EXECUTIVE officer Gilli Williams has admitted there may well be a few tears today when she closes the door to the Office of Economic Development for the final time.

Following a decision to wind-up the organisation taken earlier this month due to financial uncertainty, the final week of the OED’s existence has seen a steady stream of removal men coming and going as the office is stripped bare.

Remaining staff member Louise Williams (no relation) joined Ms Willams in packing up the final boxes yesterday before the office is closed for good tonight.

One piece of good news is the fact administration assistant Mel Benardos has found alternative employment with Telstra at Mittagong, who have kindly agreed to take over her traineeship.

But both Gilli and Louise Williams face uncertain futures and will be out of work by the end of today.

Ms Williams said most of the office’s belongings had been donated to the Salvation Army or returned to the people who had made earlier donations.

A timetable of closure has been pinned up on the office wall to make sure all the loose odds and ends are tied up by tonight.

Louise Williams said there had been a few enquiries in the final week, mostly regarding the Department of Fair Trading.

“One man even popped in and had a good look around because he heard the office was closing and wanted to check that it was true.

“I don’t think it’s really hit home yet that the office is closing, it’s seems like we’re just transferring to a new office and we’re moving all the furniture”.

Gilli Williams added that it would probably hit home tomorrow though and she would do her best to contain her emotions, although she expected there would be a few tears.

“Louise has got a couple of irons in the fire regarding possible work and I’m pleased that we managed to fix something up for Mel.

“I’ve not got any idea what my future holds.

“To be honest, I’ve been so concerned with making sure that this office closes properly, I haven’t had much time to think about anything else.

“I’ve organised a final get together for one day next week when we’ll all get together to toast our achievements and have a few farewell drinks”.