Much-loved Bellata resident Pat Bennett has served the community in the local post office with a friendly chat and a smile for over three decades.

Together with her late husband Rex, Pat took over the operation of the post office and mail runs on November 1, 1988.

And still to this day, at 90-years-of-age, Pat is working at the post office five days a week, a testament to hard work ethics and a loyalty and commitment to the Bellata community.

On Saturday, March 27, 40 guests attended the celebrations to honour Pat’s 90th birthday, hosted by daughter Cathy and son-in-law Wayne (Ozzie) Hatton at their home ‘Ninkie’, Narrabri.

Pat is the eldest of six siblings, and she was delighted that her two youngest brothers were able to attend the occasion, Rodney and John Hankinson travelling from Grafton and Canberra respectively.

Pat was delighted to be able to enjoy such a happy event on the day of her birthday with so many of her family and friends in one place to celebrate the occasion, which is indeed a rare occurrence.

Family and friends travelled from as far as Darwin, Melbourne and Sydney.

All eight of Pat’s children were in attendance, Sue Bell, Steven, Tony and Michael Bennett, Cathy Hatton, Narelle Verzaletti, and Louise and Wendy Bennett.

With a growing family of 22 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, and these numbers still showing no signs of stopping, Pat is surrounded by the warmth of a loving, large family.

Speeches made by the children were filled with warm memories of their childhoods and emotional accolades to Pat.

Nostalgic moments were felt when the family referred to those who were unable to attend the party, and remembered Rex, who sadly passed away in 2006.

A beautiful cake was made and decorated by Jenny Fowler.

The family made tribute to Pat with a heartfelt message.

“We love any occasion to spend time with Nan, and this was extra special because it was all about her.

“A selfless, truly magnificent woman with a heart of gold, who should be celebrated each and every day”.

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