More than 60 members of PMA Australia, along with many leading WA professional photographers, turned out this Tuesday, December 3 to farewell Maxwell’s Duncan Dodd, who is retiring after more than 34 years with the company.
The farewell was held at Fremantle’s historic Esplanade Hotel, and hosted by John Swainston, Maxwell’s managing director, and Murray Gibbs, on behalf of PMA. (PMA director Peter Rose was hosting the PMA NSW Christmas Party and so unable to attend.)
A fitting tribute was delivered by current Australian Professional Photographer of the Year, Tony Hewitt, recognising the enormous support Duncan had provided the profession over many years.
Those sentiments were reinforced as John Swainston recounted Duncan’s qualities of loyalty, professionalism and integrity.
Duncan started his career at Western Mining as a draughtsman, and worked as a professional photographer until he was 30, switching to wholesale sales when he joined Maxwell Photo Optics in Perth in May 1979. He spent several years as Victorian manager for the company and its successor, Maxwell Optical Industries from 1983. In his time he has been an underwater dive master, marine photographer, sailing instructor, working photographer and state sales manager.
Michael Phillips, WA manager for Nikon, presented Duncan with a gift voucher from Nikon Australia, marking the long association Duncan had with the brand in his first 28 years with Maxwell as Nikon distributor. Mr Swainston presented Duncan with a copy of the Elysium book by leading Australian underwater photographer and author/publisher, Michael Aw, marking the 100th anniversary of the Shackleton expedition to Antarctica.
Mr Swainston also announced the appointment of Melissa Montague as the new Maxwell representative for Western Australia. Melissa was introduced to the assembled company and is already at work helping retailers prepare for Christmas trading.
Duncan Dodd will formally retire on December 31, after attending a company farewell function in Sydney. Mr Swainston wished Duncan and his wife Ann, who had also worked for Maxwell Optical in the ’80s, the very best for their future.
(Thanks to John Swainston for assistance in preparing this story.)
December 5, 2013
A real stalwart of the industry in WA – great supporter of both big and small businesses – will be sadly missed. Duncan’s customer focus has been second to none. We echo John Swainston’s comments: loyalty, professionalism and integrity sum the man up.
December 6, 2013
Duncan, I’ll never forget and will always be grateful for the warm welcome you extended to me when I arrived in Perth with nothing but a suitcase and new job as WA manager for Levinsons/Olympus in 1980. Even as a competitor, you were always a true gentleman and a pleasure to associate with at the many industry gatherings. All the best to you and Ann for a long, active and very happy retirement.
December 6, 2013
We have not lost a dear friend but only allowed him a short break.
Duncan has always been focussed on what interested him and given it his very best. From underwater observing to keeping abreast of our technology. Myself with our family wish you and Anne the very best and hope to see much of you in years to come.
Our industry will not be the same without your presence as your cheerful nature has held many of us together when we were at a low and we implore you not to fade away but visit us all whilst you watch your children advance their careers.
Ron Frank [ also partly retired but still active ]
October 14, 2015
Am very proud of you both.am happy to have known your whole family.i am 93.pat passed away at 84 after a long illness
Take care
God bless
Maxmax
October 1, 2016
Dear Duncan
Re the email and photo you sent me of hundred birthday,I can’t find it
Can you find it and send it again.i don’t know your email
Max
September 10, 2017
Dear Anne and Duncan
I am now 96 and very proud of you both
I knew your whole family
I was at your wedding a long time ago
god bless you both
Max