After more than 17 years with Monadelphous, Michael King “Kingy” is ready to swap shutdowns for tee times as he prepares for a well-earned retirement, bringing to a close a career that has taken him from Site Supervisor to Branch Manager at Roxby Downs.
For Kingy, the timing felt right.
“We have just completed a house build on the coast at Port Hughes and it has always been my ambition once this was achieved to slow life down for a couple of years before I fully retire,” Kingy said.
He joined Monadelphous on 12 May 2008 after a downturn in work in South Australia’s Lower Southeast prompted him and his wife Tracey to pursue new opportunities in the mining and resources sector.
What started as a fresh challenge became a career spanning nearly two decades across South Australia and Western Australia.
His introduction to Roxby Downs remains one of his favourite memories.
Arriving in town for the first time in May 2008, Kingy headed to Woolworths to stock up on supplies before settling in. Despite Roxby's famously flat streets and compact layout, he somehow managed to get lost on the walk back, turning what should have been a ten-minute trip into a 45-minute trek through the infamous heat.
From those early beginnings, Kingy progressed from Boilermaker in Mount Gambier to Branch Manager at Olympic Dam, helping create new opportunities for the business while leading teams across a diverse range of projects and disciplines.
“What has been a highlight of my career is progressing from a Boilermaker in Mount Gambier to a Branch Manager at Olympic Dam and opening new opportunities for Monadelphous on the journey,” he said.
While he has worked on major projects across the country, including Olympic Dam, Worsley Alumina, Cape Lambert, Paraburdoo, Millennium Crystal and Boddington Gold, Kingy says his greatest achievement has been helping others succeed.
“Being able to mentor and help younger employees improve themselves to achieve their life goals is what I am most proud of,” he said.
“The friendships I have built within Monos over my 18 years in Western Australia and South Australia are what I will miss most. I have met some special people who I will not forget.”
That focus on people has remained a constant throughout his career and is reflected in the advice he leaves for the next generation.
“Treat everyone with respect just as you would want to be treated, and remember your family, friends and employees are your greatest asset,” he said.
As retirement approaches, Kingy is looking forward to spending more time with family, travelling and enjoying life at a slower pace.
“I am excited about spending more time at home with my wife Tracey, travelling Australia, having my four grandchildren visit during school holidays and playing lots of golf,” he said.
Kingy also paid tribute to the many people who have supported him throughout his career.
“I would especially like to thank everyone involved in M&IS. I have worked across multiple departments during my time and experienced many challenges, with a lot of true professionals helping me along the way,” he said.
Congratulations, Kingy, and thank you for your contribution to Monadelphous. We wish you all the very best for the next chapter.