Ronnie Bowen Hangs Up His Gumboots After 16 Years of Service

Key points

• Ronnie Bowen has retired after 16 years of service with Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council. A barbecue was held at the Hope Vale Water Treatment Plant on 9 October 2026 to celebrate his retirement.
• Mayor Bruce Gibson presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation and a G-Shock Mudmaster watch. Gibson praised his work maintaining the community's water and sewer infrastructure.
• Bowen thanked colleagues for their support and said the job had made his family's living standards better.