Birthday celebrations kicked off early at Kyogle Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) recently when the residential aged care facility marked the 105th birthday of their oldest resident, Vernoica ‘Vera’ Gardner.
Born on 20 October 1920, Vera marked the milestone by posing for photos alongside her two fellow MPS centenarians; Joan Brown (who turns 101 years on 25 November) and Marisabel Hovell, who marked her 100-year milestone back in June.
Vera was born at a house for birthing mothers in Casino – some five years before Kyogle Memorial Hospital opened – and spent most of her life in the Kyogle region where her family were dairy farmers.
“That was hard work,” she recalled.
“I never saw anyone work so hard as my mother.”
Vera advised that expectant mothers used to travel to the birthing house from the surrounding countryside some weeks before their babies were due.
“It was the only holiday some of them ever got,” she laughed.
The photoshoot came days after Vera celebrated her birthday by heading out of the MPS to spend the day with friends and family.
She credits the secret to her longevity to two factors: "Trust in God, he looks after me. And stay active. You don’t get anywhere just sitting here”.
Nicole Ellevsen, Acting Director of Nursing /Executive Officer MPS Network, said staff were thrilled to share such incredible milestones with their residents.
“Our aged care residents at Kyogle MPS are highly valued members of the local community,” Nicole said.
“There is a unique sense of connection between residents and staff within the facility, as many staff live locally. I see a rich cohesiveness, created by shared social interests, and close family ties which extend beyond the facility.
“It is so important to maintain close ties to the community and to keep active by involving yourself in the social landscape.”
The milestone celebrations came just weeks before Kyogle Hospital prepares to mark its 100th anniversary with a community Open Day on Saturday 15 November from 9am to 1pm.
A highlight of the day will be the display of the bright yellow 1938 Dodge Ambulance – the original ambulance based at Kyogle Hospital.
The event will also include:
- step back in time with Kyogle Museum display
- healthcare information and checks
- sign up to be a Healthcare Helper volunteer at the hospital
- health career information
- interactive wildlife display and snake bite advice from our doctors
- kids' activities including teddy bears’ clinic, pony rides and more
- Kyogle Hospital Auxiliary stand
- Lions Club sausage sizzle and coffee truck
- local community services including Kyogle Council, SES, sports clubs and more
- heaps of fun for the whole family!
Pictured:
It’s not every day someone marks their 105th birthday! Celebrating the milestone with Vera Gardner (far right) are fellow centenarians Joan Brown and Marisabel Hovell, as well as Kyogle MPS staff members Nibu Jose, Karen Moore, Nancy Martin and Nicole Ellevsen.