WHIDDON Narrabri resident Elaine Jones will this week celebrate her 103rd birthday – a remarkable milestone reflecting a life of service, family and community engagement to the district.
Incredibly, this centenarian who has given so much to the community, only stopped volunteering with Narrabri Meals on Wheels five years ago – she hung up the apron at 98 years of age.
Elaine was born on October 22, 1922 – a Sunday – at Wee Waa, the youngest of 11 children to Evelyn and Bob Slack-Smith.
She grew up on the property, Drumard, at Burren Junction.
Elaine married Keith Jones from Myall, Pilliga, in 1948 and four children quickly joined the fold – Brian, Doug, Main and Ann.
In the 1950s, the family lived at Woodlands, Bungunya – between Goondiwindi and St George – and by 1957, had relocated to Glenleigh, near Collarenebri.
Sadly, Keith died in 1960, with Elaine and her young family moving to Narrabri.
Elaine’s secret to such a long and healthy life is really no secret at all – plenty of walking is the key, she says.
“You should always park half a mile away from where you need to be and walk,” she smiled.
She says a positive outlook, social engagement and community involvement are qualities she embraces every day.
In 1984, Elaine moved into the Apex Retirement Units, now known as Whiddon Self Care, in Dangar Street and is now a resident at Whiddon Narrabri, where she is well-known for her positive outlook, strong community spirit, and dedication to family.
Elaine supported social causes throughout her life and has been actively involved in her community through the Church Women’s Guild, COE Parish Council, Narrabri Public School Canteen and P&C, Country Women’s Association and Narrabri Historical Society.
In most organisations, she has held leadership roles such as secretary, vice president, and president.
Over many years, Elaine volunteered tirelessly for Meals on Wheels. She reserved fruits and vegetables, as well as helped in the kitchen and only stepped back from volunteering five years ago. Elaine also cooked at pony camps, and acted as a volunteer roster clerk when needed.
Elaine is a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, and has knitted blankets as wedding presents for all her 20 grandchildren.
Elaine was named Narrabri’s Citizen of the Year in 1979 for her expansive community work and 20 years later received an Order of Australia Medal for service to the community.
Narrabri Shire mayor, Darrell Tiemens, congratulated Elaine on reaching such an incredible milestone.
“Elaine is a long-time Narrabri resident and has dedicated her life to community service and volunteering,” Cr Tiemens said.
“She has been involved with the CWA, Meals on Wheels, and other local organisations, earning both Citizen of the Year and an OAM.
“On behalf of the community and Narrabri Council, I thank her for a lifetime of giving and wish her every happiness on this special milestone,” he said.
Eliane will celebrate her 103rrd birthday with family, friends and fellow residents at Whiddon Narrabri on Wednesday.
