With a trip to China, then Russia before a train ride through Europe all on the agenda, it is little wonder Mr Goodfellow expects to settle into a life of leisure with ease.

Starting out at council in the finance department as a rates clerk, it wasn’t long before he was appointed service manager, then media manager.

After four decades at council Mr Goodfellow said “its just time”.

“You can’t look back, you have to move forward I believe, and now that both of my children have finished high school it is just time,” Mr Goodfellow said.

While there have been many memorable moments at council, Mr Goodfellow said the most significant was the environment levy introduction in 2000.

“That represented a significant cultural shift at council, whereas once council were solely focused on roads, rates and rubbish now there is a real focus on social and environmental issues,” Mr Goodfellow said.

“Local government now plays a much wider role, the downside to that offcourse is the cost-shifting from the state government onto local councils.

“I truly believe the local government is the future, they really don’t get enough credit in my view.”

As a proud Southern Highlands local, having been raised on his family sheep grazing property out along the Wombeyan Caves Road, Mr Goodfellow said between the jet-setting he and wife Barbara will always return home to Moss Vale.

“Now that I am retiring I am also looking forward to making sure my vegetable garden is the best in Moss Vale,” he said.

Despite the long stretch at council, Mr Goodfellow said there has never really been a plan.

“I have always just lived for the moment,” he said.