A lifelong Melton resident – and much-loved aunty – celebrated her 100th birthday last month in the company of her family and friends.
Living at Estia Health Melton South aged care, Audrey Arnold celebrated the major milestone on Thursday 11 September in the company of her extended family, friends, and other residents.
One of her many nieces, Cheryl Evans, said Ms Arnold has “always been active,” including working with Red Cross to serve tea and coffees to blood donors, collecting donations for the Red Cross appeal, and hand knitting more than 1000 trauma teddies.
“She’s only been in a nursing home since December last year. Otherwise, [she’s] lived by herself. She’s never [been] married, never had a car license, never had a car,” Ms Evans said.
She said Ms Arnold is an aunt to 20 nieces and nephews, a great-aunt to 34 – and a great-great-aunt to approximately 24 others.
“[She is] very happy, cheerful … [and] always has a nice word for everyone,” Ms Evans said.
Great-niece Donna May said Ms Arnold grew up in a house on High Street in Melton.
She described her as the matriarch of the family.
“She’s always been there for everyone … she’s just the most amazing woman. I just love her to death,” Ms May said.
“She is an amazing woman, and we are very blessed to have her in our lives. Auntie Aud has been there for every one of us and is very loved,” she wrote in a Facebook post.
Along with the celebrations, Ms Arnold also received a letter from King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Premier Jacinta Allan.
