If you grew up in Gilgandra, there's a good chance you know Miss Veronica. She might have cuddled you in the nursery, helped you with your shoelaces or waved you off to big school.
This year, Veronica Sutherland celebrates 25 years at Aussie Kindies Gilgandra. And some of the children she once cared for are now bringing their own children to her.
From "the office lady" to Centre Manager
Veronica started at the centre in 2000, back when it was called The Learning Tree. Her job was in the office, looking after the admin.
But the centre needed more educators, so Veronica decided to help.
"They were struggling for educators, so silly me went and did my Diploma to help them out!" she said.
When the Centre Manager moved on, Veronica stepped up. She's now been running the centre for more than 20 years.
"I stepped in and never looked back. I've been a jack of all trades."
Want to know more about the qualifications our educators hold? Read our guide to who looks after your child at Aussie Kindies.
"Miss Veronica!"
Every year, around 20 to 25 children graduate from the centre's Preschool Program. Over 25 years, that's more than 500 local children Veronica and her team have helped get ready for big school.
Many of them still recognise her around town.
"The highs every day come from the children. I'll be in the supermarket and hear, 'Miss Veronica!' It might be a three year old or it might be a 30 year old recognising me!" she said.
"I have the photos and memories of hundreds of Gilgandra's little people, and now I see those same people walking around town as adults. It's beautiful to have been part of their journey."
The nursery babies are now the parents
There's a special photo on Veronica's desk. It shows five children she cared for in the nursery in her early years at the centre, all together again years later when they were at high school.
Today, two of the girls in that photo are sending, or getting ready to send, their own children to Aussie Kindies Gilgandra. Another came back to work at the centre as an educator.
One of those girls is Hayley Sutton. Her daughter will start at the centre in 2027.
"My memories are so happy, it's the number one centre in my eyes," Hayley said.
This year, the milestone is extra special for Veronica too. Her own granddaughter is graduating from the Preschool Program and getting ready to start primary school.
Why a familiar face matters when you start childcare
Starting childcare is a big step, for children and for parents. Hayley knows that feeling well.
"Even though it's scary to be sending my daughter off to daycare next year, I know she's going to be in great hands, and my son will go the year after," she said.
That kind of trust doesn't happen overnight. It grows when families see the same friendly faces at drop-off, year after year, and know their child is with people who care.
If your little one is about to start, our settling in guide has tips to help the first few weeks go smoothly.
A team that sticks together
Veronica says the centre's success comes down to her team. Many of them have been there for years.
- Early Childhood Teacher Melissa Watt has worked alongside Veronica for 20 years
- Educator Kristy has been at the centre for 14 years
- Educator Michelle Holland has been at the centre for seven years
"When you get great people, we stay together as a team and we do everything for the children to help them develop a lifelong love of learning," Veronica said.
"I've always tried to run the centre the best I can. I believe in good management and making sure our families and team value and respect the service we provide."
A legacy that's come full circle
Aussie Kindies is part of Affinity Education. CEO Glen Hurley said Veronica's 25 years had made a huge difference to early education and to the Gilgandra community.
"There are very few careers where you have the privilege of seeing the impact of your work come full circle quite like this. Veronica has cared for and educated children who are now returning to Aussie Kindies Gilgandra as parents themselves, entrusting her team with the next generation of their family. That is an extraordinary legacy," Mr Hurley said.
"She has led with warmth, resilience and an unwavering commitment to quality, building the kind of trust with families that can only be earned over time."
Morning tea, football in Japan and no plans to stop
Some of Veronica's favourite memories happened outside the centre gates.
"One of my favourites was three of the boys who, when they graduated from kindy, told their parents they wanted to take me out for morning tea at the cafe down the road, and so we walked down and had tea together," she said.
"They still keep in touch. One of them is over in Japan playing football. I'm so proud of what the children achieve, and I love following their lives."
And retirement? Not just yet.
"I'm 65 now and my husband says I won't retire. I think he's right," she said. "While I can keep doing this job, I will."
Happy 25 years, Miss Veronica. Thank you for everything you do for Gilgandra's families.
Come and meet the team at Aussie Kindies Gilgandra
Thinking about childcare or preschool in Gilgandra? Pop in and say hello to Veronica and the team. They're always happy to show you around and answer your questions. Find opening hours and contact details on the Aussie Kindies Gilgandra page.
You can also find out more about our Preschool Program and how it helps children get ready for big school.