In doing so Mr McDonald has joined some illustrious company with four other current MI employees also in the ’Over 40 Years of Continuous Service Club’.

Mr McDonald joins Leeton planner Tom Thompson, Griffith field operator Terry Sivewright, division coordinator Bruce Harrison, and irrigation operations manager Noel Heath who all joined the exclusive club within the last four years.

Mr McDonald began work as a trainee channel attendant in 1975. He was then appointed as a channel attendant to Gunbar in 1979.  

Following his stationing at Gunbar, Mr McDonald has been stationed at Lake Wyangan, Wynagala Dam and Pindari Dam as a channel attendant.

In 1984 Mr McDonald was placed at Hay as a metering inspector before moving to Griffith to take up a role as a Division Coordinator. 

In 2001, he transferred to property services as an Assets and Land Enquiries Officer, a role he remains in today.

During his 40 years at MI, Mr McDonald has worked under seven different name changes - WCIC, WRC, the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Land and Water Conservation, Murrumbidgee Irrigation, Murrumbidgee Irrigation SOC and now Murrumbidgee Irrigation Limited.

Not only the names of the compant has changed at MI over the years but Mr McDonald has experienced significant changes in the workplace, as well.

“Things have changed a lot over the years and water distribution has become a lot more efficient with the modernisation of the system,” Mr McDonald said.

Looking back and commenting on his 40 years of service, Mr McDonald said that he never imagined he would be with MI for such a long period.

“It has been a great place to work and I have enjoyed my time here,” he said.

“I see a positive future for the company.

“Water is an essential thing, in particular for the MIA, and MI is doing their bit to make sure it goes that bit further.”