By BRIDGET SCOTT
A CARDINIA shire employee described as “a Chanel handbag” was bid a fitting and emotional farewell last week.
Penny Ponnamperuma, secretary to Cardinia council’s chief executive officer, stepped down after 26 years in the position and will head off overseas to celebrate her retirement.
About 80 people packed a room at the shire offices last Wednesday to say goodbye to one of their favourite colleagues.
Employees from the council took turns in sharing their memories of Penny, who was also serenaded by Mayor Graeme Moore with the song Penny Lane.
Di Ashton spoke highly of Penny and described her as the Matriarch of Cardinia.
“I knew if I wanted to know anything I’d go to Penny,” Ms Ashton said.
“Her dedication and loyalty sets her apart.”
Cathy Douglas and Catherine Mourao read out an ode to Penny which highlighted her great cooking, eye for fashion and dedication to the Cardinia shire.
McMillan MP Russell Broadbent also took a minute to thank Penny and said: “She has been an absolute blessing to the organisation and the wider community.”
Penny has been secretary to five CEOs and it was said that she still keeps in touch with every one.
Colleague Fiona Matlock thanked Penny for welcoming her to not only Cardinia, but into her family as well and said “when I found Penny it was like finding a Chanel handbag”.
Current CEO Garry McQuillan said “what a tribute” and praised Penny for all of her hard work over the years.
The retiring secretary admitted she wasn’t sure how her farewell came together because she was usually the one organising everything.
She thanked Cr Moore, who she said was the “musical mayor”, and said she couldn’t have loved her time at Cardinia any more.
“I have enjoyed my time here and I am extremely fortunate,” she said.
“I want you all to wake up in the morning and look forward to coming to Cardinia,” she said.
