Even more so when someone clocks up 30 years.

Parkes Shire Council took the opportunity to congratulate three of its employees during their February 21 council meeting.

In the Coventry Room in front of guests who were also present for a citizenship ceremony, mayor Ken Keith and general manager Kent Boyd thanked Paul Drabsch, Toby Huppatz and Tom Ward for 70 years of service between them.

Paul was recognised for 30 years’ service, with his first day on the job at council on February 2, 1987.

On November 25, 1991 he was appointed to a truck driver's position, generally carting gravel for roadworks.

Paul also worked as an airport groundsman and driver-mechanical street sweeper before taking up his current role as traffic facilities leading hand on January 14, 2000.

Marking 20 years, Toby came to work with council temporarily as a labourer on February 7, 1997 but he never left.

He worked with council for more than four years before he gained a permanent role as a labourer in June 2001.

During this time Toby took opportunities to operate and drive various plant including the water cart and was permanently appointed the role (water cart operator) on August 22, 2011.

He is also the assigned relief operator of the paveliner.

Also marking 20 years is Tom Ward, who worked on a temporary basis for two and half years.

Initially Tom started out as a traffic controller on February 17, 1997, then worked as a general labourer before working as the amenities cleaner.

Finally on September 27, 1999 Tom's permanent appointment was made as a labourer.

On September 30, 2002, his skills were recognised and a new title was created for him, known as leading hand labourer.

In 2008 he was appointed plant operator on the small loader and finally a driver-mechanical street sweeper in 2013.