Rain, Pain, but Most of all, Gain!

Written by: Claire Wirsu
Featuring: Oz Morris

It was pouring rain when Oz Morris and his newly wed wife drove off the boat, that had sailed them from Victoria, and out onto Tasmanian soil. At this point Oz was seriously wondering if he’d made the right choice in coming here. He’d been warned by many people not to come to Tasmania, but here he was. He’d have to make the most of it, at least for a while.

His new job, working at the fledging company of Comalco in the coastal settlement of George Town, began on August 13th 1956, three days after arriving in Tasmania. He was to be a Boiler Maker, specialising in argon arc welding. His years working on ships, submarines and railways, as an Apprentice Welder, had put him in good stead for the new job. And so his days at Comalco began.

The work Oz did was physically tiring and safety was not as one would expect now; he wore no face mask, gloves or safety boots, quite aside from earmuffs to deaden the noise emanating around the huge plant, but he found the people friendly and the work satisfying.

He made many mates among the 1500 strong workforce and enjoyed many laughs, as practical jokes were a common occurrence. There were sad times too. Everyone pulled together and it was at these times especially that the mateship was the strongest.

The next 29 years were exciting and satisfying for Oz. He had a family and came to love Tasmania, with its odd weather and close-knit community. As one would expect Comalco changed slowly, moving with the times. Most evident were the technological changes and the consequent reduction in the workforce. Safety also improved. Reflecting on the early years is almost scary for Oz as he thinks of all the things that he did that are now not allowed and of the enormous risks he and his co-workers undertook without the safety equipment which is now mandatory.

Oz retired in 1985. He left on a grand high with fond memories and many old and new friends. He still likes to visit from time to time and keeps up with all the developments at Comalco. It is a place that has played a huge part in his life and he will always treasure his 29 years spent there.