Billy Russell is proof that it’s never too late to begin a career with Quilpie Shire Council. From a mature-age Apprentice Plumber to a Work Health and Safety Officer, Billy has continually seized opportunities to learn, upskill and make his role his own. Now raising a family in the community he grew up in, Billy is making a real, hands-on difference for Quilpie and his career.
A new path
Plumbers have a diverse toolkit of skills. They’re hands-on problem solvers who are always up for a challenge. But when the water supply is around 80 degrees Celsius – as it is in Quilpie Shire, where our water emerges from the Great Artesian Basin – that’s a whole different ballgame!
But for Billy Russell, that’s what made his role as a Plumber both unique and rewarding.
“When a water main bursts, the water out here is really hot, so you’ve got to be switched on,” Billy says. “I’ve spent most of my trade putting new water mains in, so we’re getting fewer bursts as we go along. We also get a range of odd jobs, like putting in irrigation lines. It’s a mixture of work – I enjoy the variety.”
Plumbing was never on Billy’s radar for a potential career path. Yet, when a plumbing apprenticeship became available at Quilpie Shire Council in 2018, he jumped at the opportunity.
“I’d been looking to join the Council, so I started as a mature-age Apprentice Plumber. They put me through my Certificate III in Plumbing and Gas and Certificate III in Water Operations. This place is really good like that – they’re always happy to put you through any training you need for the job. After four years, I was signed off and got a full-time position.”
From tools to officer
Billy didn’t just sit back once he was qualified. He stepped up to Acting Supervisor for the Plumbing crew for four months and became an active work health and safety champion amongst the team.
“We put in a new water main when I was Acting Supervisor, and the Council acknowledged it a lot. At the Christmas party, our crew got ‘The A-Team Award’ and I got the ‘Work Health and Safety Warrior Award’. That was a pretty proud moment.”
Recognised for his commitment to safety and getting the big jobs done, Billy was encouraged to progress further. He completed a Council-funded Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety, and in late 2025, he became Quilpie Shire’s WHS Officer.
The support Billy received while growing his career was matched by the personal care Quilpie Shire showed him during a difficult time.
“This place has been good for me. This year (2025) has been a tough one for me personally, but Council has stood by me all throughout. When I needed some time off, they supported me. I like to believe they think everyone’s important enough.”
A home with heart
A Quilpie local since the age of five, Billy has fond memories of his free-to-roam childhood
“My childhood was amazing. Just the freedom and being safe. We were always out in the bush, at the rivers, at the swimming pool and the library. We were always doing something outside. You could walk down the street at any time. Everyone looked out for everyone.”
Quilpie may have changed over the past 30 years, but the friendliness and tight-knit community remain, and Billy is proud to raise his young family here.
“My son is five and hits big-kid school next year. It’s a great place for a kid to grow up. It gets bloody hot, but the town pool is free, so we spend a lot of time there in the summer. If you like the bush life, if you like fishing and being outdoors, it’s the perfect place for it.”
For Billy, the town’s vibrancy is a direct result of the Council’s commitment to serving residents and strengthening the community.
“The Council does great things for the community. Australia Day, Anzac Day, Christmas – they put on big parties for all that. They also put on lots of shows and concerts. They get different comedians and musicians to come out, and it’s all free. What council does that?!”
In the end, Billy’s story is a clear win for both him and the Shire. He’s found a secure career path right where he belongs, proving Quilpie Shire Council is a great place to work and raise a family.
