The Man's Message

It was almost 13 years to the day when the wide eyed and fresh faced Richie Mansbridge made his way through the front door of 53 Church St to tap on for the first time.

"Manfridge", as he quickly became known, quickly rose through the ranks with his switched on brain and affable personality.

He then put his background in painting and SCUBA instructing - well, mostly the painting - to good use by taking over the task of repairing the paint and plastering work of walls by wayward trolleys.

He was then the natural choice to succeed fleet manager, Bobbins, which he quickly improved and expanded into the role of MWAV's first and best Depot Director.

The early days of the OHS committee was more or less a never ending list of jobs for Richie which he ticked off with aplomb. In his time, he has saved far too many trucks from the soft grass and wet mud of paddocks, the quicksand of building sites, the bottoms of swamps, the flatness of batteries, and everything in between.

He has mended more smooshed boxes, welded dodgy ramps, sucked out petrol from diesel tanks, and re-riveted the broken and bent bars from hanging trolleys and broken broom handles more times than any man should in several lifetimes. They will most likely remain as night terrors for the rest of his life.

Richie's impact and contributions to both the operations and culture of MWAV has been immeasurable. He was the captain of the touch rugby team, is a life member of the Sub Club, devoted family man, last man standing at every staff event, and now, returning prodigal son to the land of the long white cloud.

Moves: 1,928 (+ umpteen fixing jobs): The most of any manager.

Tribute Van: Manfridge 29 May, 2018 - 2 August, 2022.

We can never replace a man as universally admired and respected as Richard Mansbridge but we will all be better people for attempting in his shoes.

Richie, we hope you, Renée, and Sadie enjoy fruitful lives over the pond with your family.

Never forget: Sharon is Karen.