50 & fabulous

50&

fabulous

Seven of Hall & Prior’s extraordinary women turned 50 in 2021 (there must have been something in the water in 1971) so Gabi Mills found out what this milestone means to them personally and professionally.

Fiona is 50!

Fiona Prior, Manager Executive Services, Head Office, WA

“I was in denial about turning 50 which I have never been in before with my age. 50 is a milestone, and I am glad I had a party to celebrate with my family and friends. “I was humbly appreciative of how many people came to celebrate with me. The high was certainly diminished by the card from the local Federal Minister that included bowel screening information in it and then the next day from the Health Department of WA about breast screening - talk about remind you! “I am looking forward to a lot more years of fun, family and friends. I honestly have to remind myself I am 50 as I often think I am only 42. Cheers to 1971!”

“Being 50 is great, but then I thought being 49 was great! I was born on Melbourne Cup Day and turned 50 on Melbourne Cup day so there is definitely some luck in my life.

“I had a fabulous time turning 50 because I realised how dear my friends are to me, and also that friendships have come from unexpected parts of my life. It was all tinged with a bit of COVID sadness as most of my family are interstate and overseas. “But that just means that I will have to do it all again, another time!” Penny Celebrates with friends

Janelle and family

Janelle McFarlane, Executive Director Regional Leader, Head Office, WA

“I am grateful that as a person who has enjoyed the privilege of the best of Australian life, I can call 50 middle age and I enjoy good health. In our work we assist people who, due to extreme poverty, are prematurely aged and are experiencing significant disability, and thus find themselves in aged care at this same age. “Secondly, because it is a mid-life milestone, I reflect on the many milestones and joys of growing up in a rural setting as well as enjoying in adulthood the business of balancing work, study and life with children. Now that my children are adults, I am looking forward to spending weekends away with my husband Scott, and directing more energy into the important work that we do.”

Angela Day, CNS Infection Prevention and Control, NSW State Office

“For my 50th festivities, I was taken out for dinner and a night away at Jonah’s, then it was onto a lunch date with my boys and a live music gig at the Enmore in Sydney. “I ask myself - what more could a girl want at 50? I have a great job which I love, fantastic and caring friends and a family of charming men who I adore.

“The greatest thing about turning 50 is remembering the memories and making more.” Happy Birthday AnGe!

Toni & friends

Toni Neck, Director/Architect, Think.e (lead architect on Hall & Prior’s award-winning Karingal Green Health and Aged Care Community, High Wycombe, WA)

“I am loving being 50. I feel like I’m still in my 30s except my eyes, hips and knees remind me daily that I am not! “My husband and I had a four-day festival in Denmark. We booked out Newfarm caravan park, and set up a projector and screen for the footy grand final in a shed. We did a long, slow dinner on Sunday September 29. It rained - like all good festivals. My husband David played cocktail barman using our camper trailer and we had grazing plates with local produce for “rock o’clock” at 4pm with the feast around 7pm. We had fire pits to stay warm and had 50 adults and 50 kids attend. We also made festival merchandise - I made transfers and bought t-shirts and hats for people to make, mainly the kids. “I have noticed that I worry less about the small stuff. I am confident in my knowledge and people’s opinions of me don’t phase me. I am looking forward to focusing on my areas of interest, to getting strong and not let my hips and knees win, and enjoying everything that I have worked hard for.”

Armanda Capelli, OSH Manager, Head Office, WA

“Turning 50 to me has given me the chance to reflect on what I have done in the last 50 years, and what I want to do in the next 50 years. There is definitely no time to put things off until tomorrow, so be responsible for your own happiness and always lie about your age! “My new quote to live by is “I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done!”

ARMANDA Turns 50!

Lara Moltoni, Executive Manager, Karingal Green Health and Aged Care Community

At the time of going to press, Lara was taking a well-deserved break down in the south west with some pals - but we wanted to congratulate her too on reaching this milestone. Happy 50th year Lara!