Mr Vorpagel said he’s seen significant change in the energy industry during this long career including the establishment of the National Electricity Market, PPE standards and the rollout of renewable energy.

“When I first started at power stations, a lot of people still wore short sleeved shirts, shorts and long socks, so PPE standards have definitely improved,” he said.

“Other changes now include renewable energy and trying to reduce the carbon in the atmosphere. That will keep evolving and as things keep moving, you have to be prepared to move with them.

“The key thing that hasn’t changed though is making sure the power plants are able to generate energy safely and reliably and at a reasonable cost, which is critical in this industry.”

Throughout his career, Mr Vorpagel has also been an inspiring mentor to those following in his footsteps, so much so, Stanwell named a scholarship after him.

“Stanwell as an organisation decided to have a scholarship for electrical and mechanical engineering students and I was very honoured to hear that the scholarship would be named in my name, it was a real honour to me,” he said.

“I’ve had a long history of mentoring students and some of those students who I have mentored are now superintendents at power stations as well which is great to see them progress.”

Stanwell General Manager Southern Generation Mick Joy said you can’t understate how well-respected Russell is, not just at Stanwell but across the energy industry.

“On behalf of everyone at Stanwell, we wish Russell all the very best in his well-earned retirement and for the next chapter.

Summing up his long career, ‘Vorpy’ as he’s well known at Tarong, said “it’s been rewarding, it’s been interesting, and I’ve had some fun along the way”.

“It’s always been a bit of a family to me, I suppose it is for most people who have been here a long time,” he said.

When asked how he’ll spend his time away from the power station, he said he’d often be at work thinking what a great day it would be to be at the beach or by the water.

“When the weather days are like that, I’ll check the weather and the tides and just go to the beach and do whatever I like there, it’ll be great.”