As happens this time of year, the various TV channels are bringing out their “Year that Was” specials: who had a baby; who died; who got married; who got divorced; who went to war with whom; who got elected; who fell from grace…and on and on.

I was recently in touch with my American friends who were in the midst of celebrating Thanksgiving. In my humble opinion, Thanksgiving is one of the world’s best holidays. It reportedly dates back to November 1621, when the newly arrived Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians gathered at Plymouth Massachusetts to celebrate in gratitude for the harvest.

In recent weeks, we’ve witnessed the heartbreaking plight of so many Aussies as they struggle to come to terms with their losses in the bushfires. Many of those affected have toughed out a living on the land, grappling with droughts and fires and flood for years. Now, some have lost everything.

In the last “Fuel for Thought” I reflected on the amazing artistic talent that is a vibrant part of our community. I’ve since been thinking about the art and craft of our own team here at QER and the range of skills that never ceases to amaze me. Like maintaining the Storey Bridge, keeping our plant in good condition is an on-going labour of love.

Last column I talked about how Gladstone is a key player in producing the commodities which are the building blocks of our quality of life in the developed world. And one of the benefits our comfortable civilization gives us is the time and opportunity to express ourselves through the arts.

Last week I attended Gladstone Engineering Alliance’s annual conference with Peter Zambelli, QER’s General Manager. We also attended the Gala dinner at which the achievements of so many hard working and innovative people involved in the Gladstone Engineering sector were celebrated.

Recently a friend (and former work colleague) took it upon himself to celebrate his birthday by walking a Marathon distance at Spinnaker Park while raising charity for the Mission to Seafarers and Roseberry House. This got me thinking about how innovative, committed and energetic people in our community are.

It is a hard act to follow but here goes… I’m very pleased to be able to introduce myself as QER’s new Gladstone Site Superintendent. Firstly, I’d like to thank my predecessor, Bruce Andersen and wish him and Anna well in retirement.

After 21 years, 5040 Morning Coffees, 221,760 km travel to and from work, and at least 10 forgotten lunches my time at QER is coming to an end. I am retiring and whilst it brings with it a sense of the unknown, it also provides for a time of reflection of what was and an opportunity to say some important thank-you(s).