Charlie says goodbye to job of 37 years as IGA closes
‘They told me one day – if you leave Charlie, we’ll never shop there again’
Mackay
Don't miss out on the headlines from Mackay. Followed categories will be added to My News.
TODAY is Charlie Dunnett's last day working the back dock at the IGA Shakespeare St store after 37 years.
"It's just a couple of years," Mr Dunnett said with a chuckle.
He is one of about 10 people who have lost their job when the store closes for good today.
But he said it felt like the right time to move on.
"I've seen a lot of changes here," Mr Dunnett said.
"(The store's) been extended that many times.
"It was only a corner shop then it grew.
"They moved about three or four houses to extend it."
More stories:
What future holds for Mackay's 24hr IGA after shock sale
Renae Covey: Helping others 'out of the goodness of her heart'
First day of Spring brings sweet bundle of cuteness
He recalled when the carpark had a centre garden, back in the days when the Hatfields owned the IGA.
"The Hatfields were good to work for - the friendliness," he said.
"Mr Hatfield used to stand at the front and chat to customers and call down staff."
Mr Dunnett himself became a familiar face at the shop, and customers were coming in today to bid him farewell and good luck.
"They told me one day - if you leave Charlie, we'll never shop there again," Mr Dunnett said about his customers.
He added kids were some of his favourite customers, reflecting on the many occasions when he managed to help stop a child crying.
"Must be an ugly face on me," he joked.
"Some of the little kids that used to come in, were working here not long ago."
Subscriber benefits:
Your daily dose of Harry Bruce cartoons
Five ways to get more from your digital subscription
WATCH: Your guide to reading the Daily Mercury online
Your questions about the new Daily Mercury format answered
How to make the most of your Mercury subscription
Daily puzzles and Sudoku another reason to stay subscribed
We're still here: How to contact your journalists
As for his plans for the future, Mr Dunnett said he would take two months to relax before hoping to work again.
"I've only had two weeks off in 10 years," he said.
Dangerous driver busted with pure meth after police chase
When he was first busted with meth his lawyer said he was a strong candidate for rehabilitation, but years later police found him driving dangerously and holding a much larger quantity.
‘Guardians of the shoreline’: Why fish experts aren’t hooked on road plan
The proposed clearing of 20 hectares of fish habitat to make way for a major mining access road has raised alarm among researchers but it could be too late. DETAILS.