On Thursday, June 28, the half a century milestone was reached for Ken, who began work in Canowindra back in June 1968 after an opportunity arose to join Gordon Boag Accounting working out of the library building on Gaskill Street.

Originally from Bathurst, Ken would stay at a Bed and Breakfast on Suttor Street and travel home on the weekend before he, his wife Jackie and son Scott made the move to Canowindra late in 1968.

Mr Boag moved to Canberra in 1971 and Ken approached Bathurst accountant Dennis Keogh to become partners and Bennett Keogh Associates was established. 

In 1987 the business moved to its present-day site on Gaskill Street.

Mr Bennett said it’s been an interesting 50 years, his love of working with farmers and small business having a big influence on his longevity of working in Canowindra. 

“I enjoy working with farmers and small businesses,” Ken said.

“They’re a bit more like my own mentality. Dealing with farmers, they’re a bit more down to earth and generally enjoy the job.”

He said developing relationships with clients and catching up each year is the most satisfying part of the job.

“You get to know them. The communication between yourself and the client not just about business, but personal,” he said.

“The first half an hour can be just speaking about how’s things been? How’s the kids? How were the holidays?”

Change in technology has had a big influence over the years, Ken said.

“If people want to know something they they just tell you to bring up the tax agent portal online, ringing up these days is nearly a waste time. That’s the biggest change, I suppose it’s like every industry it’s changed everything.”

Also, inkwells, quills and thick ledgers have made way for computers.

Ken’s son Scott returned to Canowindra from Canberra in 1991 to join Ken when Mr Keogh moved to Bathurst to run the Bathurst part of the business.

Outside work, Ken was an active member of the Canowindra Lions Club for about 15 years.