Double 100-plus birthdays

By Jonathon Howard

COMMUNITY TRANSPORT Tweed recently celebrated a significant event for two of its valued clients celebrating a centenary or beyond.

Community Transport’s acting manager for the North Coast Bill Parker wrote to The Weekly to wish a happy birthday to “two lovely clients” Olga Gavioli who tuned 102 on Thursday, March 30, and Miriam Moore who will celebrate her 100th this month.

Olga is still fighting fit at 102 and celebrated with a cake and some flowers at the Tweed office.

Miriam is also celebrating the centenary milestone with her good friend Olga.

“Both Miriam and Olga love bingo and like to attend three to five times per week,” Mr Parker said.

“We noticed some time ago that we were picking them up separately and thought that they may wish to travel together.

“They have been travelling together for some time now and have become the best of friends.”

Olga arrived in Australia from Italy when she was 16.

“At age 16, she adapted to life here with her parents, sister and three brothers,” Mr Parker said. “Married the love of her life Antenore in 1939, had two daughters Diana and Bianca. “Olga devoted a lot of her time to family and made many friends with her passion for bingo.”

Mr Parker said when Olga wins everyone knows about it.

“It’s like she’s wining the lotto,” he said. “It’s great enthusiasm.”

Although she drove till she was 100, Olga now uses family members and Community Transport to drive her to South Tweed Sports Club.

Olga attributed her long life to having a happygo-lucky disposition and a “little nip of brandy for all ailments”.

Mr Parker said it was a pleasure to celebrate with the two lovely ladies and keep them moving.

“We transport clients to medical, social and other appointments/destinations and do around 85,000 trips a year in the Tweed/Ballina areas,” he said.