More than 1000 years of combined service in the NSW public education system has been recognised with 25 teachers and staff honoured at the Department of Education Service Recognition Dinner.

Held last week, the event shone a light on some of the most committed and hard-working educators in the state who have each chalked up more than 50 years of service with the department.

They were joined by 35 other staff who were recognised for reaching the landmark in 2023.

Glenys Gardam, who is currently based at Iluka Public School as a school counsellor servicing Chatworth Island Public School, Harwood Island Public School, Gulmarrad Public School and Palmers Island Public School was among those honoured.

Ms Gardam has worked continuously within the NSW education system in various capacities since 1970, transferring to the North Coast in 1988 with Maclean High School as her base school.

She retired in 2009 and returned to casual work within the Clarence Valley as a Home School Liaison Officer and School Counsellor before resuming part-time work with her present role in 2016.

As a school counsellor working across multiple schools, Ms Gardam said her approach is to help the staff develop the skills to support the wellbeing of their students.

“I really enjoy the enthusiasm of new teachers and enjoy supporting them to do their job,” she said.

“The majority of teachers are there not just to teach, but to encourage growth in children and to see them do well.

“It’s those skills you can foster in staff to discover what is really going on with a child.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns extended his appreciation and congratulations to each staff member who was recognised, describing them as wonderful ambassadors for public education.

“Between them it would be safe to say they’ve had a direct impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of students in this state, sharing their depth of knowledge and commitment to learning across multiple generations,” he said.