A NOW familiar face at the Rosewood Library, Ross Young, has retired after a career spanning 44 years.
Ross began work with the Ipswich City Council in 1977, as a Clerical Officer at the Civic Centre in Ipswich.
He was later promoted into roles such as Operations Manager and Client Services Manager of the Centre.
Ross describes this time in his career as a rewarding experience which enabled him to connect with many families who held weddings, birthdays and celebrations at the Centre.
“I witnessed many generations come through the Centre from children, who are now adults and have children of their own,” he said.
“The Centre held many concerts where I had the opportunity to meet Slim Dusty and his wife. They were really nice people and so down to earth.
“Eisteddfods were one of my favourite times because you could really see how excited the children were to perform for their families, watching them develop into professional dancers was quite rewarding.”
After 40 years at the Civic Centre, he was offered the job as a Library Services Operator at the Ipswich Library.
Ross was then transferred to the Rosewood Library from the day it opened until last Friday when he completed his last shift before retirement.
“My time here in Rosewood has been extremely rewarding, this town really is a friendly and community spirited place that is all about its people,” he said.
“My whole goal was to establish a great connection between the library and the community, and I have strived to establish a good corporate citizen connection that prioritised making a good social impact.
“I hope that I have helped towards that.
Ross’s retirement is matched by that of his wife Karen.
“I am looking forward to retiring with my wife Karen who is also retiring from her role as a Teacher Aide and together we aim to spend time travelling in our caravan and overseas.”
Ross is a member of the Ipswich Combined Dance Teachers Festival and is also a Life Member of the Ipswich Show Society.
An avid golfer at heart, he is keen to spend more time on the golf course and also at the local Show scene with his prize show poultry.
“Throughout my whole career I never thought that I would be retiring in my last position at the Rosewood Library, but it has really been a pleasure,” he said.
“I will miss the people and my colleagues but for now I wish them all the best as I set off on my new adventure.”
