Community & Business
28 February, 2025
Bernie ends chapter
Clifton’s librarian Bernadette Trimingham recent retirement marked the end of an incredible 36 year career as the custodian of knowledge in the Clifton district.
Thursday, 20 February marked nearly 36 years to the day since Bernie commenced her employment at the then Clifton Shire Council on the 19th of February 1989.
Although the library moved locations and the Council itself radically changed its form Bernie remained for well over three decades as a friendly face behind the counter.
Over the past few weeks many residents have taken the time to pop into the library and give their best wishes to Bernie before she retired.
A special retirement ceremony was held to mark the special occasion.
Around 50 invited guests joined in the celebration including friends and colleagues from across many years, as well as four current Toowoomba Region Councillors.
Bernie said it is bittersweet, with lots of emotions, to be retiring after 36 years in local government.
“I’m looking forward to travelling, more volunteering and spending time with family and friends, but I will miss my library family, the many book lovers and community members who visited the library each and every week,” she said.
“Please accept sincere thanks to everyone who attended my farewell on Thursday 20th February - the book lovers, past work colleagues, current work colleagues, friends and the general community as well as the many people who visited in the weeks leading up and sent many messages.
“‘It will be a time I will never forget.”
At the farewell, guest speakers included Cr Melissa Taylor who spoke on behalf of the Councillors and Tahnee Pearce, Manager Library and Cultural Services.
“Bernie has unparalleled knowledge of the Clifton people and their histories.,” Cr Taylor said.
“She is also a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the extensive services the Council provides for the community.
“Stories of Bernie’s delightful character will be told around the library for many years to come.”
In front of the audience several members of the community shared anecdotes and thanked Bernie for going above and beyond in her role, including Maryann Bisdee, Anne Glasheen, Adele Saville and Merrilyn Hamilton.
Bernie was joined by her daughter Alicia Trimingham-Turl, who travelled from Hervey Bay to be there.
Aside from her employment, Bernie has been heavily involved with community groups.
She has been a part of the organisation of council elections, Australia Day and Anzac Day celebrations, she has served as a guide leader for many years, she has been on the Clifton Hospital Board for 23 years, the Vice President of Clifton Local Ambulance Committee for 30 years, the Secretary of Clifton RSL Sub-Branch, a Life Member of the Clifton RSL Women’s Auxiliary, and a Clifton Show Steward for 35 years, a role she started the week she got the job at Council.
When Bernie first started work for the Clifton Shire, it was her re-entry into employment.
“In Clifton, I raised my two children Aaron and Alicia, as well as 11 pre-adoptive foster babies from birth before stepping back into the workforce at Clifton Shire Council in 1989,” she said.
She enjoyed the job straight away.
“The team of people I worked with in the former Clifton Shire Council were very welcoming and supportive.
“The greatest thing was that the team were multi-tasked in all aspects of local government.”
The biggest change for the library during Bernie’s tenure was when it was moved 23 years ago.
“There are so many memorable moments for me, however the most memorable achievement for
a small council and it’s community, was moving from the small library attached to the Shire Office to the new Clifton Library and Community Centre in 2002 where it currently stands,” Bernie said.
“I also fondly remember travelling to Brisbane every three months with Pittsworth, Crows Nest and Highfields Shire Librarians to select our own books for our community.
“Without a doubt, the working and social environment in the Clifton Shire Council days, was the most memorable to me.”
Over Bernie’s tenure technology has also vastly changed how libraries function.
“Over 36 years, the advancements in technology, from a manual borrowing system called the’ Brownie System’ to the now fully online borrowing services has been a great advancement, but one that I have enjoyed.”
During the farewell, Cr Melissa Taylor spoke about all the administrative roles Bernie filled during her career.
“Bernie was responsible for helping to maintain Council records and Council properties such as the cemetery, the aquatic centre, community hall and the showgrounds… just to list a few,” Cr Taylor said.
“Bernie, thank you for all you have done during your time at the Toowoomba Regional Council.
“You have been an exemplarily employee, showcasing exceptional expertise and commitment to your role.
“Our Council and the Clifton community have been very lucky to have you, you will be very missed.”
Bernie is believed to be the second longest tenured staff member of the Clifton Shire/Toowoomba Regional Council.
Former Deputy Shire Clerk Ron Gurney, who was there for Bernie’s retirement, worked for 37 years.
Although retiring from working life, we can still expect to see Bernie around Clifton as she enjoys the next chapter of her life.
“I will stay locally, but will also visit my daughter Alicia in Hervey Bay from time to time,” she said.
“There’s lots of travel planned, as well as night bowls which I love to attend.
“My main priorities are the Clifton RSL Sub Branch, Clifton Local Ambulance Committee, Show Steward and the Clifton Community Health Services Consultative Committee.
I would like to acknowledge my library family, who are the TRC South West Region Team, for their friendship and support.
“My time at the library hasn’t all been about books, it’s been about connections with the fabulous community of Clifton and a willingness to help as best I can.”
