 40 years in the industry had been rewarding and fulfilling. 

“I’ve seen a lot of change and been involved in a lot of different projects,” he said. 

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“One of the most rewarding parts has been in the last couple of years where I’ve been able to undertake a lot of projects I always wanted to do. I’ll definitely miss it, but it was time to pull back.”

A brief work history of Noel Heath’s career

March 1973 to August 1973 – casual work with the Water Conservation and Irrigation Commission (WC&IC) as a Labourer in the Coleambally Irrigation Area (CIA) at the age of 18.

4 November 1973 – took on a permanent position (Labourer) with WC&IC in the CIA, starting at Rowan’s Camp

September 1975 – became a temporary Channel Attendant October 1975 – Trainee Channel Attendant. Temporary Channel Attendant 1980 - Channel Attendant, Coleambally

1982 – moved from Coleambally to Griffith 1985 – Metering Inspector. 1988 - Moved to Leeton. Moved into role of Water Superintendent, Leeton

1995 – Water Superintendent, Murrumbidgee Region

1996 – River Operations Manager, Department of Land Water Conservation. 30 September 1996 - transfer to Murrumbidgee Irrigation – Operations Manager, Leeton

2001 – Irrigation Services Manager. 2002 – This role became an executive role

2008 - Stepped back into the role of Assets and Land Enquiries Coordinator. 2012 – Returned to position of Irrigation Services, in the role of Irrigation Operations Manager. 2016 to now – Special Projects Manager.

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