Darcy chalks up 25 years on job

The 48-year-old has been battling since birth – his mother Jean says there were six separate occasions during her pregnancy when she was told Darcy would not make it, but he managed to pull through, suffering brain damage.

Then at four months, Darcy had an allergic reaction to the Polio vaccine (sabin) and subsequently suffered debilitation to his right leg, which meant he walks with the aid of a walking stick.

But none of this has stopped him from travelling to his job at Kmart Maitland for the past 25 years, an achievement recognised by the store in October.

Darcy became involved with Kmart through Caloola Vocational Services, and is now the longest-serving employee who was employed through the service.

He works as a storeman four days a week from 9am to 12pm, catching the bus to the store from Cessnock each day.

Jean said not once has Darcy complained about having to go to work, and puts his longevity as an employee down to his attitude and enjoyment of his job.

Darcy has seen the store change a lot in his time at Kmart, and has even been called on by other employees for his great memory of where things are kept.

To celebrate his milestone, the store organised an afternoon tea and cake, and presented him with a certificate and $750 voucher to use in the store.

Darcy said it felt good to achieve 25 years’ service, but couldn’t believe it when they told him it had been that long.

Prior to his work at Kmart, Darcy completed two TAFE courses, one for mower repairs and the other for vehicle maintenance, and has also travelled around Australia for tenpin bowling championships.

Darcy still bowls every Monday night, sings with the Delma Whyte Singers, and enjoys travelling, motor vehicles and jigsaw puzzles.