Novel Approach Brings Great Rewards

As a strong advocate for work-life balance, Mathew prioritises the well-being of his team by ensuring that each of his mechanics receives five fully paid Rostered Days Off (RDOs) annually.

Born and bred in Humpty Doo, Mathew (or ‘Weiry’ as most call him), left school at 14 and started cleaning bins in a mechanic shop behind his father’s spray painting and panel business.

He was soon offered an apprenticeship and became a fullyfledged petrol mechanic by 19.

Mathew continued to learn and upskill qualifying in his second trade as a Heavy Diesel Fitter.

But after nearly two decades working in the mines and on large scale projects he longed for greater work life balance.

Mathew established Weirys Diesel and Mechanical Services in Yarrawonga, 20 minutes outside of Darwin.

Weirys Diesel & Mechanical Service now has five hoists and employs a team of 15 (including two women and two apprentices). The company’s new $1.2m workshop provides services and repairs to everything from light vehicles and fleets to heavy diesel, buses and machinery for multiple sectors including mining and civil contractors.

Happiness Counts

Besides the quality of workmanship, the happiness of his staff is his absolute priority in terms of both downtime and money.

Mathew believes in recognising and rewarding skilled employees who put in effort, use initiative, and commit to continuous learning.

“Any trades person can go into the mines or a FIFO role and earn big money. But are you happy sitting in a three-by-three room every night thinking what am I doing here?

“Whilst on site you think, ‘I just missed my wife’s birthday or my kid’s school event’...... Is this the work life balance I want or I want for my staff?

“We have been fortunate to secure work on mine sites and in remote locations. To maintain staff satisfaction we make a conscious effort to rotate the awaywork swings, ensuring the workload is evenly distributed and no one is repeatedly assigned to remote areas.

Mathew aims to offer financial benefits and RDOs where possible to improve staff morale and ease pressure.

“We plan our RDOs a year in advance and aim to create long weekends, when there are no public holidays, in the hotter Darwin months.

Mathew satisfies his own happiness with occasional weekends away.

“I’ve got a fishing boat, two wonderful daughters and a beautiful wife. We get away when we can.”

He plans to retire at 50 and until then, continues to live by some simple ideals.

“Family comes first. After that, focus on creating happiness. Always put in effort, and keep smiling.”