Now nearing the age of 64, he has put in the hard yards yet has undeniably enjoyed his working life. But it is now time to spend more time with his family, wife Alison, daughters Brogan and Georgia, sons-in-law Shaun and Lance and four special grandchildren Asher, Jack, Lilah and Logan.
At the tender age of 63, what prompted Brendan’s decision?
“Well, the disappointment of closure of the Cobram office was one reason. It was the original site of the State Rivers and opened in 1948 and closed last November, and it was rather sad to see that happen,” he said.
“I was a bit jaded, and it seemed to be a good time. Plus a couple of blokes my age had retired, and I thought perhaps I should too after thinking about it for some time.”
Does he have a bucket list?
“I haven’t listed anything yet. My family, footy and cycling have been everything alongside my work life, so now I will wait and see what else is out there. Would like to improve my cooking skills; I’m sure Alison would love that.
“I have planned out what, I believe, is important, however, such as volunteering in the community, travel, cycling trips with other members of the Cobram Barooga Cycling Club and being more involved with my grandchildren.”
Brendan has been heavily involved in football for much of his life, coaching Cobram Thirds in 1986-87, Cobram Reserves with Les Parish in 1991-92-93. In 1995, the year that has remained significant for the football club over the past 30 years, Brendan coached the Thirds to a flag, one of nine premiership teams from 10 to claim a flag that year. A committee member since 2010, Brendan is currently the club secretary.
Brendan also coached Katamatite Football Club’s senior side to a premiership in 1996-97.
CFNC seems to be part of the Brooks family DNA. Alison too is a passionate supporter of the club. Over many years, she has been involved not only as a netballer and committee person, but has worked tirelessly as secretary for a considerable time. She’s also looked after the gate during home games, which she continues to do today.
For Brendan, cycling has become his thing. Along with a number of diehard enthusiasts, Brendan takes to the saddle five days each week after joining the Cobram Barooga Cycling Club. They ride in the vicinity of 40-60 km each day.
‘Mighty Mouse’ is Brendan’s cycling moniker, and it appears all the guys in the club are gifted with a suitable one to fit the individual.
‘Tour Down Under’, the club’s first competitive ride, was a fantastic introduction to 2025. Based in Adelaide in early January it was open to international teams with Cobram-Barooga fielding a team of six cyclists.
“I have more time now, don’t I?” Brendan said with a cheeky smile.
“It was great, and I am hoping to go overseas again late this year.”
36 years of the water industry
In August 1989, Brendan began what was to be almost 37 years in the water industry when he became a permanent employee of the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission. As his knowledge grew over the years, he developed the skills to take on various roles and responsibilities.
Initially, Brendan was one of 24 water bailiffs who planned their own orders and visited customers, telling them when they should start and finish turning the water wheel for their irrigation.
Centralised planning was introduced in 1988 in three sections in the Murray Valley and spread to the whole area by 1991. This provided some staff members with different opportunities, altering the role in a manner similar to that which operates today, with planning and water separated.
Brendan was offered his own section and would undertake planning when staff were on leave. Promoted to the role of Planner in 2003, he showcased his skills and his career began to open up to the point where two years later he was seconded to the role of Water Systems Planner for several months.
In 2007, Brendan took on the role of Loss Management Co-ordinator in Murray Valley, something which enabled him to implement strategies to improved efficiency and support customers during the early stages of the Millennium Drought.
In 2008, promotion to Customer Support Co-ordinator in Tatura required the daily drive from Cobram while Brendan continued to show his depth of knowledge. He was to become pivotal in working with managers and staff to allow the role to transition from various areas to Tatura. With it, he brought compassion and understanding to every aspect and interaction.
In 2010, big changes arrived after six irrigation districts went to four teams including Irrigation and Diversions. To assist in managing the larger area, eight Operations Co-ordinator roles were created. Brendan accepted one of these and happily returned to Cobram.
From this period forward, Brendan began to show his leadership ability and took pride in leading many important changes in the Murray Valley Area with Goulburn-Murray Water as it is now known.
His local knowledge and calm demeanour often helped sort out issues while he worked methodically through problems to reassure customers. Possessing an analytical mind with a need to take time to think over problems before he answered questions may have been frustrating for some, yet you would know Brendan would come up with a sound solution.
At a farewell for Brendan on his retirement, it was obvious he was not only highly respected but well-liked by staff members and managers. He is undoubtedly a local man who constantly worked for the betterment of the water industry.
