At a time when the ageing of AustraliaChr(39)s population is demographically inevitable, Cecil Grivas is living proof that age is no barrier when it comes to being an efficient worker.
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On turning 70 this week, the jeweller from Regency Jewellers in Bathurst vowed he wouldnChr(39)t retire because he still enjoys his work.
"Retire from what, retire from life?," he questioned.
"A lot of people use the term Chr(39)oldChr(39) as if itChr(39)s something finished and needs to be chucked out.
"The old catalogue, the old car but that isnChr(39)t the case."
A report realised this week by the Federal Government concurred that mature age workers have a vital role to play in AustraliaChr(39)s economic future.
The Access Economics report, Population Ageing and the Economy , sent a strong signal to all Australian businesses that if they neglect the older worker they do so at their own peril.
"It provides a comprehensive examination of the projected increase in the supply of mature age workers and the implications of the baby boomer cohort for the labour market... ," Minister for Aged Care Bronwyn Bishop said.
"The three chapters in this report will provide a guide to informed future debate on the implications of ageing for our nation - Too valuable to Waste, All in it Together, and The Silver Market goes Platinum."
Regency Jewellers proprietor Ken Sharp endorsed the report saying not only was Cecil exceptionally reliable, his age and knowledge made him invaluable.
"He has a wealth of experience which makes him great at restoring old jewellery," Mr Sharp said.
"Cecil can turn an old ordinary looking bangle into an exceptional piece of jewellery."If he chose to work the next 25 years, weChr(39)d welcome that."
Mr Grivas moved to Bathurst from Sydney in 1974 to give his family of five a chance to grow up in a better environment.
He left a management position in contract engineering to work as a farm hand at Black Springs.
He completed his tertiary education at Mitchell College of Advanced Education in Bathurst and University of NSW with Bachelor and Masters Degrees in Communication and Theatre.
He is still a keen actor, regularly taking part in choral performances in Bathurst with the Allegri Singers and at present is growing a beard for their Federation performance.
He has been working as a Jeweller at regency for the past 11 years.
