Mrs Peterson retired after more than 40 years in local government, firstly with the Goulburn City, then the Goulburn Mulwaree councils. Since 2007 she had been executive assistant at Upper Lachlan, a role she had also held at the former two councils.

“It’s always been interesting and it’s always been a pleasure,” said the self-described “people person”.

Staff hosted an afternoon tea on the Thursday to farewell their long-standing colleague as she prepared to embark on another chapter of her life. 

The council’s acting general manager Gary Woodman said Mrs Peterson had been an integral member of the organisation and would be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of working with her. 

“Helen has been a highly-valued member of staff who is greatly respected by her colleagues, past and present mayors and councillors, as well as the wider community,” Mr Woodman said. 

“On behalf of the council I would like to wish Helen all the very best as she embarks on her well earned retirement.” 

Mrs Peterson said she and her husband were “in good health” and so looked forward to playing golf, gardening and travelling, as well as more time with the grandchildren.

She won’t miss the daily commute from Goulburn each work day, “generally a six o’clock start, and some mornings were very fresh”.

“If I want to sleep in, I’ll sleep in!” she said with glee.

Kirsten Porter commenced in the executive assistant’s role on Monday, August 6.