ALMOST 40 years ago Melva Robb started out in her career, but never did she dream that first role would eventuate into four decades of service.
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Ms Robb recently retired as a long-serving Crown Lands employee and has reflected on what that time involved.
She started working with the Water Resources Commission in 1980 as a junior clerk - the only female clerk of nine staff.
Initially working under the Crown Lands Consolidation Act 1913, Ms Robb then saw the introduction of the Crown Lands Act 1989 and, most recently, before her retirement, the Crown Lands Management Act 2016.
All of this meant she was able to work her way up the chain to become a team leader, which means she has led many projects, teams, initiatives and much more.
In her almost 40 years, the department has changed its identity 16 times. Ms Robb retired under NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment - Crown Lands.
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"I started just as a junior clerk ... in those days we recorded every transaction regarding every tenure holding within the Griffith area ... all mortgages, sales, notices of death on every parcel of land," she said.
"Over the years I progressed up the ladder. I didn't become a team leader until the early 2000s.
"We've looked after a huge area in my time from Griffith, Leeton and Coleambally to further afield stretching to Orange and from Balranald to Barooga."
The average person may not know what this job might entail day-to-day, with Ms Robb explaining.
"What some people wouldn't realise is what Crown Land is ... Crown Land could be something like the Binya Hall or it could be the Leeton, Narrandera, Griffith Showgrounds. The Narrandera Racecourse and Dalton Park in Griffith are other examples. All of those are parcels of Crown Land.
"Some of these are managed by councils and others by community Crown land managers.
"The department is also responsible for bushfire, pest and weed management of other unmanaged Crown land parcels.
The department also offers Crown land for grazing opportunities. My role has included liaison and collaboration with community members and also managing of staff."
She lists one of her biggest achievements of the past 40 years as the creation of the Fivebough and Tuckerbil Wetlands reserve for public recreation and environmental protection.
This was done through the co-operation and hard work of many, which continues on today. Ms Robb said change had been the biggest constant during her years on the job, whether it be the actual roles she has taken on, or technology itself.
The decision to retire wasn't made lightly, but Ms Robb wanted to give the "next breed" the opportunity to make their mark.
She plans to spend her time travelling where possible, community work with the Fivebough Wetlands and the Griffith Suicide Prevention and Support Group, and spending more time with family and friends.
"I'll definitely miss the camaraderie of the staff ... you get to become friends with so many people," Ms Robb said.
Ms Robb was recently recognised for her efforts at a Leeton Shire Council meeting by staff, councillors and mayor Paul Maytom.
"Melva contributed significantly to the evolution of Fivebough Wetlands from an undeveloped swamp into the wonderful reserve facility we enjoy today," councillor Maytom said.
"The area is highly regarded amongst bird watchers and ecologists and is well utilised by the community for public recreation.
"Melva's enthusiasm and capabilities have been crucial to this success and we thank her greatly for her efforts."
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