Published on Wednesday, 24 July 2019 at 10:00:46 AM
Picture Caption: Susan Smith leaves the City after more than 20 years.
If anyone has seen vast changes at the City of Greater Geraldton, it’s someone who has been an employee for more than 20 years.
Susan Smith started at the City of Geraldton in 1994 as a Library Clerk and departs the City as Manager of Community and Cultural Development.
A steadfast leader at the Geraldton Regional Library, Susan furthered her study to become Assistant Librarian and then the City Librarian.
After a six month stint in Mandurah in early 2006, she returned to the City and remained at the Library until 2017 when she took on the role of Manager Community and Cultural Development.
City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim thanked Susan for her unwavering commitment to the organisation.
“Susan’s passion for the community and our Library has been evident throughout her time at the City,” he said.
“The Library and its current programs would not have been as successful without her.
“We wish Susan all the best on her retirement and thank her for her dedication, professionalism and service to the City.”
Known for her love of literature and the arts, Susan was a key driver at many key events and milestones at the Library including its move from Cathedral Avenue to Marine Terrace, the growth of the Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival and the City taking out the Local Government Award in the prestigious Heritage Council’s WA Heritage Awards - just to name a few!
While there were countless memorable moments throughout her time, Susan said the advances in technology had played a huge role in the Library’s growth.
“During my early years at the Library, I remember sending my very first email off into the wild blue yonder!” she said.
“This was a great change from writing memos or posting letters. Libraries were always at the forefront of technology, so the introduction of Public Access Internet computers was another milestone.
“Continuing with the IT revolution, Geraldton was the first Public Library in Western Australia to introduce E-books to our readers.”
Commencing in 2005, the Big Sky Writers and Readers Festival holds a special place in Susan’s heart.
“We have introduced so many fantastic writers and artists to Geraldton, including Robert Drewe, Michael Rowbotham, Michael Leunig, Alison Lester, Bruce Pascoe and Grantlee Kieza,” she said.
“Listening to Chopin being played in the Library by a former concert pianist during one of our Big Sky openings has been one of my most memorable moments also.”
Susan said she will now take time to, “explore the world we live in”.
“Being appointed as the City Librarian was a very memorable moment for me. I felt privileged to hold this position and strived to provide the best possible Library service to our community,” she said.
“There will now be time to catch up on so many things such as increasing my general knowledge, rekindling old friendships, improving my French, trying to get fit and growing my garden.
“I will miss the bonhomie of fellow staff the most and the opportunity to make a difference in the community.”
Susan’s last day with the City was Tuesday 23 July.
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