31 January 2025
Benetas Eaglehawk Bendigo resident marks sensational century
Nell McDougall celebrated her 100th birthday alongside friends, family and fellow residents at Benetas Eaglehawk residential aged care home in Bendigo last week.
The great-grandmother was born Helen Gleeson in Kerang, spending her teen years in farmland just outside of Swan Hill.
The family moved to the 135-hectare property, complete with horses and cattle, after Nell’s father returned from World War II where he served in France.
Before marrying, Nell worked as a school teacher, educating primary school-aged children in Lara and Tragowel for more than six years.
In 1949, Nell married Donald McDougall with the couple raising six children (three boys and three girls). She now has 23 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren – the 27th is on the way.
Since moving into Eaglehawk two years ago, the avid Geelong Cats fan has been a popular figure at the Benetas aged care home. She’s even taken out the home’s competitive footy tipping competition.
Nell is a lifelong Catholic who attends mass services at Eaglehawk, with her sister Alice, every fortnight.
In the afternoons Nell sometimes chooses to rest in her room, listening to hymns with her rosary beads in hand.
Nell said her key to a long and fulfilling life was “family, faith, hard work and the Geelong Football Club.”
For more information go to https://www.benetas.com.au/residential-aged-care/eaglehawk.