By Beverley Nichol

Twenty one and a half years is a long time, but for me who is happy to be an Indian and not a Chief, job security and stability is most important.
 
I just realised while putting this together, I started earning my way on the 2nd December 1968, the year I finished school.  If I’d made it to the end of this year that would have been forty years in the workforce, quite long enough.   

 
Only four jobs in that time, two I left to do some travelling and a motor vehicle spare parts business that closed down.
 
I started at the BLF on the 9th December 1986.  Vince Dobinson and Imogen Lorberg employed me and I thought I’d scored a job in paradise, or at least in Santa’s Workshop, because a fortnight later on Christmas Eve we closed down for two weeks paid leave and its been happening ever since.

Twelve RDO’s a year was also a bonus that none other of my circle of friends has ever had the benefit of.
 
Paradise might not be the right word as all the office girls can testify. On occasions it can be far from that.  But truthfully, it’s been a good place to work.  Always plenty to do to make the time fly and management were never strict and always flexible. Do the right thing by them and they reciprocate.
 
I did a rough count to see how many had passed through the office in twenty odd years and arrived at 23 office staff and 37 organisers, must be more than that I think. I got on with most, but not all.  I’ve always been a black or white person so I did my best to be diligent, thorough and methodical.
 
Thanks to the Executives, Organisers and Office staff especially Vince & Imogen, Pat Purcell, Greg Simcoe, Terry McIntyre, David Hanna, Shara, Lisa King & Lisa Stiller for her patience and guidance and Charmaine for all her help with everything, like trying to teach me a computer is a computer and just is!!
 
Everyone you meet at and through your job broadens your knowledge and experience in some way and there have been many characters and events over the years to fill the memory.
 
I’m not dying, just finishing work and will keep in touch, wonderful to have known you all and I hope the friendships last.
I wish you all health and happiness. Thank You.