Meet proud Aboriginal man and ride operator Graham Mexon from Pinks Kiddieland.
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The 54-year-old has been touring the show circuit as an employee for 19 years.
In that time he’s met many amazing people, including singer Pink, paralympian Kurt Fearnley, olympian Dawn Fraser, rugby league stars the Fafita brothers, Cowboys’ coach Paul Green and player Jason Taumalolo, and Knights players the Mata’ utia brothers.
“They all just came and rode the rides,” he said.
The colourful character loves his job and says he wouldn’t want to do anything else.
“It’s a fantastic job,” he said.
“You get to travel around and see the country, and meet wonderful people, and the Pink Family are the best I’ve worked for.”
Mr Mexon said seeing the smiles and satisfaction on the kids’ faces makes his job worthwhile.
“It’s all about the kids,” he said.
“The priceless reactions from the kids is the best part of the job.
“Plus, you get to see fireworks every week – why wouldn’t you love that.
“I never get tired of watching fireworks.”
Mr Mexon told the Argus the funniest thing he’s seen while working the show circuit was witnessing a little girl cry while driving the model train (on a fixed track) because she didn’t think she could steer it around the corner.
“It’s little things like that,” he said.
“People whinging about us bringing rain, when they need it but they don’t want it to rain when the show is in town.
“Or having people come back the next year and remember you.
“It just shows that you have made an impact on them in a positive way.”
The friendly and hard working Mr Mexon said you shouldn’t do a job unless you love it.
“I’m proud of what I do,” he said.
“It’s very hard to leave (the show circuit and lifestyle).”
