Flo’s big day: Torquay resident celebrates centenary milestone

THE “life of the party” at Torquay’s Ocean Mist Aged Care residence on Grossmans Road has celebrated a massive milestone.

Long-time Torquay resident and former nurse’s assistant by trade, Florence Oxley, was surrounded by friends and family this afternoon to celebrate her 100^th trip around the sun, but while Ms Oxley’s actual birthday takes place tomorrow (Friday, August 23), it did not hinder the occasion.

“Everyone has made me feel very important, if I’m honest I wasn’t thinking too much about turning 100 you know, but it has been so overwhelming, the cards, the people wishing me well,” Ms Oxley said.

“It has made me realise it is a big age to reach and a lot of things have happened in those 100 years.

“I’m just extremely grateful for everyone putting in the effort.”

Originally living on a farm in St Arnaud, Ms Oxley and her late husband George moved to Torquay in the mid-1970s after he joined the State Electricity Commission.

The couple became the talk of the town through their membership at the Torquay Bowls Club, with Mr Oxley leading the charge in getting the club its liquor license.

Known fondly as “Flo”, Ms Oxley is a mother to four children, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She said the community and the people of the Surf Coast were the major factors for her settling here.

Ms Oxley moved into the Ocean Mist residence almost four years ago, before her husband passed away in 2022.

But Ms Oxley is appreciative to have made many new friends along the way, creating some of her fondest memories since moving in.

“The activities here are marvellous, I find it very active from everything including the drums to our music sessions,” she said.

“The place is nothing without Yvette, though, she keeps this place running and she’s absolutely worth her weight in gold, that’s for sure.”

Among the new people Ms Oxley has met is the residence’s lifestyle co-ordinator Yvette Watts.

Ms Watts said Florence is one of the most recognisable individuals at the aged care home, due to her memorable charm and enthusiasm for life.

“Being 100, she’ll have a go at absolutely everything, we’ve taught her a lot of things she never thought she’d learn, and she really is the life of the party,” Ms Watts said.

“She’s still lifting weights, still keeping active, she’s everyone’s friends, it’s just amazing.”