100th Birthdays Across Our Centres

1923 in Australia’s history was a significant year, marked by many historical milestones. From the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Provisional Parliament House to the telephone link between Sydney and Brisbane being officially built, it was a momentous and special year. For a handful of our Salvation Army Aged Care residents, this year was equally significant as it marks the year of their birth. Fast forward some 100 years later and these residents have celebrated their 100th Birthday, distinguishing their transition to officially being considered a Centenarian. 

For resident Peggy at Barrington Lodge Aged Care Centre (“Barrington Lodge”), her birthday celebrations in April were particularly extraordinary as she had been quite unwell towards the end of December in 2022. In Peggy’s determined spirit however, she revealed her grit and determination and was celebrated with a lovely picnic in a quiet, leafy area of Barrington Lodge. Peggy was delighted to be surrounded by family and received many beautiful bouquets of flowers and birthday cards from family and her friends at the Centre alike. At the birthday bash, Michael, Peggy’s son also read two letters from local and Federal Politicians who wished Peggy well and acknowledged her support for her late husband, who served in World War II.  

Riverview Gardens Independent Living Units (“Riverview Gardens”) resident and retired Salvation Army Officer, Major Myrtle, celebrated her 100th Birthday in January this year. Major Myrtle is an inspiring woman who still lives on her own in a unit at the Riverview Gardens Retirement Village – she has only just started receiving services from Salvos Home Care. Major Myrtle’s connection with The Salvation Army started in about 1930 when she started Sunday School. She then entered The Salvation Army Training College in 1946 and then went on to serve in social homes, as she notes “from cradle to the grave” until she retired in 1983. To this day, Major Myrtle is still an active member of Riverview Gardens. She is involved in the church and even plays the kettle drums every Sunday with the Bundamba Corp Band. In her spare time Major Myrtle can be found keeping active, pulling out weeds and looking after her well-maintained garden of gerberas.  

For Maybanke Aged Care Centre (“Maybanke”) resident, Gale, she celebrated her 100th birthday at the Centre, fit with lots of pink decorations and frivolity. Gale has only recently joined the Maybanke Centre, and her birthday morning tea was a wonderful way for her to get to know more people at the Centre. The Centre’s Chaplain, Major Neroli, notes that Gale is “a woman of style and colour” and this certainly was reflected in the vibrant decorations and birthday cake. Gale was also made to feel special with a colourful birthday crown, Birthday sash and even a pink Hawaiian lei.