Judy Denton recognised for two decades at City of Nedlands

In the two decades Ms Denton has worked at the City, she has seen people grow up, grow old, move out of Nedlands and move back again.

She said she has plenty of stories to tell, but was too discreet.

But she is always happy to share her stories of possums crashing through the ceiling on to staff members’ desks and a ghost who may or may not wander the corridors of the administration building after dark.

Ms Denton’s gentle manner and long tenure have made her a trusted figure.

She said an elderly resident regularly brought her chocolates.

“His vision is not what it used to be these days, so sometimes he also brings in a letter or bill and asks me to read it for him and let him know what he needs to do,” she said.

“It gives me a good feeling to be able to help people.”

Ms Denton said residents were always relieved to see her when they had not been into council for a while.

“They’ll say, ‘oh I’m so glad you’re still here, I know you’ll be able to help me’,” she said.

“I know their history and background so they don’t have to go through the story again of what happened last year or the year before.”

Ms Denton said she was thinking about retirement but had not made any decisions yet.

As grandmother to nine-month-old twins, she will have plenty to keep her busy when that day comes.

But for the moment, she is happy to remain as one of the best-known faces of Nedlands.