Mudgee Preschool announced Lynn's retirement on social media earlier in the week and feedback has been nothing but positive, with generations of families all attending Mudgee Preschool there was plenty of genuine praise to go around for Lynn who said she overwhelmed with the messages from both parents and former students.

Lynn began working at Mudgee Preschool in 1990 after a stint at South Mudgee Preschool known as 'the little preschool' at the time, and after a bit more than 31 years, Lynn said she and her husband felt it was the right time to wind down.

"My husband and I had planned it. It wasn't a spur of the moment idea, we had planned to retire two years ago. Now the time is right. Our children are away, our grandchildren are away. So it's time for us to have a more leisurely life," Lynn said.

Lynn reflected on the changes in preschooling since the 90s, through one thing that hasn't is the passion she has for her work.

"I have a passion for families and children and that connection," Lynn said. "You know, the old saying 'it takes a village to raise a child', you know, it's hard for parents on their own to do it in a family situation. I think we all help out in the way that we can and Mudgee is just a beautiful place to raise a family.

"It's like a second family here. With the staff, with the families and the kids. It's nice for the parents to have this safe place for us to nurture their children."

Director at Mudgee Preschool, Rosie Gibbs is the only staff member to precede Lynn, starting at the centre one year before Lynn. She reflected on her time spent working with Lynn who she considers like family.

"I think it's remarkable actually to have a workplace or a community organisation to have staff working for that long. It's a I think it's a tribute to Lynn," Rosie said.

"She's quite remarkable in that way. And I think it's people like Lynn who make it easy to work in the same place because she's supportive of anybody new who does come in, she's always happy to show people the ropes.

"She's wise and kind. And the same for the children and their families. She just has this lovely, calm ability to adapt and give her all to anybody."

Lynn said other than a few chilly mornings when she would rather stay in bed, she never once wanted to avoid coming to work. "We celebrate birthdays, we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate births of babies. We know what's happening with each other's families. So it is really like a second family here," Lynn said.

Lynn won't be saying goodbye forever. She's hoping to remain a presence at the preschool in a reduced capacity, admitting it would be impossible to let go completely.

"I'll probably just call in or do a bit of casual work and things like that, I hope to do some volunteer up at South [Mudgee Preschool], when they do go to the nursing homes and things like that, to just be that extra set of eyes. To help out," she said.

"Mudgee is very lucky to have have a centre like this community-base centre with dedicated, nurturing staff... it's just a wonderful place."

Wednesday, December 15 was Lynn's last full day at the preschool. She will officially be farewelled in the new year.

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