For brothers Ian and Scott McLeod, Lawnton Quarry has been more than a workplace. Between them, they have contributed more than 80 years of service to Boral, building long careers shaped by hard work, changing technology, lifelong friendships and a strong sense of family. 

Scott, now a Supervisor, began his career at Lawnton Quarry at just 15 years of age. Ian, now a Leading Hand and Plant Operator, joined Boral 37 years ago after a chance conversation with then-Quarry Manager Les Robertson. 

"It was raining at the timber yard and there was no work. Les Robertson found out I wasn't working at the time, told me to get my medical and I started the next day. The rest is history." 

Over the years, Ian has worked in a variety of roles including dredge operator, water truck driver, dump truck driver, plant operator and maintenance roles, while Scott has spent more than four decades growing his career at the site. 

The opportunities to learn and develop new skills are a big part of what has kept Ian engaged throughout his career.

"I've learnt a dredge, learnt to drive the dump truck and learnt to operate a crushing plant. Boral has put me through all my tickets including confined space, first aid and working at heights." 

Ian also reflects on the support he has received during difficult times.

"Boral looked after me when family members passed away and when family have been sick." 

Watching an Industry Evolve

Few people have witnessed as much change at Lawnton Quarry as the McLeod brothers.

For Ian, the most significant transformation has been the focus on safety.

"The safety is the biggest change. We used to come to work in shorts, short-sleeved shirts and regular shoes. Now I'm wiser and older and I wouldn't even be game to do that." 

The site itself has changed dramatically over the decades.

"Lawnton used to be a dairy up the back which we used for storage. The quarry landscape has changed. It was all dirt with small pits. There were no offices, just a small box with one tiny room for the weighbridge." 

Advancements in equipment and technology have also transformed daily operations.

"It is so much easier to do things these days with improved technology and machinery. Air conditioning back in the day was having your door open. Now all the machines have air conditioning." 

Communication has improved just as much.

"Everyone has two-ways now. Before that it was just yelling out to someone across the yard. Everyone works a lot smarter now."

A Second Family

While the equipment, technology and safety standards have evolved, both brothers say the people remain the best part of the job.

"Work family. We have a small crew and everyone is a second family."

The bonds formed at work have extended well beyond the quarry gates.

"I still see and talk to past employees and keep in contact with old workmates."

For Ian, the culture at Lawnton Quarry has been a constant throughout his career.

"The people and the culture are the best thing about the site. You come to work and know what you're doing for the day. Having a small crew makes it easier to manage and get along with everyone."

Scott agrees that it's the combination of the work itself and the people around him that has kept him motivated.

"I enjoy driving the machinery. When I come to work and hop on the machinery, I really enjoy it. It's the people and the company."

Working With Your Brother

Working alongside family members is not uncommon in the quarrying industry, and the McLeods understand why.

"Dad gets someone a job, who gets someone else a job. There are legacy jobs through families and a lot of people want to follow in their family's footsteps." 

Having worked together for decades, the brothers admit there has always been a bit of sibling rivalry.

"We've always had brotherly rivalry," they said with a laugh. "But the trust and respect is there." 

That shared history brings advantages both on and off the job.

"As family members we know we can sit down and work things out together. We work at home as a family and work at work as a family." 

Of course, there are still plenty of moments for good-natured banter.

"Every now and then we stuff up and might end up a bit too far forward when tipping. Nothing unsafe, just not being in the correct spot. It always seems to happen when someone is watching."

The laughs don't stop there.

"The jokes are always on when someone else does it. Nobody's perfect and we realise that. The concrete batchers are always happy to help and never make you feel bad." 

Lessons from a Lifetime at Boral

After more than eight decades of combined service, the brothers have accumulated plenty of wisdom.

For Ian, the best advice he has received is simple.

"Don't do stupid stuff, think twice before you do something."

Scott's philosophy reflects a commitment to continuous learning.

"The day you stop learning is the day to give it away."

The brothers also remember the advice passed down by their father.

"Always leave for work early to prepare for the unexpected. You could have a flat tyre on the way to work." 

As Boral celebrates 80 years, the story of Ian and Scott McLeod highlights the people whose dedication, loyalty and relationships have helped shape the business. More than the years of service, it is the friendships, family connections and pride in a job well done that continue to make Lawnton Quarry a place they are proud to call work.