Atherton plumber Roy Walker celebrates 60 years servicing the Far North

From taking up a coveted apprenticeship to servicing the Far North for 60 years, 79-year-old Atherton plumber Roy Walker has no intention of retiring just yet.

After starting a plumbing business at Dimbulah with a friend, Roy Walker returned to Atherton with his wife to set up Roy Walker Plumbing, now run in partnership with son Trevor, and a grandson soon to follow in his footsteps. Picture: Supplied

Whether it’s cutting tree roots out of sewerage drains or installing shopping centre plumbing, 79-year-old Atherton plumber Roy Walker has no intention of retiring just yet.

Mr Walker, who grew up in Atherton, said he was fortunate to get an apprenticeship with a Mareeba plumber straight after school.

“A lot of boys left school at the same time and we were all hunting for the same job, so I was fortunate to get one in Mareeba with Vince Bailey,” Mr Walker said.

After completing his apprenticeship, he started a plumbing business in Dimbulah with a friend, but returned to Atherton with his wife after three years.

Atherton plumber Roy Walker, 79, has serviced Far North communities for 60 years and has no plans of retiring just yet. Picture: Supplied

“We lived at Dimbulah for three years, but since we came from Atherton, my wife and I decided to move back. We set up our business in Atherton and went from there,” he said.

His son, Trevor, is following in his footsteps as a business partner.

“We lived on the site above the workshop of 35 years, so the (kids) knew what it was like to be in business. Our daughters have all got their own businesses now and Trevor is a partner with us,” he said.

“Trevor’s son is a bit young yet, but he’s looking forward to joining us.”

Mr Walker said one of the best parts about the job was having clients become friends.

“A lot of people down south move from the city to the Tablelands. Now they know nothing about rainwater tanks and come into our workshop, so we have the pleasure of introducing them to North Queensland and explaining what they have at their home,” he said.

Atherton plumber Roy Walker, 79, who has serviced the Far North for 60 years, said plumbing was a great trade for young men and women to take up. Picture: Supplied

“They don’t only become a client, they become a friend, and we’ve been around so long and worked for so many people that now they’re all just friends.”

Mr Walker credited part of his longevitey in the role to the Master Plumber’s Association of Queensland.

“I’ve been a member with them for almost 60 years, and they keep you up to date on the latest tech, plumbing standards, environmental issues, and they’re only a phone call away if things go pear-shaped,” he said.

“I couldn’t imagine being in business without their support.”

With the threat of artificial intelligence taking over jobs, Mr Walker said there was no better time to become a plumber.

“You hear of AI taking over so many facets of work. That will never happen with plumbing,” he said.

“It’s a trade where both boys and girls can be part of. You never get bored and you can specialise in so many different fields.”

Despite the long career, Mr Walker said he had no plans to retire or celebrate with a holiday any time soon.

“That’s not something I considered doing … I’m still relatively fit and we do have a day off occasionally, but I just enjoy the way of life here,” he said.

“And all our kids are married and their families are in Atherton. Why would we go anywhere else?”

Originally published as Atherton plumber Roy Walker celebrates 60 years servicing the Far North