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Special project to say thanks, Roger
By Hugh McKenzie

Volume 49, No. 02, February 22, 2007
 
UNIQUE REWARD: WGCDR Roger Wimhurst (ret’d) with the framed vellum commendation he received from his colleagues.
Photo by John Tuckerr
 
In what may be a first in Defence project management history, a project manager has been honoured by his colleagues with the presentation of a hand-crafted staff commendation.

Forty past and present Australian Defence Air Traffic System (ADATS), Project AIR 5186, members and partners gathered in Canberra to present WGCDR Roger Wimhurst (ret’d) with the commendation in recognition of his professionalism and loyalty to the ADF and project staff from 1998 to 2006.

WGCDR Wimhurst received the commendation at the ADATS Project farewell function, which his colleagues disguised as a Christmas party in order to surprise him.

GPCAPT Mac Cottrell said he was honoured to be asked to be master of ceremonies for the presentation.

“I have known Roger Wimhurst for a very long time and only worked for him on a part-time basis over the last few years. Roger, through his exemplary management and leadership skills, earned the highest respect from ADATS staff members past and present,” he said.

“When he was asked to accept the staff commendation, he was totally surprised, lost for words but exceedingly grateful by the manner in which he was honoured.”

The commendation, illuminated on vellum and marked with the names of 33 ADATS colleagues, was presented by retired SQNLDRs Dave Neville and Bruce Muir, and read in part:

“... Roger was both the motivating force behind and the nucleus of the ADATS team and it was out of loyalty to him and sheer admiration for him that many ADATS members continued for periods of service beyond their original term or beyond retirement …”

Co-presenter SQNLDR Muir (ret’d) said he felt honoured to have a small role in the presentation.

“Roger is a great motivator, terrific manager and true friend. Roger’s inspirational leadership held the project team together through a very difficult and long project,” he said.

“It was out of loyalty to Roger that many stayed (including myself) when it would have been much easier to just walk away.

“I am sure it was a total surprise to him and he accepted the presentation and accolades of his friends with typical humility.”