For 40 years she’s been the smiling face that has greeted thousands of hungry and homesick UNE college students, but Maureen Hollis has finally called time on her long-serving career.
A constant, kindly presence in the kitchens of Duval, Drummond and Smith, Austin and most latterly Robb, Maureen has worked for both the university and its contract catering teams, mostly on the frontline.
“I have been all around the university, in the kitchens, on the switchboard and even working as a housemaid, but my last 18 years have been on the servery at Robb,” she says. “I’ve loved my job and being out front for the kids. I’d get excited when they came in for dinner, and say hello to every single one.”
Even during times of great personal hardship Maureen has prided herself on lending a comforting ear.
“It’s been great knowing the students, caring for them and listening to their problems,” she says. “Some come in and you can see they are down in the dumps and going through hard times. I’ve tried to cheer them up, with a joke or a smile. I’ve just loved being with them; they’ve kept me young.”
