Not-for-profit organisation Access Industries held its 70th anniversary celebration on Thursday, June 6 at the Lithgow site.
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Janette Cooper, Lithgow's longest serving employee, was excited to be attending the celebrations.
Ms Cooper was recently presented with a service award for her 45 years of work with Access Industries.
"It's been a long time and I am still here," she laughed.
Ms Cooper said she loved working for Access Industries in Lithgow.
"I absolutely love it, I am really glad I came here," she said.
As part of the celebrations, a smoking ceremony was performed by Uncle Owen Smith.
"I thought it was appropriate because a large part of our workforce is Indigenous, so it was particularly apt to involve them in the celebration," Access Industries manager Tony Mitchell said.
Staff members of the Lithgow site walked through the smoke to cleanse their body and spirit.
"We just want to welcome you here today and remind you all to respect the land you walk one, be polite and respectful to those around you," Uncle Owen said.
"Look after our country now, it doesn't matter what race you are, we are all equal and we need to take care of each other."
Access Industries CEO Rob Kirkham attended the celebrations and said Uncle Owen's speech struck a chord with him.
"I think Access Industries is just a place that really cares about people, it has been open for business since April 1949 by a small group of eight people who wanted to do more," he said.
"We wanted to help people who had disabilities have valued work, and considering we are still here 70 years later is a wonderful thing."
Mr Kirkham said that in 1978 the government asked if Access Industries could help out a Lithgow business that was having some issues.
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"Later we brought that business into our care, but then in 2013 the business burnt down. But a group of dedicated people rebuilt this modern facility we are in today," he said.
"I just want to thank both our past and current employees for your continued efforts."
Manager Tony Mitchell said he had been in the laundry industry for over 30 years and with Access Industries since April 2018.
"With over 30 years of laundry experience, I am constantly amazed by how happy and professional the staff are in our laundry," he said.
"With great support from the community we provide a sense of accomplishment and pride in the workplace to all our staff.
"For 70 years the laundry has been part of Lithgow's business community and we look forward to many more years of supporting our community 'through our business endeavours."
CEO Rob Kirkham said it was amazing to have someone like Tony with the Access team.
"He has so much experience in the laundry sector and is just amazing with people, and that is the combination we need," he said.
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