Meet Adam Humphries, affectionately known as the "Plumber Extraordinaire." Hailing from the picturesque suburb of Olinda in Melbourne's Dandenong Ranges, Adam finds solace amidst the towering eucalyptus trees that adorn his hometown. Family man through and through, he credits his wife Kylie, son Liam, daughter Jada, and faithful boarder collie Swanny for their unwavering support, acknowledging their pivotal role in enabling him to pursue his Antarctic endeavours.
Below is an excerpt from a chat had over a few quiet beers in Splinters, Casey's Bar. 24.04.24
Name ? Adam Humphries, plumber extraordinaire.
Where do you consider home ? Melbourne, suburb called Olinda, up in the Dandenong ranges, up with the beautiful eucalyptus trees.
Family ? Yes, wife Kylie, son Liam, daughter Jada and my boarder collie Swanny. I wouldn't be here without their support, and running everything at home. Even cutting the grass.
What is your role on station ? I am one of three plumbers, helping look after the place.
What is your favourite thing about working down south ? Hmmm … yeah dunno … I'll have to think about that one. There is a lot of dynamic here haha. I think to be honest the view every day, just walking to a job and just looking out and yeah, sucking in my time here.
What has been your most memorable moment of the season so far ? Look, probably doing the Focsle job on the Nuyina during re-supply, it was pretty long hours during the middle of the night but just the fact you're on the boat and staying on the boat, so yeah didn't think that'd happen so that’s been the biggest highlight so far.
Complete the sentence: What I love most about my colleagues is … HAHA, oh geez..! (long pause) you can quote that one … ahh they're a lot smarted than I thought they'd be … HAHA well it's true! A bunch of intelligent tradies.
How do you unplug during the hustle and bustle of the workplace ? Bang on the drums, maybe a bit of table tennis or darts, there you go.
What is your hidden talent ? Wood fired pizza chef, not really a talent but I played cricket for 30 years at the local club.
What is some of your best advice in general ? I'll have to think about that one. I seem to be good at giving advice, I don't know if it's good or not. I think do your best, you know you can only do what you can do.
How would your friends describe you ? Loud, annoying, up myself … haha ah … loyal.
How would your colleagues describe you ? Colleagues! HAHA, grumpy HAHA ! What else ? I think easy going but yeah (pause) i don’t know maybe you can help me Josh.
Josh: Um yeah easy to talk too, always up for a chat, helpful and yeah definitely always up for a chat. Good pizzas!
If you could travel anywhere today where would you go ? Adam: I would fly home to see my family and then I’d like to head back to Africa, i think I’d like to go to Tanzania, Malawi.
Adam Humphries - Casey winter plumber 23/24
