WAMMCO

A pioneering couple responsible for assisting many Christmas Island families to take up new lives in Katanning, was recently farewelled by WAMMCO staff.

Butler Bin Ezen and his wife, Rokiah Ali came to Katanning in 1975, when Butler was the second Christmas Islander to take up work at the original Southern Meat Packers plant soon after it opened.

Butler was a maintenance worker and Rokiah  worked continuously as a trimmer on the slaughter floor.

Katanning manager Tony Bessell said the growth of the Christmas Island community in Katanning due to the efforts of Butler and others, had been synonymous with the history of the town and the processing plant.

“More than half our staff originate from Christmas Island and their community has played a legendary role in contributing to the development and stability of the works,” he said.

Pictured at the Katanning presentation to Butler and Rokiah were (front) Des Griffiths, and Dawson Bradford, rear John Currie, Delma Miller, Laurie Scott, Tony Bessell and Rob Panting.