On Monday, work was closer to home with the Camperdown stalwart opening a new sign writing business in Camperdown.

Mr Conheady said after 30 years the business partnership, Autografix Signs, between himself and John Van Es had dissolved.

He said through his new business, Mr Sign, he hoped to retain his Warrnambool clients.

"Over the years we both built up our client base," he said.

"We're both still in business and I see a bright future for both of us.

"I realised the other day if you include uni before I started working I've been coming to Warrnambool every day for 33 years."

But he said there would still be plenty of days travelling to Warrnambool to work with clients there.

"I've developed a number of clients in Warrnambool," he said.

"If they're still willing I'll be more than happy to take their phone call.

"So there will still be plenty of days travelling to Warrnambool."

He said he had always had fantastic support around the Corangamite region which he hoped would continue.

Mr Conheady said during the first COVID-19 lockdown last year business had been very quiet.

"Then we got busy with signage for local councils to say playgrounds and barbecue areas were closed, socially distancing required etc." he said.

"A lot of COVID-related signage.

"That created a lot of work.

"By June, (Prime Minister) Scott Morrison brought in the instant tax write off which meant more car sales and the flow on effect was more work for sign writers on new work vehicles.

"But it was certainly quiet at the start.

"In this most recent lockdown there has been a noticeable downturn. People have taken it very seriously.

"I think a lot of people are weary and don't want to end up in a situation like what Sydney is going through."

Mr Conheady said he and his wife Donna wished Mr Van Es and his son Mitch the very best moving forward.