Spotlight on Liam George

Congratulations to Liam George who has celebrated his tenth anniversary working at the Gulin Gulin Store, located 300km north-east of Katherine.

Liam was born and raised in Gulin Gulin but spent his high school years at Kormilda College in Darwin. He grew up speaking Kriol and Rembarnga with his family but learned English at school, which was one of his favourite subjects. After graduating high school he returned home and shortly afterwards got a job at the store.

Now, ten years later, Liam is the longest-serving member of the current store staff, and the one to whom new store managers often turn when they come to the community. At 29 years of age, Liam is the youngest member of the Gulin Gulin Store board of directors and is also its chairperson. He was proud to be nominated for the position and is happy to contribute to store decisions that benefit the health of the community.

Liam’s favourite task is working at the cash registers because it is a chance to connect with everyone as they pass through the store. He is a hard-working member of the team, who works five to six days a week.

He values his job at the store because of the independence that saving his money allows. This year he bought a car and is studying for his learner’s driver’s licence. Liam makes the most of the opportunity to get certified training through his job and is currently working on his Certificate III in Retail Services. In 2016 Liam was awarded “Young Citizen of the Year” by Roper Gulf Regional Council.

“Liam has a great work ethic and is proud of the shop. He will be a great leader for the community,” says store manager Mark Crilly.

Liam enjoys the friendly banter in the store and says of the current store managers Sharon and Mark Crilly, “They are fun to work with and respectful of the community members”.

When he is not working, Liam spends time fishing for barramundi, watching the Sydney Swans play footy and going for long walks with his dogs.

Story first published in the Outback Stores 2021 Annual Report.