This Friday, we celebrate an incredible milestone hit by a team member deeply respected by all of his colleagues at Property Services.
For three decades, Mark ‘Smithy’ Smith, Group HSEQ Manager - NSW /ACT, has been a colleague, mentor, leader, and safety guru. His passion for safety is contagious, always drilling into us to look after ourselves and never take shortcuts. If there’s a safer, smarter way to do something, Smithy’s already thought of it - twice.
He is a walking encyclopedia, and generously shares the knowledge and experience he’s built over the last 30 years with everyone who seeks his guidance. With his fatherly approach, friendly nature, and humour always in tow, Smithy has earned deep respect from those he works with.
At a recent celebration to mark his 30 years, even those who worked alongside him for decades - like Andy Dale, Sue de Courcy, Jason Taylor and Adam Harding - came back to celebrate; evidence that once you've had the privilege (or endurance) of working with Smithy, you never really leave the club.
David Sillitoe, State Manager NSW – Commercial Painting, says people may not realise just how much Mark does around the Auburn office or how much Smithy cares.
“Programmed runs through his veins - and would probably bleed green if you cut him open. One of the original architects of the NSW/ACT business, he set the standard and laid the foundation we all build on today.
“Mark’s been keeping us all safe for 30 years. He’s the guy you want in your corner, the mentor everyone turns to, a true legend with an unmatched passion for safety, mixed with wisdom and wit. Frankly, we’d be lost (and probably less safe) without him.
“His legacy extends beyond the office walls. He’s a familiar name across our painting branches, having trained and mentored so many of our teams. It’s not easy earning the respect of tradies, but Smithy did it with his down-to-earth approach.”
But for Mark, it’s just fist pump after fist pump. “It's been the greatest 30 years and I wouldn’t have missed a minute of it for the world. I've enjoyed every moment of the ride and I ain't getting off yet,” says Mark.
And while he may have been persuaded to lose the long hair of his early days, the beard has stayed—his signature look. His leadership has shaped our safety culture, and frankly, we’re all better (and safer) for it. Congratulations, Smithy!
If you have a story to share that demonstrates the reasons we Work and Smile, you can submit your story by clicking below. And don't be shy! Every accomplishment, big or small, matters.
