Poatina Power Station’s newly refurbished cranes have been renamed after two Poatina legends - brothers Phillip ‘Flop’ Pulford and Michael ‘Mick’ Pulford. 

This month, Poatina maintenance assistants Mick and Flop both mark 40 years with Hydro Tasmania. 

Phillip’s journey at Hydro Tasmania started by chance when he filled in for a colleague on sick leave.  

Now, he is an integral part of Poatina’s operations, taking on everything from dam safety checks to heavy machinery work, and even completing his drone pilot license.  

Phillip says he couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. 

"When you’ve spent decades working in a place like this, it’s more than just a job - it’s part of who you are,” said Phillip Pulford.  

“There’s a real sense of pride in keeping things running, knowing the work we do matters and will last for years to come." 

Phillip and Michael grew up at Penstock Lagoon, just above the former Hydro village Waddamana. 

The next stop was the township of Poatina, where their father got a job at the power station. The brothers still enjoy visiting Poatina today. 

Michael followed in his brother’s footsteps and while he never planned on a lifelong career with Hydro Tasmania, he wouldn’t have it any other way. 

"You don’t expect to have a piece of machinery named after you, but it’s a bit of a laugh and a bit of pride too. It’s been a big part of our working lives, so it’s nice to leave a mark in some way," said Michael. 

"We’ve spent enough time under, on, and around that crane – we might as well have our names on it! I just hope it doesn’t break down too often, or we’ll cop the blame.”  

Ends.