Meet Our People | Robert (Bob) Rowlandson, Sales Loader Operator – Austen Quarry NSW

After 17 years at Adbri’s Austen Quarry, Robert ‘Bob’ Rowlandson is getting ready to hang up his safety boots. His hard work, positive attitude, and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on both his colleagues and Adbri.  

As Bob prepares to wrap up his incredible journey, we reflected with him on what a typical day looks like and why he’s passionate about his role.

What’s a typical day look like? 

My day starts early—I’m out of bed at 2:30 am and on-site by 3:30 am. The first thing I do is get the site up and running: I start the generators, set up the weighbridge program, and fire up the front-end loader. 

From 4:00 am onwards, I’m busy loading trucks until the day wraps up at 2:30 pm. The work includes loading truck and trailers as well as mixing products through the blending plant. 

When I get home, I like to unwind by taking my dog for a walk and feeding my chickens. By 5:30 pm, it’s dinner and catching up on the news. Then I’m in bed by 7:00 pm, ready to do it all over again the next day.

What do you like most about working at Austen Quarry? 

I love working here because of the great people I work with and the company’s strong work ethic. Austen Quarry provides well-maintained, late-model equipment, which makes the job even more enjoyable. 

It’s also rewarding to be recognised for the effort I put in. Honestly, this is the best job I’ve ever had, and I love being here.

What’s on the list to do when you finish up working at Austen Quarry? 

When the time comes to move on, I plan to visit friends and family, take my Harley out for some rides, and explore more of the country. I might even take on some casual work to stay active.