It was 1981. There were big hair and shoulder pads as far as the eye could see. Malcolm Fraser was Prime Minister and the four millionth Holden left the assembly line.
It was also the year Chris Randall began working at a Bridge St pharmacy in Benalla.
On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, she was celebrated by staff and customers as she completed her last day of work at Jenny Milner Marsha Watson Pharmacy after 43 years.
“I was actually 16 when I started here,” she said.
At that age, she never envisioned still working there until retirement, and she’s seen a few changes in her time.
“We didn’t have any of the technology,” she said.
“When a customer came and bought a whole lot of items, we used to write them all down on their account.
“We had lots of files, all hand-written.”
Chris said her fondest memory of working at the pharmacy would be helping people.
“You become friends, and get a good rapport, and they have confidence in you when they come back.
“And also all my colleagues. They’re the best.”
Chris said she is looking forward to keeping fit in retirement.
“I’m a gym junkie,” she said.
“And I like doing the park run and jogging. And I play bowls.
“So I’m hoping to do a lot more of that.”
She said she was also looking forward to spending more time with family, especially her grandkids.
“I want to say a big thank you to everyone. All the staff here. Marsha is the best boss in the world.
“I’m going to miss everyone.”