Mr Flynn started work for the then Lilydale Council (which amalgamated with Launceston) in 1954 as a rouseabout and is now the rural roads north coordinator.

Mr Flynn, 72, of Karoola, is taking a few weeks off for his first overseas trip before returning to work.

Mr Flynn said he had stayed so long with the council because he liked it.

"A lot of people retire at 55 or 60 and they go home and die," he said.

"Retirement has never entered my head. I like mixing with people, you meet new people every day.

"Things have changed quite a bit, from manual work to all machinery today."

And the family line continues with his son, Patrick, also working for the council.

Launceston City Council general manager Frank Dixon noted, when making a presentation to Mr Flynn at the council's Remount Rd works depot, that Mr Flynn was working for the council before most other employees were born.

"So 55 years is an extreme indication of dedication and everything that goes with that," Mr Dixon said.

"And now that young Patrick has joined, we are looking for a succession of 110 years-plus.

"We are extremely proud to have someone like yourself that has given all that dedication to the one organisation," Mr Dixon said at the presentation.