Vito “Vic” Sammartino focuses intently as he sharpens his straight razor on the piece of stone he brought to Australia from the small Italian village of Vizzini more than 48 years ago.
He arrived in Melbourne on Sunday, January 29, 1966 and headed straight for a barber shop in Werribee where he has spent almost every day since.
“I stepped off the plane and came here for work straight away and I’m still here,” Mr Sammartino says.
“I’ve had one job at one place for 48 years. I want to do it for another few years so I can get to 50.”
Mr Sammartino’s iconic barber shop in Station Place, Werribee, is the oldest of its kind in the area.
A steady stream of loyal customers still come in to get a traditional haircut and close shave before receiving a dab of cologne on their necks and behind their ears.
Mr Sammartino started cutting hair when he was just seven, standing on a small wooden box he made himself so he could reach his customers.
Back then he worked after school to make enough money to go to the local picture theatre.
“I’m still here because I like the job,” the 68-year-old says. “I’m still healthy and this keeps me alive.
“I still have customers who come back to Werribee after 20 or 30 years to see if I am still here – and get a haircut.”
As Werribee changes around him at a rapid pace, Mr Sammartino continues to sharpen his blade and prepare for the next shave.
