Although Kay said she was sad to leave the hospital, she was looking forward to “a bit of a rest” in retirement.

A farewell morning tea was held at the hospital on Thursday April 28, her final day of work.

Mrs Dyer was presented with a a special Mount Isa Monopoly game, a gift from colleagues.

Mrs Dyer said it had been a long career path, but she had enjoyed every minute of it.

“I have particularly enjoyed working in the nursing pool, which meant I could be called on to work anywhere in the hospital,” she said.

“I have loved it; it’s very stimulating and every day is different.”

North West Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Director of Nursing, Lissa McLoughlin, said Mrs Dyer would be sorely missed by fellow colleagues and friends.

“We really value our long serving staff as they have a wealth of nursing experience and knowledge,” Ms McLoughlin said.

“Kay has been a terrific asset to the hospital for so many years and we will be sad to see her leave.

“We wish her all the best for her retirement and future endeavors.”

Mrs Dyer said she had seen a lot of changes since entering the workforce.

Mrs Dyer went straight into nursing training from school at age of 16, in South Australia, and still has her letter of acceptance “from Matron Crozier in Adelaide” for her first position.

South Australia on the Murray River will be the eventual retirement destination for Mrs Dyer and her husband Ron, who established Mount Isa Shades and Screens and Mount Isa Carpet Court when the couple arrived in Mount Isa in 1990.

Their children have now taken over the businesses and Mrs Dyer said her time would now be taken up with helping two of her grandchildren successfully get their hours up on their learners’ licences.