Longstanding community worker Hazel Crombie dropped the curtain after six years involvement with the Wairarapa Addiction Services yesterday, but it by no means signifies her withdrawal from community work altogether. Mrs Crombie, 65, was farewelled with an afternoon tea at the service's Victoria Street attended by colleagues, board members and family. ManagerMary Freeman said Mrs Crombie would be greatly missed for her extraordinary community knowledge, her way with colleagues and clients, and her deep understanding of the system Addictions Services workers navigate on behalf of their clients. "You always seemed to be able to get twice as good a package (from WINZ) than anybody else. "The other thing I'll miss is I won't be able to get into half as much trouble without you. "It's the people that make the service, and you're one of them." Mrs Crombie said she had thoroughly enjoyed her time with the service, and would miss the work. "I'll miss them," she said. "Believe you me, they're nice to work with and we're just lucky we don't have to deal with what they do. It's an illness, like the flu or a cold. "Age gives me the wisdom to say that I've never worked in a place that has been so nurturing, so strong." Her work in the community is not done though. Also involved with He Rau Wahine Awhina, she will continue with that group and also act as an independent advocate, "for those who have been behind the door". "I'll be around."
