Meet the farmer whose flock is measured in the billions

SA Water’s Heathfield-based “bug farmer” plays a vital role in keeping those microscopic critters well fed on the “generously donated” wastewater that flows through the Adelaide Hills sewerage network.

Officially, Mike is a Wastewater Treatment Coordinator, but he said his day-to-day purpose is simple: keep the bugs happy so they can keep doing what they do best.

“As wastewater plant operators, we’re bug farmers,” he said.

“We take the sewage people give us, screen it down and turn it into a food source for bacteria at our wastewater treatment plants.

“Our precious bugs break down the organic matter and help produce fit-for-purpose water that can be safely reused for things like irrigation. The better we are at our jobs, the more the bugs can go about their merry life.”

Mike recently marked 50 years with the utility in a career that began with a small fib about his age and a 6-month contract he “forgot to leave”.

He joined SA Water in 1976, when it was still the Engineering and Water Supply Department, working from the Thebarton Depot in Adelaide’s inner west.

“I was meant to stay only until I was old enough to enlist in the Army, but I found I really enjoyed the work.”

Starting in water operations, Mike soon moved into maintenance at the Glenelg Wastewater Treatment Plant, where he completed his Scientific Technician Certificate.

A stint at the state water laboratory in Bolivar followed, along with rotations across 10 metropolitan treatment plants – experience that cemented a clear passion for wastewater treatment.

From 1980 onwards, he focused on building his skills as a wastewater operator, spending 14 years as a process advisor.

In 2013 he joined the Production and Treatment team as a data analyst, before stepping into a coordinator role in 2018.

Today, as Wastewater Treatment Coordinator for SA Water’s central region, Mike oversees 11 treatment plants stretching from Angaston to Normanville and out to Murray Bridge, and leads a team of 8 operators.

“Taking on this role has been a real highlight for me. I never set out to be a leader, but I’ve genuinely enjoyed supporting and guiding the team,” he said.

“I’m very fortunate with the operators I work alongside. They’re adaptable, curious and committed to what they do. They make coming to work each day something I look forward to.”

Delivering high-quality treated wastewater, meeting environmental targets and managing costs remain ongoing challenges which Mike embraces.

“As wastewater treatment operators, we’re protecting the environment and supporting our communities,” he said.

“I’ve always believed in being the ‘best team never seen’, the one that goes about quietly getting the job done well.

“But people should know about the great work happening behind the scenes.”

Mike still enjoys the job as much as he did on day one, in the variety, the unpredictability and, most of all, the people.

“You’re never quite sure what each day will bring when you work in operations,” he said.

“It always keeps the job interesting. If you enjoy challenge, change and the occasional unexpected moment, operations is for you. It’s addictive in the best possible way.”