For over four decades, Sue Martin from Caboolture, has been making the lives of Queenslanders a little easier.
Sue is celebrating 40 years working for Centrelink, a job she says makes her feel humble every day.
“Helping customers and making things a little easier gives me great satisfaction,” she said.
“Working here has developed my passion for people and I have progressed to senior roles like corporate manager.”
As a 16 year old high school student, Sue had to sit ‘aptitude, speed and accuracy tests’ when she applied for her first job.
She was delighted to receive four job offers, and accepted a position with the Australian Government.
“I started at the Department of Social Security doing basic clerical work,” Sue said.
“It was 1979 and I remember getting my first pay cheque, $60, I thought I was rich!
“A trolley would be wheeled around with everyone’s pay envelopes and within six months I bought myself a car and went on a cruise.”
Sue worked her way up to become manager of Centrelink service centres in Deception Bay, Strathpine, Nambour and Mitchelton.
In 2003 she received an Australia Day medal for her work helping the community.
“Receiving this medal was a real surprise because I love what I do and didn’t expect to receive any awards for it,” Sue said.
“What I love most about my job is getting to know people and being able to help.
“I want customers to know if they have hit a hurdle, there are people at Centrelink who can help them through it.
“My 40 years has taught me that every customer has a story to tell and it’s important to listen, so what we do really makes a difference.”
