By Deanne Jeffers
JOAN Baumber celebrated her 102nd birthday last Thursday, March 21, surrounded by a multitude of friends, family, and residents and staff at Parkvilla Aged Care.
Born Joan Berwick in the town of Yea, Joan’s early years were marked by a thirst for knowledge, which was nurtured during her schooling at Clarendon College, Ballarat. After school, Joan embarked on a career at the Commonwealth Bank in Melbourne, supporting corporate managers for nearly two decades.
Yet, her story took a romantic turn when she met and fell in love with George Baumber. Their union led Joan to return to her family’s agricultural roots and embrace a new role as a farmer’s wife at Dhurringile. This is where she raised her two children and continued living at home by herself with minimal help until Christmas last year.
Reflecting on the changes she has seen her 102 years, Joan said, “I’ve seen a lot of change in my life. The Great Depression was hard, and a lot of people were coming to the country then to make a life for themselves. There wasn’t much food after the war and life was hard in the city, so they were moving to the country.
“Back then, there were no handouts, we had to work hard and get by with very little. It was a different time.”
Joan wished to thank Parkvilla staff for their fantastic care since moving in. She said, “Everyone has been great. I like it here, the people are good.”
Joan is well-known for how she has immersed herself in the community, becoming an integral part of numerous organisations, including secretary of the Murchison Anglican Church for over 40 years.
