January 9 technically marked the 41^st anniversary since Fairview was opened in 1979, however no celebration was held last year. Instead the celebration marked the end of the 40^th year in operation.

Pam McLaughlin was there from the start. She started at Fairview on January 9, 1979 and stayed on as an Enrolled Nurse (EN) for more than 30 years, having retired 10 years ago. Pam and her husband Don now live in a unit at River Gum.

"All my years at Fairview were just beautiful, I enjoyed it immensely," she told the crowd, who packed into the Perry James Lodge dining hall for the anniversary morning tea on Thursday, while choking back tears.

"It's just been a wonderful establishment to work in. Everyone is very special."

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Mrs McLaughlin paid tribute to then-mayor Perry James and his team who were instrumental in Fairview's establishment.

"Without them we wouldn't be on the ground here," she said.

Mrs McLaughlin and current employee Carolyn Moore had the honour of cutting the cake on Thursday, both being long-serving staff members.

Mrs Moore started at Fairview on night shift as a young EN in 1985 and has progressed through a number of roles over the years, from physio assessment to becoming an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse and finally transitioning into the office in 2011, where she remains as a quality manager.

"Fairview has been a part of my life," she said.

"I got married in front of the fountain, I had my 21^st here, I've seen my kids grow up here."

Former Fairview CEO Brett Arthur also attended the anniversary morning tea. He had spent a total of 25 years working at Fairview in two stints as CEO and administrator prior to that and said his greatest memories involve the great characters he's come across in that time.

"The best part is some of the characters you see in the residents and the staff here," he said.

"And how dedicated all the staff are, and how hard working. I've worked with some very dedicated and lovely people."

Fairview originally opened as a 59-bed facility, with 39 beds in the hostel section and 20 in the nursing home.

Another 20 beds were added in 1984 when the west wing was built before the major extensions, completed in 2010, saw the nursing home demolished to make way for the new building and an additional 17 beds in the dementia wing.

Fairview now has a total of 96 beds, plus the 18 units at River Gums which was built in 2000.

There have been a number of changes over the years, particularly when it comes to government rules and regulations, however perhaps the biggest change is yet to come.

Next month Fairview will become part of the larger not-for-profit aged care provider Whiddon, marking a new beginning for the local retirement village.

This means the end of the Board of Fairview, but all are looking at it as a change for the better.

"I look forward to the Whiddon group coming," Mrs Moore said.

"It will be good for Fairview, good for residents and good for Moree."