KELLY Atkins will reach an incredible milestone this year when she blows out 40 candles to celebrate a career dedicated to the local real estate industry.

Kelly started in 1986 with John S Atkins & Co, and originally intended to spend a “gap year” in the family business.

However, four decades later, she’s still here – testament to her passion for the industry and deep connection to the Moree community.

Now a cornerstone of Raine and Horne Moree, Kelly proudly continues her family’s legacy, bringing with her a wealth of experience, knowledge and genuine care for her clients.

Under her leadership, the business premises have also undergone major renovations, including a much-needed facelift that has modernised the office and aligned it with the evolving needs of today’s real estate industry.

There are also tributes to the past, including Kelly’s silky oak desk that was used by her mother.

Her time in the business has seen many highs and lows.

She navigated a devastating office fire, weathered the challenges of Moree’s floods and droughts, and celebrated the region’s bumper harvests that have helped shape the local economy.

Last year, Kelly and her team celebrated another significant milestone when the family business chalked up 50 years. The milestone honours the strong foundation built by her family in the 1970s and celebrates the continued success of the agency.

Throughout the journey, Kelly has balanced business with family life.

During her career, Kelly and husband Geoff welcomed two sons, Tom and Max, and, true to her work ethic, returned swiftly to the family business with the boys in tow.

“Tom and Max quite literally learned to walk and talk in our Albert Street office,” Kelly laughed.

Kelly’s journey included the loss of her parents in 2020, with John and June passing within five months of each other. Building on the foundation they created, Kelly remains committed to honouring their legacy by leading the family business with a clear vision to ensure its growth and future success.

Every single day is a highlight for Kelly, a new adventure.

“It’s always a privilege being part of the different stages of a person or family’s property journey, sometimes joyous, sometimes sad,” Kelly said.

“Across all those decades comes a genuine empathy for each situation, only learned by experience, and I feel I’m doing my best work as a result.”