On Thursday 25th October 2018, Inala Community House Healthy Ageing Program (Acacia Ridge) organised a special 90th birthday party for one of our dearest members Margot Benstead.
From 11.30am, we welcomed everyone from the community to join in the celebration, with special guests including Margot’s close family and friends. We were thrilled to host the happy crowd at our Acacia Ridge centre (29 Chardean Street, Acacia Ridge QLD 4110).
It was great to watch everyone enjoying the opportunity to mingle and catch up with one another. Old and new friends alike!
Thank you to our Community Engagement volunteers and staff for doing a wonderful job of decorating the venue and preparing a festive feast for all.
There were healthy choices of various cut-up fruits, sandwiches, cheese platters, quiches, crackers with dips and more. For desserts, we had a delicious selection of different flavoured cookies, scones and cakes.
Birthday girl Margot loves chocolate sponge cake – so we got her a huge one for all to share on this special occasion!
“We would like to thank everyone for coming today. Thank you Margot for being such a wonderful and loyal participant at our Inala Community House Healthy Ageing Program (Acacia Ridge) program for so many years. It is a blessing to have you. Happy 90th and today is your day!” said our Community Engagement Manager Haley Kiata during her speech.
Everyone joined in to sing a birthday song, followed by Margot cutting the cake and thanking everyone for their presence.
From left to right: Community Engagement Coordinator Larissa Vaiomanu, Moorooka Ward Councillor Steve Griffiths, birthday girl Margot Benstead and Community Engagement Manager Haley Kiata.
A special thank you to Councillor Steve Griffiths for taking his time out to support our event and community. He gifted Margot her favourite flowers – orchids – and went around greeting the crowd.
A happy Margot surrounded by her close family and friends – so many of them met through our Inala Community House Healthy Ageing Program (Acacia Ridge)!
A quick Q&A with Margot Benstead turning 90…
Hi Margot, where were you born?
I was born in Atherton Tablelands, a highland region of northern Australia near Cairns, Queensland.
How many siblings do you have?
I have one sister and two brothers. Now John is my only brother left – he is 92 and lives in Coopers Plains.
Did you work?
I didn’t work until I was a little older. I previously worked as a squash coach, part-time secretary and did lots of work with churches.
Are you married?
Yes, I have been married since 1950 to the most beautiful man called Laurie.
What was your favourite pastime when you were younger?
Getting engaged was my favourite memory. I enjoyed playing tennis and riding motorbike. My husband Laurie and I were very active and loved to play sports.
Do you have any children?
I have 9 children – 5 boys and 4 girls, 18 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
What is your greatest achievement?
Right now – living to 90!
What are you proud of?
My entire family.
Any advice on maintaining youthful?
Laugh and take life as a joke!
What is your favourite quote?
Be happy. I love all my friends here at Inala Community House Healthy Ageing Program (Acacia Ridge). Friendships are incredibly important.
We welcome everyone to join our healthy ageing programs or community events. You can contact us: 3372 1711 | info@ich.org.au | www.ich.org.au | www.Facebook.com/ICHAustralia | 38 Sittella Street, Inala QLD 4077.