In 1985 Leanore Smith began working for the Central West Credit Union (CWCU). At the time she thought it would be a temporary job, but 33 years later she is retiring.
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Leanore was joined by her Cowra staff and CWCU members on Tuesday to celebrate her successful career.
Leanore said it was very hard to be leaving the CWCU family after all this time.
“It’s been the most rewarding job,” she said.
“Just to be able to have members come in and you can help them attain their dreams, buying a car or buying their house.
“I’ve looked after three generations of the same families helping them with, lending and opening accounts, it’s been an amazing journey. I feel really humbled now with the support of all my members, wishing me the best,” she said.
Leanore said that she was now looking forward to going out travelling and exploring what life has to offer.
“The best part has been servicing the members,” she said
“Seeing the smiles on their faces and knowing you’ve helped them as well as working with the team, Kerry has been here 24 years, the others over 15. It’s like a family and it’s hard because you are leaving a family to go on.
“I want to say, Ruth Moore is taking over from me as branch manager, so the credit union will still maintain the excellent quality of services and intimacy with the members.
“And an extra special thanks to my staff, this branch runs because of them, we are such a close group and if I look good it’s really all because of them,” she said.
One of Leanore’s closest colleagues Kerry Spence said she was an amazing person to work with.
“It really is a credit union family, we all have wonderful relationships and I am sure this directly relates to the confidence, support, rapport and genuine friendship that starts at the top with Leanore,” she said.
“She is a great motivator a hard worker, a person to go to for advice and she keeps the branch running smoothly and efficiently.
“Lea takes enormous pride in her work and in helping others, whether it be for a loan or investing hard earned money or setting up a budget or everyday transaction.
“We celebrate and support each other in the highs and equally importantly in the harder more difficult things life puts before us.
“I am very proud to call Leanore not just a work colleague but a truly special friend.
“Lea, we wish you all the best in retirement and look forward to hearing all your travel stories,” she said.
General Manager, Brett Hartin, said it was always a pleasure to have Leanore running the Cowra branch.
“The one thing that sticks in my mind is that we all pride ourselves on servicing our members, but Lea in particular, because she takes personal accountability and interest in their financial lives,” he said.
“Quite often she is there to go into bat for members to get something to happen for them and that’s much appreciated. So congratulations on 33 years.
