Shirley King began her career at the discount department store on August 17, 1976, after the then-29-year-old decided to get back into the workforce after having children.

It's fair to say, she probably didn't expect to be still be there in 2021, claiming the title as the longest-serving Big W worker in history.

Her first day coincided with the opening of the store to the public, and the 84-year-old hasn't looked back since.

"I started the same day the store was opened, and my first shift was three hours long," she said.

"I was very happy to get a job there because it was my first job after having children and I have been here ever since.

"The customers are one of my favourite parts of the job and seeing how we can help them and make their day, I also love to shop, so I like looking at all the new products in store that BIG W offers."

As to be expected with a career like Ms King's, she has seen countless co-workers and managers pass through along the way, but she still regards the store as one big family.

Despite seeing so many people come and go, she said the biggest change from when she started has been in the technology they use.

"I find working at BIG W is inspiring because of the family atmosphere," she said.

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"When I go to work, it's like going to see my family and that is why I love it so much, the team in Tamworth are all very close.

"I think the biggest change would be the use of technology.

"Technology has certainly changed over the years and with all the automation things are much quicker now, and much more efficient."

The store's current manager, Matt Dustin, has been there for seven years himself, and worked for the company for 25 years.

However, he admitted he had nothing on Ms King, and said it was a special feeling to know she was still around to witness the anniversary.

"Having Shirley here still working with us is fantastic, 45 years is a long time," he said.

"We've got quite a few long term employees, we recently had another team member Peter Hoad retire, so he was here actually before the shop opened.

"So it is exciting to have people who have been here the whole time and really share the whole history of the store with us all."

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