Bob blows’em away with 100th birthday secret

WHEN Bob Olney of Korumburra sailed past 100 years on Monday, October 23, he wasn’t taking any of the credit for his long life himself.

At a party with family on the previous Sunday and also with friends at Carinya Aged Care on the day, he said simply that “good genes” were to be thanked instead.

“Home-grown food, hard work and dancing until I was 90 but mostly just good genes,” said Bob as he cut his second birthday cake in as many days.

According to his daughter, Elaine Collyer, who was at both events, her mum, Bob’s wife for 74 years, Elsie, is also due to celebrate her 100th birthday in May next year.

“They danced a few times a week until they were 90. We’re pretty lucky to still have them both with us.

Bob and Elsie were wheat and sheep farmers in the Western District until they retired to Grovedale near Geelong and ultimately Korumburra a few years ago, when two rooms came up at Carinya, to be nearer to family members.

“They’ve absolutely loved it here,” said Elaine.

There were letters from King Charles III, the Governor General, the Prime Minister, Department of Veterans’ Affairs and others congratulating Bob, who blew out his candles and then shared a superb-looking cake with residents, staff, family and friends at Carinya.

Staff at Carinya received the following letter from Bob’s family: “Sincere thanks for the wonderful care and best wishes for Bob’s 100th on Monday. Bec, your cake was very special and Chris, you made the afternoon terrific along with your helpers. Thank you also to all the staff for your wishes and greetings. It has been a real treat.”

“Here’s to Bob, a centenarian with a heart of gold! Happy 100th, Bob!” they said on Facebook.

Carinya Aged Care now has three centenarians; Bob Onley who turned 100 on Monday, October 23, Topsie Cairns who passed the 100 milestone in March 2023 and Flo Cooper who turned 104, also in March this year.