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Wishing a very happy birthday to our wonderful client Nellie McEachran on the celebration of her 105th birthday. Nell, as she is affectionately known, was born on 5th November 1916 in Mackay, Queensland.
Nell’s father was a cane farmer in Rosella and her mother, who she describes as a ‘wonder mum’, cared for Nell and her 3 younger siblings, 1 brother and 2 sisters, ensuring they were involved in the local community.
As a young girl growing up in country Queensland, Nell loved to attend school. She attended Chelona State School in Mackay and later moved onto Fairholme College for 2 years, graduating in 1932.
Nell and her cousin rode their push bikes 8 miles into town on an unsealed road to attend dress making classes. Nell reflects on those times and shares that she would have loved to study nursing. That was not to be however and when Nell finished school, her Grandmother came to live with the family, requiring an extra set of hands. As a result, Nell decided to stay at the family home and help support her mother and family.
Looking back on her younger years, Nell points out some noticeable differences between life back then and today’s modern way of living. “In 1932, people tended to finish school and stay home to provide support to the family. Today, they tend to finish school and move straight into working life”.
Nell’s father didn’t get his first car until 1942, having no mechanical skills or driving skills. Notwithstanding, he went on to teach Nell and her brother Norm how to drive at a very young age and at 15 years old, Nell used to drive her Mum and Grandma to church, travelling 1 mile down the road. A few years later when Nell turned 18, her father took her into town to get her licence.
Now at 105 years young, Nell has 1 granddaughter, 4 grandsons, 4 great grandsons and 3 great granddaughters. She has been a valued Ozcare client since 2013, and lives at her family home where she is supported with a personalised Home Care package from Ozcare Gladstone.