After an extraordinary 45 years of service with Parks Victoria and the former Lands Department, colleagues, friends and the wider community are celebrating the retirement of Dave Harper — a man whose impact has left a lasting mark on the Buchan region and beyond.
Dave Harper began his career in 1981 with the Lands Department at the Nowa Nowa depot, where he quickly became known as a true jack-of-all-trades. From fire management and maintenance work to pest plant control and even bridge building, he helped shape and care for the East Gippsland landscape through decades of dedicated, hands-on work.
For many locals and visitors alike, Mr Harper’s name is synonymous with the Buchan Caves Reserve, where he spent much of his later career preserving one of Victoria’s most treasured natural attractions.
Over the years, he became renowned for his technical expertise in maintaining the caves’ intricate lighting systems, as well as his craftsmanship in rock work and stone construction.
Visitors walking through the caves, the reserve grounds, or even around the township of Buchan can still see countless examples of his handiwork, including the impressive stone wall at the Buchan Pub.
Reflecting on his years at the caves during his retirement speech, Mr Harper spoke warmly about the beauty of the workplace and the unforgettable experiences shared with colleagues and friends.
“What a great place to work it’s been, underground and above, it’s such a beautiful place,” he said.
“In among stalactites or under spreading trees — what a fantastic office.”
Mr Harper recalled countless memorable projects, from planting thousands of trees with Green Corps crews to helping construct cave pathways, walking tracks and lookouts, and upgrading cave lighting to modern LED systems.
He paid tribute to the many colleagues and mentors who shaped his journey, including long-time mentor Jack Llewendon, former boss Dale Calnin, and the many guides, maintenance staff and visitor centre teams he worked alongside over the decades.
“The best thing about all the years that I’ve worked at the caves was the people I worked with,” Mr Harper said.
“I’ve been so lucky to have worked with such a fantastic crew of people.”
As he steps into retirement, Mr Harper leaves behind not only an enduring legacy of conservation and craftsmanship, but also generations of friendships, stories and contributions that will continue to shape Buchan Caves for years to come.
