PATRICIA Gould has celebrated 40 years on Albury Council with friends, family and colleagues.

About 80 people gathered yesterday to honour the 78-year-old’s service to the community, which began long before her election to the council in 1974.

Albury mayor Kevin Mack praised Cr Gould for the way she had conducted herself while on the council.

“It’s an illustrious career and it’s dotted with a lot of achievements,” he said.

“Working with Patricia over the years on a lot of different committees and boards has been a pleasure.

“It gives you that impetus to join local government.

“She has certainly conducted herself very fairly and of the highest integrity.”

Cr Alice Glachan recounted stories of Cr Gould attending her primary school and the high regard people held her in.

“It’s an important milestone for local government across NSW,” she said.

“Patricia has been a fantastic role model for many in local government.”