“I started in the industry on November 18 in 1964, I was barely 16," Curly said.

“The only time I have ever regretted, or had second thoughts about being a butcher, was in the first few months when I saw the kids walking past the shop window with their towels and swimmers soaking up the beautiful summer days. I thought if only I had taken on the job after the holidays."

Curly, now 66, is known for providing great customer service and some of the most mouthwatering recipes in Murrumbateman. His reputation for humility and friendliness has earned him a lot of loyal customers and friends over the years. 

“I started in Canberra riding my bike to work every day. I’ve been working in Murrumbateman for 32 years, for Kim and Louise Parker.  

“I found a passion for cooking, I love learning how things are cooked and providing our customers with these ideas. That’s another reason I love the industry so much.”

Having been in the meat market for so long Curly has seen much of its evolution. 

“I remember when there was a butcher's store around every corner, much the same as a clothing store or cafe.”

He fears for the future of the industry saying the modern butcher, and ultimately the local farmer, are all becoming obsolete because the supermarkets provide a faster and cheaper alternative. 

“Trips to the supermarkets like Woolworths and Coles are more common because it’s the easiest way to get all that you need under one roof. It’s a little scary and really hurts to think that our local industries are suffering because of it. I really hope people keep supporting their local butcher.”

“For me though, working at the butcher is all about customer relations. I love chatting to all the locals and meeting new and unique people. You don’t get that in the big markets.

“It’s more than the meat. Customers come in and it’s always done exactly the way they like it.”

Curly has trained many apprentices that have remained friends, including current boss Kim Parker. 

“Kim said to me when he was younger that he was going to own his own shop one day and when he did he would hire me, just so he could fire me!” he laughed, “I’m still waiting to be fired.”

For Curly, retirement will consist of a lot of time spent with family – he has a wife and two children. He plans on spending even more time in his beloved vegie patch, where he grows fresh vegetables for the family and mixing together his famous award-winning jams, which he sells locally. 

“Work is what I have done since I was 16, but when you love something, you enjoy every minute.”