Miss Bev, as all Oberon past and present students know her, started in 1988 and is now seeing the latest generation coming though the centre.

“I recall my interview for the position as director of the centre as if it was yesterday,” she said.

“Wayne Sargent, Pam Dellow and Chris Elms were interviewing and I can remember Wayne asking me how I would manage the daily drive from Bathurst to Oberon – my response was it would be much easier than driving in Sydney.

“I commenced this amazing journey in February 1988.

“I was welcomed and supported by Miss Janina [Knight] and Miss Jan [Torner] and Thea Lansom was in the office.”

Miss Bev said she had seen a lot of changes over the years, especially with government funding and structures.

“There is no funding for two and three-year-olds, so we have cut back our days of operation and staff members.

“There are only a certain number of four-year-olds in Oberon. It’s a shame we cannot cater for younger children.”

Oberon Children’s Centre operates under National Quality Standards and Early Years Framework.

“We have goals and criteria which we have to meet,” Miss Bev said.

“OCC has moved on with technology changes. We have a website and everything is computerised.

“We have just received funding for a new Smartboard. But the future objectives are to keep the children interactive and develop their social skills.”

Miss Bev said she will miss the Oberon community, the “wonderful” supportive families that have passed through the centre and the “amazing” staff she has worked with – who will remain her friends forever.

“Last of all, I will miss the children – what a privilege it has been to have had the opportunity to work in a preschool environment with these wonderful children.

“Thank you Oberon for allowing me to share your children and for being such a welcoming community when preschool comes to visit.

“I will especially miss Santa’s visits.”

Asked how many students she thought she had taught, Miss Bev said she would hate to think, but it had been 28 years with an average of 40 students per week.

“I see people in the street and I know their face and if I ask how their children are doing, their names come back to me straight away,” she said.

Miss Bev said when she retires she might catch up on some housework, travel around Australia and probably get involved in some volunteer work.

She will stay on for a couple of weeks once a new director is appointed.

A farewell dinner is being organised for July 30 at the Oberon RSL Club. Contact the centre for bookings or inquiries.