Writing in 1975 on a new era of computerisation, former Goulburn Evening Post manager Simon Terry alluded to newspapers' "continuing struggle" for efficiency. The message is just as relevant today, says Mrs Jones.

On Friday, she hung up her distinctive hat on a long administration career. The "go to" lady for everything from accounts to payroll, social club, a friendly chat and sympathetic ear was surrounded by good will and a few tears.

She started at the Post as a 16-year-old in 1974, almost straight out of school.

"I started at the supermarket and watched the paper for job vacancies," Mrs Jones said.

"When one came up here, I was successful."

The late Ray Leeson was the editor and Mr Terry the manager.

Starting out as the 'junior girl,' she collected mail and delivered morning tea to the busy editorial department upstairs.

The office was buzzing with 60 staff and a noisy hot metal press.

Workers grabbed copy shot down a chute and rushed it to the comp room before the 3pm deadline.

"People would be lined up at outside at 2.55pm to buy the paper," Mrs Jones said.

"At that time we had a footy tipping competition and people would buy up to 25 copies each to do their entries."

She worked with the likes of Col and Vern Daniel, journalists Leon Oberg and Ian Frazer, the late June Hutchins, Bob McMahon, Sue Betts and Brian Hill, both of whom remain with current owners, Fairfax.

"They were fun days with very much a family atmosphere," Mrs Jones said.

"Everyone was good spirited and very respectful of management. Today it's more of a friendly relationship.

"We had a great social club, with golf days three times a year, card nights, tennis and always a terrific Christmas party."

After a few years she moved to the Post's Johnstone Printery in south Auburn Street. There she worked for three to four years in accounts, administration and customer service.

Later, back at the main office, Mrs Jones continued in those roles.

"I've enjoyed the camaraderie and serving the public because that's what a newspaper is all about. It's most important we do that as best we can," she said.

"There's a big variation in the things we deal with; people lose things, they want directions and sometimes enquiries are unrelated to the newspaper but you try to help anyway.

"About two years ago a woman phoned and said she'd seen an ad about farm work and accommodation, which she'd always wanted to do. We managed to find it and gave her the details.

"She came in two weeks later and thanked us and said it had changed her life because she now had a job and a house. You reap the satisfaction."

Computerisation had been the biggest change over the years and it continued to this day. She believed it was for the better and the newspaper would always be on the "same roundabout."

She thanked the company for supporting her, including through difficult times.

Staff farewelled her at a Blue Plate Restaurant function on Thursday night, which her family also attended.

Today she begins a new chapter. From a large corporation, Mrs Jones starts work with a local real estate agency.

"I'll miss my workmates, the challenge of the position, the atmosphere and the customers," Mrs Jones said.

Goulburn Group manager Helen Esson described her as "the heart and soul of the newspaper."

"Anything you want done, Karon's always willing to do and we will miss her greatly," she said.

"We wish her all the best in her new venture."