Ian Moore and Cynthia Moncrieff have been praised for their achievements over many years - most lately, by bringing skilled migrants to the district to help address the skills shortage.

“By assisting with skilled migration to respond to our skilled labour requirements, they have contributed to the economic development of the New England North West region,” said Northern Inland Regional Development Board project officer, Kim-Trieste Hastings.

After more than 35 years of continuous service, Mr Moore had his last day as a regional outreach officer on Friday.

Mr Moore said it had been a career path that yielded countless unforgettable experiences.

“My life in immigration has been an interesting, challenging and extremely rewarding journey,” he said.

“Some particularly memorable moments included working on the administration of airport refugees from the Vietnam War, particularly the orphans; British child migrants; conducting the first citizenship ceremony in Tibooburra (400km from Broken Hill), in 2003... the list is endless.”

Some cases really left their mark. “The first terminally ill repatriation case I handled was in 1975. He was British and six months older than me ... I’ve still got the postcard and the subsequent letter from his parents, advising me of his passing and thanking me for all the assistance I’d provided.

“I was asked recently what I thought were the qualities required of a DIAC officer. I said that having a good knowledge of the legislation and policy was important but only a bonus. I found that the valued instilled by my parents, such as honesty, decency, a sense of humour, mateship and above all, respect for yourself and others were much more important.

“Immigration may be a numbers game, but it is also about our fellow human beings.”

Mr Moore’s retirement plans include volunteer work with the Starlight Foundation.