Over Christmas I was fortunate enough to stay at the Quamby Estate near Launceston in Tasmania.  The Quamby Estate also houses the base of the Cradle Huts group, who arrange treks through the Cradle Mountain region. Part of the attraction is that the trek group stays in private huts with hot showers, private rooms, and prepared meals.   Cushy trekking!

The guides we had were brothers Linton Tuleja and Harley Tuleja.   Linton and Harley carried the biggest packs, supervised the group, shared information on flora and fauna, history and waterholes, encouraged the walkers, provided first aid, provided snacks, cooked the evening meal, baked bread, laid out breakfast, did the dishes, swept the floor, scrubbed the showers, cleaned the toilets, never once complained. Their work ethic was amazing and inspirational.

Over the years, I’ve worked for, with or managed hundreds of workers, many of them quite good.   Yet only a few really stand out in my memory as super-consistent in their demeanor AND their contribution, and how easy I found them to deal with during my time with them - Helen Pilati, Michael Butlin, Linda Tyler, Grant Palmer, Ian Johnstone, Robert Best, Javed.    Linton and Harley  just about topped everything I’ve seen.

When I get tired and want to put things off, I glance at a new note that I’ve made that simply says, “Work Ethic”.   Linton and Harley  – thank you.

Rodney Lovell