One last journey to Cobram

By Kelly Carmody

Jan 23, 2024

In the intricate tapestry of life, where threads of experience weave through time and are illuminated by the light of shared wisdom, a profound truth exists — knowledge is the key to unlocking the extraordinary potential within each of us.

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This truth finds resonance in the story of Ian Tuena, 68, and Keith Carnie, 92, former colleagues turned great mates, whose narrative exemplifies the transformative power of shared knowledge.

For Ian, his journey into the working world as a 17-year-old apprentice refrigeration mechanic marked the beginning of an enriching exchange under the watchful eye of his supervisor, Keith.

It was more than a mere transfer of facts — Keith’s wisdom became a superpower passed down through generations, shaping Ian’s life.

“In life, it’s our obligation to pass down knowledge. That’s something Keith taught me,” Ian said.

Keith, nodding in agreement, expressed gratitude for Ian’s appreciation.

“At the end of life, we all go into a hole in the ground, and all our knowledge goes with us,” Keith said.

“What’s the point of learning and not sharing all these things? Knowledge needs to be shared.”

The vivid recollection of their first day working together in 1973 at a Murray Goulburn job in Cobram remained etched in both their minds. A 50-year-old memory described so clearly that it was like it had happened just days before.

“Ian was fresh out of school,” Keith said.

“I knew he didn’t know a thing about the trade and that I would have to lead him in the right direction. We had a big job to do, and by the end of the day, Ian was visibly worn out.

“I remember one of the ladies in the office commenting how tuckered out he looked when we got back.”

Ian fondly remembered Keith as a challenging but fair supervisor with high expectations throughout his career.

“I had no idea what I had gotten myself into,” Ian said, as he chuckled.

“But I was fortunate to have Keith as a mentor in those first years. Both Keith and Jack Lawrence are what I call ‘thinking men’, and I hope I taught them a thing or two over time as well.”

Reflecting on the significant changes in their industry over time, both acknowledged the evolving rules and regulations in what could be a dangerous field.

Despite the challenges, they considered themselves fortunate to be part of an industry with constant demand and a scarcity of skilled workers.

As they shared stories of good times, family support, friendship, mistakes and the invaluable life lessons learned, Ian spoke of his impending retirement and the plan to hand over the reins of his business, CA Group Services.

“The time has come for me to step away, pass on the knowledge, and travel around Australia like Keith did when he retired,” Ian said.

“But before that, I have one last thing I want to do — take one last trip with Keith back to where it all began in Cobram.

“I want my last day to be spent like my first, beside Keith.”

A final trip to remember: Keith Carnie and Ian Tuena taking one last trip down memory lane. Photo by Kelly Carmody

Last December, that’s precisely what they did — a final journey to Cobram.

“It’s so satisfying to see how far Ian has come in his working career and personal life,” Keith said.

“He has come a long way from that country boy wearing footy shorts resembling Paul Hogan.

“To see what he has achieved makes everything we have been through together worthwhile. I am so proud of him.”

The mutual respect they displayed was admirable, a moment I felt privileged to witness.

It was a reminder of how deeply people can influence one another’s lives through the exchange of knowledge, forging an everlasting bond of friendship.

For Ian, it was a moment filled with gratitude.

“It’s been good,” he said.

“He is a good man who gave me a broader view of the world around me.

“I will be forever thankful for his time and influence on my life.”