TWENTY-ONE years ago, Peg Bruton joined the ranks at the Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre and volunteered her services, not knowing if she would like it.
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Since then, Mrs Bruton has emerged as one of the most-loved volunteers at Dubbo's community orientated organisation, and can retire a content and happy woman.
Now 79, Mrs Bruton has thanked her fellow DNC volunteers as she bids farewell to her weekly duties on Gipps Street.
"I'm not really computer literate so I think it's time to do other things with my day," Mrs Bruton said.
"I've enjoyed it all (volunteering)- I made wonderful friends who have all contributed to my wonderful time at the Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre."
Mrs Bruton began volunteering in 1991 after she spoke to a friend already working at the DNC, who told her it was a great place to work.
Her duties included manning the phones at the front desk and helping to organise trips for local residents and the surrounding areas.
"I've been doing a lot of good work at the DNC. It's a lovely working environment with a lot of lovely people," she said.
"They treat you like one of the family, and I'm going to miss the place and the people very dearly. I've had 21 very enjoyable years and have made a good group of friends."
Mrs Bruton's former workmates, which include long-time volunteers Wilma Ryan (22 years of volunteering), Terry Kent and Alan Mann, have praised the commitment and dedication of their former colleague, agreeing that she was one of the most delightful volunteers at the DNC, returning each and every Monday for her shift.
"It's been so great working with her... she will be missed terribly," Ms Ryan said.
Assistant manager Vanessa Creed said her "smiley" face would be missed every Monday afternoon.
"It was such a pleasure to work with her," she said.
Mrs Bruton, who has lived in Dubbo on and off for several years, had a few ideas on what to do with her spare time now she had retired, and spending more time with family was one of them.
"I'll still join in all the activities at the Neighbourhood Centre... but I'm going to focus on winning the lottery," she said.
anthony.cini@fairfaxmedia.com.au