Wendy has just retired after a career with council that has spanned 49 years and she has come out the other side describing it as "the best job - a rewarding, fulfilling and happy career".

Given that her father, John Browne, served as the council's accountant for over 30 years, it is no surprise that Wendy was drawn to a career in local government.

She got her start working in the council's library in the civic centre at the age of 15, after leaving Bathurst High School.

It was a role she filled for about 18 months, before transferring into the role of receptionist/switchboard operator.

"During those three years I went to "Tech" four nights a week and learnt typing and shorthand," Wendy said.

After her three years in that role, she became the mayor's secretary, a role she would fill for the next four and a half decades.

"A new position of mayor's secretary was created and Mr Max Kingston, the town clerk at the time, offered me the job. The Hon John Matthews was the mayor," she said.

"I have had the honour to assist 16 Mayors and five town clerks/general managers. I've also been privileged to work with scores of aldermen/councillors over the past 49 years."

Wendy has enjoyed getting to know all those people, their families and being part of the big council family.

Even in talking about her own career, she can't help but commend those she has had the pleasure of working alongside.

"I thank all sixteen mayors, who all worked tirelessly for our beautiful city. I don't think many people would know or realise just how many hours a week they dedicate to being mayor," she said.

"Their personal commitment to fulfil this role truly is enormous and I believe they all have fulfilled the role with enthusiasm, commitment and dignity - and always kindness and respect to me.

"I acknowledge the hard work and dedication to our city of town clerks/general managers, Keith Forrest, Max Kingston, Chris Pitkin, Phil Perram and Dave Sherley. I've been fortunate to work with these and many other talented staff, from which valuable lifetime friendships have formed."

A great career in council isn't just about the people you work with, but the experiences you get to have and the ones you get to create for the community.

Wendy was involved with the organisation of some of Bathurst's most memorable events and functions, including official receptions for Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, prime ministers from Bob Hawke to Scott Morrison, and sporting and television identities such as Mark Webber and Eric Bana, as well as local people.

"I think my favourite event was organising citizenship ceremonies," she said.

"I have witnessed hundreds of people take the oath or affirmation to become Australian citizens, some of whom I meet in the street and remind me of that special and significant day in their lives."

She also liked events at Mount Panorama, one of which left her with quite a story to tell.

"Many years ago when the motorbikes were racing at Easter, I rode in the sidecar of the safety bike ridden by Mr Harry Bartrop, who was then in his eighties," Wendy explained.

"As I sometimes laugh when I'm nervous, the more I laughed, the faster he went. He lost control on the Esses and I ended up flying out of the sidecar. Fortunately no one was hurt, but it's something I won't forget!"

Wendy said it was a difficult decision to retire from council, but it was something she was contemplating several years ago.

"I actually submitted my resignation in 2017, but the general manager Dave Sherley didn't accept it - and I'm very pleased he didn't," she said.

"I've had a wonderful career - the best job anyone could wish for and I feel blessed and grateful."

While working as a mayor's secretary full-time, Wendy was also raising a young family with her husband Iain.

They share two children and Wendy credited him, as well as her parents, with helping her balance her career and home life.

"Working full-time with a young family was made easier because of my husband's support and the assistance of my Mum and Dad, who lovingly cared for Felicity and Andrew," she said.

"I certainly would not have been able to work in such a busy and demanding role, often after hours and on weekends, without my dear Mum and Dad helping me. Iain and I are very grateful to them for their support."

Now that she has retired, Wendy looks forward to spending more time with her family and enjoying activities she hasn't had as much time for, like reading, gardening and travelling.

"While I know I will miss the buzz of work, my workmates and serving the residents of this great city, I'm now looking forward to spending more time with my 96.5 year old Mum, my husband Iain, my children Andrew and his partner Ruthie, Felicity and her husband James and my two grandchildren, Oscar who is nearly three years old, and [newborn] Harriet," she said.