This month, we say goodbye to a cherished member of our team, Shirley O’Farrell, who is retiring after an incredible 18 years with Planfarm.

From the very first day, Shirley has brought warmth, good humour and vivacity, brightening the Narrogin office and making visitors feel welcome. Shirl has formed many a relationship with clients as she has scheduled budget meetings, answered accounts enquires, and generally helped convey information through an unfailingly friendly demeanour. On top of that, Shirley’s much-loved morning teas have become legendary. New Zealand recipes for Lolly Cake and fudge, amongst many other treats, have left those not in the Narrogin office salivating with envy.

Over the past 18 years, Shirley dedication to her job has ensured everything ran smoothly in Planfarm. Regardless of the task, Shirl could always be counted on to instil order, then maintain it unvaryingly thereafter. Budget data and accounts data was entered efficiently and accurately. Any list of tasks, from following up overdue invoices to organizing office renovations, were tackled with cheerful zeal. Shirley is our Gold Standard for how to clear an inbox of To Dos every day, and when a document needed to be found from 10 years back, Shirl’s index system came up with the goods!

Another admirable feat has been Shirley’s ability to coordinate the Planfarm activities and bring us together as a team. Logistically, she registered us for conferences (like herding cats is an apt description), and frequently found the last room available in town courtesy of her Quest contact. But even more importantly, Shirl brought our team together by bringing her sense of fun to team-building activities, be it ukelele accompanied sing-a-longs, dress-ups, or as Chief ‘Roundup’ for our Blackwood Marathon campaigns.

As Shirley embarks on this next chapter, we want to express our deepest gratitude for the care, kindness, and joy she has brought to our workplace. You leave behind countless memories and a legacy of laughter that will stay with us long after your departure. (We accept no responsibility for any videos of team members performing Neil Diamond karaoke songs that may surface in the days after the farewell party…)
Thank you, Shirley, for everything you’ve done over these past 18 years. We know that you will continue to spread happiness wherever you go. We wish you all the best in your retirement, and hope you enjoy finding more time to play your ukelele. You will be greatly missed!