Norman White of Greenacre and Anna Cecchin of Yagoona both celebrated their 100th birthday this year, and were brought to national attention in Mr Clare’s speech.
“Being a Member of Parliament gives you the chance to meet some very special people and share some very special moments in their lives,” Mr Clare said.
Last Friday Mr Clare visited Greenacre Nursing Home to celebrate Norman White’s 100th birthday. Norman White, and his wife Rosa, only moved into the nursing home in January this year. Before that, they lived together at home in Earlwood until Norman was 99½.
“Norman loves his chocolate and he loves the railways,” Mr Clare told the Parliament on Monday night. Norman worked as a surveyor for the state railways for 48 years, and was delighted when Mr Clare brought him chocolates to celebrate his birthday.
Earlier this year Mr Clare celebrated the birthday of another centurion, Anna Cecchin. Anna migrated to Australia from Italy in 1938 and settled in Griffith. In 1945 she moved to Yagoona, where she has lived ever since. During the Second World War, Anna worked in the Arnott’s factory producing biscuits for Army ration packs.
“It was a privilege to meet these two very special constituents, one who has lived in our local community for 63 years, and the other who has just moved in. I wish them both a very special 100th birthday,” Mr Clare told the Parliament.
Mr Clare invites residents to let his office know when they are celebrating a special 90th plus birthday or a 50th plus wedding anniversary so he can arrange for appropriate personal congratulatory messages from the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
“Celebrating events like this is a great privilege,” Mr Clare said.
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