A "good listener" in the Dubbo office of the federal Member for Parkes since 1996 has been Evelyn Barber, known to all as "Ev".
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Friday marked the 20th anniversary of her first day on the job when she was "nervous and unsure of what to expect".
Four bosses and two decades later she's not part of the furniture, rather a valued member of the "family".
"We're just like a family and I feel part of it all," said Mrs Barber, now office manager.
Four politicians have held the ever-expanding seat of Parkes with the unswerving support of Narromine-based Mrs Barber.
They are Michael Cobb, Tony Lawler, John Cobb and current member Mark Coulton.
The latter three were in Dubbo on Thursday to mark the 20-year milestone at a staff lunch.
"Ev has assisted hundreds, if not thousands of constituents with all manner of issues, and her help with immigration/ visa matters in particular will be known to many," Mr Coulton posted on Facebook on Friday.
"She is unfailingly considerate of the concerns of others."
Mrs Barber was trying to avoid the limelight on Friday as she attended to her duties in the office in Brisbane Street.
Between two and six people come through it doors each working day, needing her help on matters related to immigration, tax and finance.
"The best part of the job is getting a good outcome for someone," Mrs Barber said.
"I like helping people through their difficulties and difficult times."
While she likes a good yarn, Mrs Barber considers that being a "good listener" is critical to the role she fills.
The office manager said working for the four politicians had been rewarding and never boring.
"Every day is different and I am always learning something new," she said.
"It just doesn't seem like 20 years has passed."