Colleagues, friends, parents and children gathered on Saturday to celebrate the retirement of the founding coordinator of the Margaret River Community Centre for Children.
Lynda Green was first employed by the Margaret River Community Centre in 2001 to provide occasional child care.
Long day care was in short supply at the time, so the Community Centre evolved its services and when the TAFE relocated from the Margaret Cecil building, this was developed into a child care venue.
Sally Hays, chairperson of the Community Centre recalled the decision making at the time.
"There was a lovely connection with the child care vision tying into the building's roots: in 1926-27, Lady Alice Cecil and her daughter Margaret toured South West settlements, then rallied the 'Margarets' of Great Britain to fund a Rest Home in Margaret River," she said.
"What became known as the Margaret Cecil Rest Home was built so the women of the district who came in for medical treatment, the birth of their children or leaving the hospital would have a safe and comfortable place to stay.
"It was very exciting to utilise the building once again to care for children and families."
After the opening of the fully accredited childcare service in 2004, Ms Green also oversaw the 2014 expansion funded by LotteryWest.
"Not only is Lynda an excellent early learning educator, she has also managed the operations and development of the Community Centre for Children and the myriad of associated challenges of each chapter," said Ms Hays.
"Operating in a heritage-listed building has unique challenges, but Lynda has always been committed to the values of the site, the connections and community associated with the Community Centre for Children, and this is what makes the place special.
"Lynda is an excellent mentor and it is to her credit that so many of the staff have been with the Centre for so long or seek to come back after time away from the region."
Amber Fairbrass now takes on the role of Coordinator to lead the Community Centre for Children into the future.
Ms Fairbrass first worked with Ms Green when she was 17 years old, gained experience in various childcare centres, travelled, worked at TAFE and had 3 children before returning to the Community Centre for Children.
"Lynda has lead our team of educators to achieve the top childcare industry recognition of an "exceeding rating" against the ACEQA Assessment and Rating Framework and last year we were listed in the top 5 childcare centres in the state of Western Australia," Ms Fairbrass said.
"I have big shoes to fill, but Lynda has developed a strong team and solid procedures - and has trained me well!"
