Northmead McDonald’s worker Russell O’Grady retires after 32 years

Shout the man a Big Mac — Northmead trailblazer Russell O’Grady is retiring from Northmead McDonald’s after 32 years.

A Northmead icon: Russell O’Grady has worked at McDonald’s for more than 30 years.

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Shout the man a Big Mac — Northmead trailblazer Russell O’Grady is retiring from Northmead McDonald’s after 32 years.

The popular employee, who is often seen cleaning tables and greeting customers by opening the door, has Down syndrome and took up employment at a time when many people with a disability were still institutionalised.

On Friday, he will throw in the apron, leaving behind many sad customers who make a point of visiting him for his shifts twice a week.

Russell O'Grady is a popular face at Northmead McDonald’s.

“Russell is like a Northmead icon,” supervisor Courtney Purcell said.

“We’ve got regular customers who come in to see Russell on Thursday and Friday, and the staff look after him, so we’re going to miss him.

“When somebody sees him, they light up. He’s a very hard worker.”

He found work through Jobsupport.

Russell O'Grady will call it a day on Friday.

The 50-year-old Northmead resident started working at the Windsor Rd McDonald’s in 1986 when his beloved Parramatta Eels last claimed the premiership.

His favourite player remains Ray Price, who retired that season, but what has changed is the significant roles people with a disability had in the workforce.

“It was non-existent,’’ Jobsupport’s Gabrielle Bartlett said.

“It wasn’t possible for people with a moderate intellectual disability to join the employment system.

Family pride: Russell O'Grady and his brother Lindsey.

“We were pioneers in proving that people in Australia with a moderate disability can value-add to the workforce.

“Prior to 1986, if you were someone with a moderate disability, you had to stay on the lounge at home.

“He’s paved the way for other people with a disability because people see they have a valuable role to play in the workforce.’’

Russell hard at work.

The oldest of three sons, Russell has made his family proud.

“He’s kind of blase about it but loves his work very much,’’ his brother Lindsey said.

“He’s pretty cheeky sometimes. He’s my big brother and he keeps me in line.”

When Lindsey asked Russell what he was buying him for Christmas, Russell didn’t hesitate: “Dog food.”

Russell with Northmead McDonald's employees Kaartheek Gowra, Alex Lawless and Monique Gilks.

Retirement will give Russell more time for tenpin bowling.

After a lot of contemplation, Lindsey said retirement was the best decision for Russell’s health and the family has helped him prepare to leave the Golden Arches.

Russell receives support from vocational support worker Jodie Sykes.

He lives with another friend who has Down syndrome who works at his fast food competitor, Hungry Jack’s.

Russell loves greeting customers.

Russell a week before his retirement.

When he’s not working at McDonald’s, Russell is a regular at Northmead Bowling Club, the men’s shed at Richmond and loves tenpin bowling.

And playing his favourite Beatles track, Love Me Do.

“Russell loves ‘60s music and the Beatles,’’ Lindsey said.

“There’s always a house full of music when Russell’s around.”