After 38 years of dedicated service to OSM, it’s time to say farewell—not just to a colleague, but to a mentor, a leader, and a true role model: Paul Hart. Paul began his journey with OSM (formerly known as Parks & Gardens) in 1980 at the Miami depot for a 3-year period and returned in 1987 as a parks crew member—boots on the ground, contributing to what would become some of our most cherished public spaces. But what started with pushing a mower grew into a career that spanned across multiple roles in parks management. Over the years, he brought integrity, deep knowledge, and an unmatched work ethic to every position he held.

Paul didn’t just contribute to building parks—he built teams. He cultivated trust. He quietly led by example. And he never asked anyone to do something he wasn’t willing to do himself. That’s what makes Paul such a powerful mentor—his wisdom comes not from theory, but from lived experience, and his guidance has helped shape the careers of many in this organisation today. What’s most extraordinary is not just the number of years he’s been with OSM, but the legacy he leaves behind. His fingerprint is on projects all over the region. But just as importantly, his values—respect, teamwork, patience, and pride in a job well done—are embedded in the culture he helped create.

We’ll miss his calm presence during stressful times, his no-nonsense problem-solving, and yes, even his dry humour during toolbox meetings. It’s hard to imagine OSM without him.

Thank you Paul.

Congrats on an awesome career and fantastic contribution to CoGC.

lateral thinking , good humour common sense , fairness and a strong ability to pick someone's true character have always stood out for me.

Tolerance of BB and his quirky ways has also helped.

Stay safe , healthy and happy as you drift off sideways into the sunset (and a cloud of black smoke) in your Monaro.

Much respect

PA

Thanks for all your help, wisdom and great advice a true leader and mentor.

And not to mention a great sense of humour.

Take care

Dave Baum

I can’t thank you enough for the incredible impact you’ve had throughout your career you’ve truly left a lasting mark on the entire organisation.

You’ve been the kind of mentor anyone would be lucky to have, and I’m genuinely grateful for everything I’ve learned from working alongside you over the years. Whether I needed help solving a problem or just a good laugh about whatever was going on around town, you were always there, steady, thoughtful, and supportive.

Thank you for everything, Paul. I’m looking forward to many more catchups over coffee in the future.

– Ant

Cheers

Ian Dibley

Shyam

Cheers Tristan Kilpatrick/ Tk

Can't thankyou enough Hartos ..... for my many 'drawings', being the fountain of knowledge experience, being 'rock steady' in the chaos, a fantastic leader & gifter of many giggles !!!

Congrats on your well deserved rest !!!

Wen

Doms

Congratulations on your retirement!

Wishing you all the very best in this next chapter.

Cheers

Tony

It has been great working with you over the years - we have been through so many changes and it continues to happen, so lucky you for moving on!

I hope that you and Terry enjoy life to the fullest and have heaps of good times ahead.

You will be missed by many!!!!!

Love Meags

xx

Todd Craze

You are such an inspiration, and I have seen the impact you have had on so many staff over the years, developing and mentoring staff so they can achieve their full potential.

Your knowledge, experience and hard work will be greatly missed but more than that, you, just you being you (which is an amazing human being) will be missed the most.

You have always been willing to help (at any time of the day or night) - thinking back to our sandbagging days and nothing was ever a problem for you. I cannot thank you enough for all of your support and guidance over the years

Wishing you all the very best for your retirement my friend.

Lis x

Violets are Blue

Couldn't get a better Coordinator

Than You!!

Good Luck lovely, will miss you.

Penny P (Betty)

You have been such a support and mentor for me in my career at Council.

It can never be replaced.

Many coffee catch ups to come.

Thank you for everything

-Abbie xx

Trini x

Cheers,

Wayne Jolliffe.