This year marks the centenary for Coles as an Australian company and celebrations took place Australia wide.

Coles Lithgow was no exception, with celebrations culminating in a cake-cutting ceremony which was also attended by mayor Maree Statham.

Although not quite 100 years old, Coles has played a crucial role in Lithgow since its 1980 opening.

Employees joined the fun of the day, wearing old uniforms and creating collages illustrating the Coles Lithgow story.

In his address to the crowd, store manager Craig McGuire thanked staff for their dedication and loyal service.

This was a sentiment echoed by Cr Statham who also highlighted the important role Coles has played in our local community.

“A supermarket it is the heart of a community,” she said.

“It’s clear to see that strong, lifelong friendships have been forged in this store and Lithgow is fortunate to be able to boast such a positive and well-run store.”

It was a great opportunity to catch up with old colleagues and reminisce about the life and times of the Coles Lithgow store.

To mark their centenary, Coles has pledged to raise $5 million for current and former members of the armed services and their families who are in need of the nation’s help.

Over the next 12 months in the lead up to Anzac Day 2015 — when the nation commemorates 100 years since Australian troops landed on Gallipoli — Coles will raise $5 million through corporate and customer fundraising in its stores across the country.