A birthday surprise for hero with red ‘rocket’ wagon

A Mackay business organises A surprise for Robert Gregg, who makes it his mission to keep the streets safe

Platinum Air-Conditioning Services office manager Alecia Hill and manager Ben Gray with Robert Gregg on his birthday. Picture: Heidi Petith

ROBERT Gregg says his mission is to make the streets of Mackay safer.

With his specially made red “rocket” wagon, Mr Gregg collects scrap from Mackay businesses and carts it away for recycling.

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Platinum Air-Conditioning Services staff wanted to say thank you to Mr Gregg by surprising him for his 73rd birthday today.

Manager Ben Gray says Mr Gregg has been coming in every day for the past four years.

“He is a big fan of the warhead lollies they keep there for him,” Mr Gray said.

Mr Gregg said he was surprised to see the balloons, presents and cake ready waiting for him.

There was even dinosaur balloons with Mr Gregg’s favourite, Godzilla.

“It’s (the rocket’s) done lots of miles,” he said.

“Anything dangerous that I see, I take it away.”

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Jetson Salvage and Scrap Metal owner Andrew Mehaffey said Mr Gregg was always smiling when he came in with his wagon of salvaged materials.

“He’s the happiest bloke I’ve ever seen in my whole life,” Mr Mehaffey said.

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