Since starting as a 17 year old, Mrs Pellizzer has become an integral part of business, her heart and sole dedicated fully to her customers, her work and her colleagues who she refers to as her family.

Visibly teary and lost for words, Mrs Pellizzer was celebrated by dozens of her colleagues in a surprise morning tea on Friday.

"The staff her are my family, they have all been an absolute joy to work with over the years" Mrs Pellizzer said.

"I have been so blessed to be able to make lifelong connections with all my customers and the wider community by working at the Yenda Co-Op.

I really could not wish for a better job, they have been wonderful to me here."

Managing Director of the Yenda Producers, Peter Calabria said that Mrs Pellizzer was a 'mainstay' of the business.

"Through all of her time at here at Yenda Producers Kay has truly embodied the Co-Op itself in regards loyalty, longevity, community spirit and friendship" Mr Calabria said.

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"She is very community focused, staff oriented, as far as customers go she goes well out of her way to satisfy their enquiries and needs.

Kay is also mentor and mothering figure to a lot of the staff here and with that carries a lot of respect, we have all learnt a tremendous amount of patience and empathy from her."

Company Secretary, Anthony Nehme called Mrs Pellizzer 'irreplaceable'.

"She is very much at the heart of the business, you can't really explain someone who has given 60 years of their life to a business" Mr Nehme said.

"It's unheard to work in the same business for this long, we love her, simple as that and we are thrilled to be celebrating such a milestone for her."

Even after 60 years, Mrs Pellizzer has no plans to slow down any time soon and will continue to work full time in accounts as the longest serving employee that the Co-Op has ever seen.

"I don't plan on leaving anytime soon, I just love it working here" Mrs Pellizzer said.

"Everyone here at the Yenda Co-Op just want to give a big thankyou to Kay for her commitment, dedication and input both into the business and into the local community" Mr Calabria said.

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