Six centenarians, one big celebration!
Centenarians Shirley, Phyllis, Leone, Jean and Ruth, with (from left, standing), Mr Swanepoel, Mr Henskens, Ms Boele and Pastor Strickland.
Residents of Adventist Aged Care in Wahroonga, Sydney, have celebrated a remarkable milestone, with six women aged 101 and older—including one who is 107—honoured at a special birthday celebration this week.
The centenarians were joined by family, friends, staff and special guests for a morning tea on Wednesday, complete with cake and tributes. The honoured centenarians included Ruth Hunter (101), Jean Pease (107), Phyllis Timms (102), Leone Rocke (101) and Shirley Norris (101). Unfortunately, Noelle Humphreys (105) was unable to attend due to illness.
Brian Swanepoel, CEO of Adventist Aged Care Sydney, described it as a “very special occasion”. “It is a very special privilege to have so many people over the age of 100 in our facility,” he said. “It’s very unique, and we thoroughly appreciate the residents and the lives they have had—and that they share them with us.”
Special guests included State Member for Wahroonga Alister Henskens and Federal Member for Bradfield Nicolette Boele, who both shared their warm wishes.
“I think this is the greatest concentration of centenarians in the electorate,” said Mr Henskens.
“The change in the world during your lifetime has truly been magnificent and you’ve obviously been incredibly resilient to have gone through all the technological and other changes in the world since you were born. So that’s a great encouragement for us as we deal with the challenges of the modern world to think that you’ve dealt with so much.”
Ms Boele added, “Thank you for your contribution to our communities. It’s such a privilege to be here to celebrate with you. Happy birthday.”
The celebration began with an opening prayer from Adventist Church leader Pastor Cheonneth Strickland, before a photo presentation, morning tea and birthday cake.
