By Jessica Micallef
New Gisborne’s Mavis Arkinstall enjoyed being the centre of attention last week for a very special reason.
The Warrina Aged Care resident celebrated her 105th birthday on May 8 surrounded by family and messages of love.
“It’s very special turning 105,” she said.
“I never dreamed I would make it this far. It’s nice being the centre of attention once in a while.”
Ms Arkinstall grew up in Kyneton and was the oldest of six children.
At age 16, she left school to become a nurse at the Epworth Hospital but her career was cut short when her mother died. She returned to Kyneton to help her father raise her five siblings.
Ms Arkinstall then met and married the love of her life, Harry Arkinstall. The couple shared 63 years of marriage before Mr Arkinstall died. Together, the couple raised three children, Ann, Ian and Graham
To celebrate her birthday, staff at the aged care centre organised a special high tea.
“My immediate family joined me, with my extended family visiting me through the windows,“ Ms Arkinstall said.
“Nothing has ever stopped me from celebrating my birthday with my family and neither will coronavirus.
“Family is my world, we have always been very close.
“They keep me going and make me want to live to 106.”
The 105-year-old received cards, letters and drawings from children across Australia and the globe in the lead up to her birthday, after nursing director Tara Chandrasegran posted on social media asking children to send through cards.
“We have been inundated with beautiful cards and drawings. It’s so heartwarming receiving them all,“ Ms Arkinstall said.
Ms Arkinstall credited her long life to being around family, eating healthy, staying active and her love for the Essendon Football Club
“They keep me going,“ she said.
“I am a crazy supporter.“
Ms Arkinstall is the loving grandmother to six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
