From Seasick Beginnings to Sawmill Success: Linsay Beare Celebrates 50 Years at Jubilee

Linsay Beare’s career journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability.

It all began on a cray fishing boat with his uncle, but severe sea sickness quickly ended his maritime aspirations.

“Two weeks I lasted on the boat,” Linsay recalls, “and still to this day I can’t go out on one.”

In 1971, Linsay joined Woods & Forests, following in the footsteps of his father, who was a crane driver at Jubilee Sawmill for 26 years.

After a brief stint with Brian Smith Transport, Linsay returned to Jubilee in 1974, working in Drymill A on moulders.

He soon moved to despatch, loading and tarping rail trucks.

When Ash Wednesday struck in 1983, it was all hands on deck to manage the influx of salvaged timber.

Three continuous shifts were needed to process the burnt logs and cart the timber out of the forest to the Air Dry Yard.

Linsay then joined the kilns team for several years before the shift structure changed to a 4-shift rotating roster.

 “Back then I felt too old to be doing nightshifts,” Linsay said.

 He moved to the Air Dry Yard for 10 years until a position opened up in Despatch.

“I was supposed to be winding down towards retirement, and this position was day/arvo shift. I already had some experience in despatching, so I went for it.”

Linsay has been part of the despatch crew for four years now.

“I enjoy my job. I load trucks, dig out loads from the yard, walk around and scan packs. There’s plenty to do.”

Known for his humour, Linsay makes coming to work enjoyable for those around him.

He also has a passion for racing, which he shares with his son and daughter-in-law.

“That is why I am still working, to pay for my habit,” he jokes.

Linsay proudly speaks of his son, a 7-time Australian titled Speedway driver with 30 state titles.

“We have been lucky enough to travel all over Australia for my son’s racing.”

Linsay, his son and daughter in law also race together in enduro.

“I get to enjoy racing with my son and his wife, in a poor old commodore, driving it flat all day for as long as it will go, while my wife and 3 granddaughters watch, cheering us on”.

Reflecting on his career, Linsay notes the significant changes he has witnessed, particularly the reduction in manual handling and the increase in automation. “I have seen the mill fitted out three times with upgrades over time.”

Linsay values the reliability of his work at the mill, which has provided him with a stable career and the opportunity to travel the world.

 “At the end of the day, not a lot of people have that, you know, a reliable and stable job where you can travel the world a couple of times and still live comfortably.”

Congratulations on your remarkable career, Linsay, and thank you for sharing your story!