From vagabond to sawmill veteran: Craig Collins’ 30-year journey at Jubilee

Throughout his life, Craig Collins has journeyed around the country from being a self-proclaimed vagabond, to a Primary School Teacher, and finally finding home as a Drymill Analyst.

Over the past 30 years, he has dedicated his working life to the Jubilee Sawmill.

Early adventures and diverse roles

“After finishing school, I was a roustabout around northern SA, then spent a year as a vagabond and beach bum in Perth,” Craig said.

“Eventually, I moved to Adelaide, became an optometric assistant, then spent two years in Darwin.”

“I returned to Adelaide, and attend Underdale College, now Uni SA, and completed a Diploma in Primary School Teaching.”

“I taught for six years at Glenburnie and McDonald Park Primary. “

The journey to Jubilee

Craig found his way to the Jubilee Sawmill in 1995.

“In the 90s, it was challenging to secure a full-time teaching job, and I wanted to buy a house, and needed a full-time position to get a loan,” Craig said.

“I secured a position in Dry Mill A on the Stetson Ross line.”

“Back then, it was all manual labour, which I loved.”

“Transitioning from teaching to this role felt liberating, and I’ve been here ever since”.

Craig now works as an operator and analyst in Dry Mill A.

“Once the orders come in, I input the data into the computers and monitor the line to ensure everything is running smoothly,” said Craig.

“If something goes wrong, I investigate the issue and try to come up with a solution with the help of the leadership team”.

Life and times beyond the mill

In his spare time, Craig loves spending time with his 92-year-old mum, taking her shopping and out for coffee with friends.

“Mum can’t drive, so I take her out to do things that she wouldn’t otherwise be able to do,” Craig said.

 When he’s not taking care of his mum, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, going for drives to see the countryside, and savouring a good coffee.

Embracing change and innovation

“One of the biggest changes during my time here has been the modernisation of the physical work on the line,” Craig said.

“Introducing robotics and computers has made the work easier and less labour-intensive, while also increasing the speed.”

“When I first started, we were producing 30,000 lineal meters per shift, and now we are doing up to 306,000 lineal meters!”

Craig said the constant changes are both the best and most challenging part of his job.

“I enjoy the daily challenges and the fact that every day is different.”

“The challenging part is trying to overcome problems on the line, it doesn’t always work out how you like, but it’s satisfying when you succeed.”

“When you have a good day, the rewards are great.”

“The camaraderie with good friends and workmates, along with the great interactions with colleagues, makes the workplace a rewarding environment”.

Craig’s resilience in adapting to change and finding joy in both his professional and personal life is something to be admired.

Congratulations, Craig, on three decades of commitment and career evolution.