A former Cromwell man killed in a workplace incident in Australia this week has been remembered for his strong leadership qualities and community spirit.
Jimmy Adams (65) was seriously injured in a workplace accident and later died after being allegedly struck by part of a pressurised pipe which detached during tunnel work at the NorthConnex project in Sydney on Tuesday.
Kevin Brown, the junior vice-president of the Australian Workers’ Union, which represents tunnel workers, was reported in The Australian as saying Mr Adams was a very experienced and well-liked tunnel worker.
A Facebook posting from the Sydney Metro (underground) in 2015 said Mr Adams had then done 45 years in tunnelling and mining across Australia and New Zealand.
"The grandfather of six, known as ‘Uncle’ to his colleagues, is a mentor to younger tunnellers and new workers and a champion of safety, always going the extra mile to identify improvements which help everyone," Sydney Metro said.
Mr Adams lived and worked in Cromwell during the Clyde Dam construction era before moving to Australia with his family about 20 years ago.
Cromwell resident and Adams whanau member Mary-Anne Westhead said the Cromwell whanau and wider community of the dam era were devastated to learn of Mr Adams’ death.
"He was a tunneller on the Clyde Dam and was known for his strong work ethic and great leadership skills. His community spirit was always evident and as a hunter, fisherman, diver and gardener he would gladly share his spoils with everyone. He will be sadly missed and we send our aroha to his wife Diane, his son Dallas and whanau."
Authorities are investigating the incident.
