Cath Bowen has taken her final photograph for the Maitland Mercury after more than three decades behind the lens.
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The award-winning journalist finished up on Thursday with colleagues, civic leaders and community members paying tribute to the long-term employee.
“Cath will always be a foundation of the Mercury family,” Mercury advertising manager Sue Prescott said.
“Her contribution to recording Maitland’s history is like a time capsule that will never be forgotten.”
Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon posted on Twitter.
“Can’t believe the legendary Cath Bowen will no longer be with the Maitland Mercury,” he said. “She will be missed.”
Maitland Neighbourhood Centre’s Naomi Rees left a comment on Facebook.
“You are such a great girl Cath and I have loved working with you,” she said.
“Mrs Mercury.”
Since starting as cadet in 1984 she has captured the images of a pope, a prince and each prime minister from Bob Hawke.
She covered the Newcastle earthquake in 1989, the court case of notorious backpacker murderer Ivan Milat and the Maitland Pickers premiership drought breaker of 2010.
The one-time chief of staff was awarded the regional NSW outstanding contribution to journalism in 2013, coinciding with the newspaper’s 170th anniversary.
Her final photograph was taken of Maitland Olympian Simon Orchard, which is on the back page of Friday’s paper.
