Community & Business
1 July, 2025
60 years in a ‘plum job’
NOT many people can say they have been in the same job for over 60 years – but for Atherton plumber Roy Walker, he’d happily do another 60.
The 79-year-old plumber is one of Queensland’s longest-serving; and he isn’t planning on pulling the plug anytime soon.
“I’ve no thought of retirement at all. I consider myself reasonably fit and I still do my share of the on-call 24/7 for my local community,” he said.
These days he has a bit of backup, with a full family operation – his son Trevor is a business partner, his granddaughters are on accounting and his son-in-law is on waste treatment plants and drainage.
Roy and Trevor have a great working relationship and have no plans to change the business anytime soon – except, hopefully, to have a third generation enter, with Trevor’s son Ronan waiting in the wings.
Roy and wife Phyllis raised their “big family” living above the workshop for 45 years, which gave their children the know-how to run their own businesses, which they all do.
“We have built a big family and have a community that looks after us, because we look after them,” he said.
Roy has been a member of the Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) for almost 60 years.
The association celebrates its 125th year of operation this year, and has been on the hunt for the state’s longest-serving plumber.
MPAQ’s chief executive officer Penny Cornah said many regional and rural communities have their own plumbing superstars like Roy, who are committed to serving their community.
“Atherton and Far North Queensland are so lucky to have Roy and his family,” she said.
“On our 125th birthday, it is beautiful to hear the stories from those who have been with, and contributed to, the association for so much of our existence.”
For Roy, plumbing is a timeless profession.
“Plumbing is essential, and with the current amount of housing required, it is not a trade going out of style,” Roy said.
“It’s the best time to become a plumber in Australia, across all ages and genders.
“And AI could never take over plumbing!”
