A Family Affair at Nolan Meats
For Gympie local Tom Briggs, working at Nolan Meats is more than working for a family business in the community, it’s a family affair.
When Tom joined Nolan Meats 23 years ago, he did not know he was embarking on a lifelong career in red meat processing.
Now, Tom is one of the 400 people employed at Nolan Meats, and last year he was joined by his son who started with the company as a school-based apprentice.
Meet Tom
For the past 18 years, Tom has been selling Queensland beef to butchers, distributors, and supermarkets across Australia and in targeted international markets.
Tom admits the first four years in the boning room were challenging, but it ignited his love and passion for industry which has been passed down to his son.
“When my son turned 16, he signed up for a school-based apprenticeship to become an electrician and he’s loving it. It’s a proud dad moment. I know he is moving into his next stage of life.”
“Red meat processing is a great industry to start a career. Your first job in the industry will not be your last, there is always opportunity to advance like I did.”
Nolan Meats Gympie
Tom is proud to work for a company that supports its local community of Gympie by providing locals with job security, a stable income, and the opportunity to upskill.
Tom said to us: “I see people start with very little skills, collect a trade certificate or apprenticeship and they end up in a specialised role in the industry.”
Nolan Meats director Terry Nolan said, “Gympie has a long history of red meat processing.”
“We’re proud to be a part of Gympie and create 400 jobs here at Nolan Meats. We are always looking to add and develop local talent like Tom with a range of different skills.”
All these jobs in Gympie work together locally to deliver a high-quality red meat product that helps put Australia on the global map.
The More to Meat campaign will continue to profile hardworking Aussies like Tom who represent the passion and dedication that goes into the red meat processing industry and its contribution to regional towns and cities.
To see more stories or to find out more about the red meat processing industry, like and follow the More to Meat Facebook page or Instagram account.