By Casey Neill
A mother and daughter duo have worked side-by-side for almost 20 years.
Niki Leclair joined her mum Anthousa Oustas at the Dandenong Letters Centre when she finished Year 12, back in 1998.
“Both my parents were working for Australia Post,” she said.
“I went there as a Christmas casual.”
Niki, from Berwick, finished her three-week stint and her parents suggested she apply for a permanent part-time position.
“I’ve been there ever since,” she said.
“I became a full-timer in 2003.
“I’ve always looked forward to work.
“We process mail on the machines and I also work in the video coding department.”
Anthousa, from Hallam, joined Australia Post in 1985.
“In between she had four kids as well. She never really took time off to be a stay at home mum,” Niki said.
Anthousa works the 1pm shift, while Niki starts at 6am.
“Pretty much every day for my whole working life I’ve seen my parents, or my mum,” Niki said.
“It adds colour to my working life.
“I absolutely appreciate having her there.
“I couldn’t imagine her not being at work. I’m just so used to her being there.
“I honour her every day, I honour her hard work.
“She possesses a power beyond that of a king on his throne.
“That’s how I describe my mum.”
