On a sunny Saturday at Lochiel Park, a remarkable celebration took place as well-loved and respected local, Ella White, marked her 100th birthday, surrounded by family and friends who had travelled from across Australia to honour the milestone.
The love and admiration for Ella was palpable as guests shared stories and laughs together in what became an unforgettable afternoon for the beloved centenarian.
Ella, overwhelmed with joy, spent the day beaming and reconnecting with those she holds dear, a testament to the deep relationships she has cultivated over her century-long life.
With a simple yet heartfelt afternoon tea catered by the Orbost Club Hotel, attendees enjoyed traditional delights such as scones with jam and cream, slices, an assortment of hot finger foods and mixed sandwiches.
To complete the celebratory atmosphere, members of the Orbost Snowy Rovers Football Netball Club manned the bar, offering drinks to the crowd.
A key figure in the Orbost community, Ella has made lasting contributions to various local organisations.
She is especially recognised as a founding and life member of the Orbost Garden Club, here her passion for florals continues to leave a mark.
In honour of this, beautiful floral centrepieces adorned the tables at her celebration, showcasing her love for gardening and all things in bloom.
The personal touches did not end there.
Family members created circular photo centrepieces chronicling Ella’s life, from baby pictures to more recent memories.
These centrepieces became a favourite among guests, who took time to wander from table to table to look over Ella’s incredible journey.
On the reverse side of each were snapshots of her cherished garden and favourite plants, a nod to her lifelong love for nature.
Adding to the nostalgia was a table of memorabilia, which displayed old photo albums, scrapbooks and clippings from Ella’s frequent contributions to the Snowy River Mail.
Known for her poetry and community involvement, Ella’s appearances in the paper became a running joke within her family, as they often wondered if there were any weeks where she wasn’t featured.
As the celebration unfolded, it became clear that Ella White is more than a century-old community member – she is a living piece of Orbost’s history, cherished by all who have had the privilege to know her.
The outpouring of love and admiration on this special day was a fitting tribute to a life
well-lived, filled with love, flowers and an unwavering dedication to her community for whom Ella firmly believes in doing the best you can with the abilities you have, attributing her long life and good health to her faith in God.
