Sandra began at the Chronicle in 2004 as an advertising consultant after working for Cranbourne Star before moving to Cobram to raise her and husband James’ young family.
Sandra has been a mainstay in the advertising department, being involved with 980 papers over her time and around 100 special publications.
“Every week was different. From the advertising point of view and what people were wanting to advertise week in and week out to what was happening in town and featuring in the paper,” Sandra said.
“We did a lot of different advertising features that would incorporate varying advertisers and we had a lot of fun with some of them as well as several special publications which were always different to work on than our usual paper advertising.
“Yarrawonga’s 150th birthday celebrations feature was a highlight to work on. It was something a bit different that everyone seemed to like as well, and we sometimes still get asked if we have copies of it.
“I was involved in nearly 1000 papers which is strange to think about but a lot has changed over the years and no two weeks were the same.
“We had a lot of technology and program changes so I have learnt a lot over my time.”
Rest assured, those who didn’t get to see Sandra before she finished up, she won’t be a complete stranger as she will come back to the office for a couple of days to help her successor fit in.
“I have really enjoyed my time with all the people I’ve met over the years,” Sandra said.
“I wanted everyone, every new business to be successful so I tried to help promote that in the best way possible.
“It is also amazing to look back at how Belmore Street has changed in that time. Different stores as well as clients have come and gone, the layout has changed.
“I have also worked with a lot of lovely staff, they have been a great bunch to work with over the years. Some that have been gone for several years but I still stay in contact with.
“I will miss our Hard Luck coffees and morning chats but it has been great the time I have spent working here.”
Sandra said it had been a privilege to work for the Yarrawonga Chronicle for many years.
“I want to thank Jared and the entire Loughnan family for their support over the years,” she said.
“I am really going to miss everyone. It’s been a wonderful journey.”
Managing Editor Jared Loughnan said Sandra has been a much valued and respected member of the team at the Yarrawonga Chronicle for almost two decades.
“We will miss Sandra’s warm smile and friendly nature but also her professional attitude towards her position and her clients,” Jared said.
“Sandra’s had many people come into work recently to wish her all the best in retirement which is a testament to how well she built valued relationships with her clients.
“We wish her and husband James a wonderful and well-earned retirement.”
Sandra’s final work day, last Thursday was made even more special with Sandra and James welcoming another grandchild, a little girl to their daughter Ashlynn.
Sandra’s plans for the future include spending more time with James as he also retires, watching her grandchildren grow and plenty of babysitting duties whilst also packing up the caravan to explore this beautiful nation of ours.
“James and I are planning to spend time with family, friends and to travel,” Sandra said.
“We now have eight grandchildren so we are going to be kept very busy.
“We plan to travel a fair bit in our van but this region is a good place to live so we will always return.”
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