But on Monday afternoon, after 57 and a half years in the business, Mr Chester walked from the Scott Parade office for the final time. 

“People said I loved my job too much to leave,” Mr Chester said. “I’ve been here since I left school in December 1956.” 

After more than five decades in the Ballarat printing business, Mr Chester said he was looking forward to the next chapter of his life. 

“I’m hoping to play more golf and travel,” he said. 

Mr Chester said he had not considered working in any other career when he left school. 

“I love my job,” he said. “My favourite part has been meeting new people and creating products.” 

Mr Chester said the printing industry had changed in the past five decades, with computers replacing typesetting machines. 

“They have downsized a lot, by about 30 per cent to 40 per cent,” he said. “Everything changed in the late 80s and early 90s.” 

Lloyd Chester and Darby Waller opened the printing business in Ballarat in 1932.

The commercial printing business moved from its Armstrong Street headquarters in 1958 to Scott Parade. 

Until recently, Mr Chester worked alongside his brother, Clarke. 

Mr Chester said he would still have ties to the Ballarat community in his retirement. 

“I’ll still continue to work in the community,” Mr Chester said. “I’ve been a part of the Wendouree Rotary Club for 33 years and have been on the board of management of Vision Australia for 29 years.”