For more than four decades, Margaret Archer has been a familiar and comforting presence for older people in Scone, supporting thousands of residents and their families in their final years.

From mothers and later their daughters to farmers, doctors and equine industry workers, Margaret’s care has been there at a time in their lives they needed help.

Margaret was honoured with a service award at the recent HammondCare Scone Mission Recognition event, acknowledging her extraordinary contribution as an aged care worker since on June 8, 1984.

“It hasn’t been hard to do the 40 years,” Margaret said. “It’s always been a place with plenty of community spirit.”

HammondCare CEO Andrew Thorburn told HammondCare Scone staff gathered for the Mission Recognition event that 40 years of service is an incredible achievement in any workplace. He said Margaret’s love for her work and connection with people has never changed through her time of service.

“Over all those years, you’ve shown such dedication, care and compassion, touching the lives of countless residents, family and colleagues along the way,” he said.

Margaret, of Wingen, began her career at St Margaret’s Hospital Maternity Home in Sydney before moving to Scone in her mid-20s.

When she started at the former Scone District Nursing Home when aged care looked vastly different. With just one mechanical lifter for residents, staff endured much backbreaking work physically moving residents. Two-hourly wake-up calls for toilet breaks through the night were routine before modern dignity aids were introduced, improving quality of life for residents.

Margaret said the connection with the Scone community has always been strong. During the annual Scone Horse Festival, residents would sit on the back of an open truck to participate in the street parade – until police stepped in with safety concerns.

The Scone District Nursing Home, sited next to the Scott Memorial Hospital on Stafford St, doubled in size as it took on beds from the closure of Brancaster House. Later the name changed to Strathearn Village and in 2016 HammondCare acquired the home.

Margaret was there when the last residents relocated from Strathearn Village to Gundy Road in 2022. She recalls being the last person to turns the lights out on that historic day along with a colleague.

In recent years, Margaret has been working night shifts at HammondCare Scone.

HammondCare Scone residential manager Caitlyn Easey said Margaret had seen plenty of change but her love for her work and connection with people has stayed the same. “She has brought warmth, humour and professionalism to everything she does,” Ms Easey said.

After some overdue long service leave with partner Ian and beloved Jack Russell dog Geoff, Margaret intends to continue her care for the residents at HammondCare Scone. No thoughts about retirement any time soon.