From typewriters to tablets

“Now that everything is done on computer, we don’t have anywhere near the paper trail we used to, which is a big improvement,” Ms Allen said.

Ms Allen has worked for the Department of Human Service for over 50 years.

At just 15 years old, Ms Allen took a public service exam after training as a typist.

“I was offered a job and asked to start that afternoon – so I did!” she said.

Over the past five decades working for the Department of Human Services, Ms Allen has seen some incredible change – not to mention the massive difference in how work is done.

“Attitudes have changed so much, when I began women had to retire from public service when they got married,” she said.

Ms Allen was married in 1964, leaving the service, but a year later received a call from her old boss.

“By then things had changed and I was allowed to work, my boss asked me if I could return temporarily for six weeks to fill in for a man who broke his leg, and what a long six weeks that’s been!”

Even after more than 50 years working, Ms Allen has no plans to slow down.

“I’m not planning to retire as long as I’m fit to keep going. I love the social aspect of it, I love the people and the type of work we do for the community.”