Moama's June Wright finally celebrates turning 100 a year on

Apr 19, 2021

WHEN the COVID-19 pandemic sent everyone in doors, Moama's June Wright was supposed to celebrate a huge milestone - turning 100.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

And now restrictions have lifted, she has been able to celebrate her 101st birthday in style 12 months on.

“It was hard not being able to have a normal birthday last year,” Ms Wright said.

“Thankfully my godson Robert was able to come and see me, but we had to speak through a window.”

At 101, Ms Wright was happy to be able to celebrate her birthday surrounded by fellow residents at Southern Cross Care and later Robert and his wife Joy.

After growing up in St Kilda and Caulfield, she worked as an accountant in Melbourne before leaving on a whirlwind adventure across the other side of the world.

“My best friend and I decided to go hitch-hiking over in Europe,” Ms Wright said.

“I can't imagine many people doing that nowadays, but it was great fun.”

After two years abroad, Ms Wright came back home and got a job invoicing for Drug Houses of Australia.

“I did work hard, but I still made time for leisure as well,” she said.

When she wasn't in the office, Ms Wright was out playing any sport she could.

Whether it was swimming, tennis or golf, she was giving it a crack.

“I spent a lot of time at the Huntingdale Golf Club just having a hit,” she said.

“Because I was a working girl, I didn't have time to perfect my technique, but I was still able to go out on weekends and have some fun.”

While she never married or had children of her own, Ms Wright has a close relationship with Robert.

“About a year ago, I moved to Southern Cross in Moama to be closer to him and his family,” she said.

“He's done a lovely job of looking after me and so have all the staff at SCC.”

Mrs Wright enjoyed an afternoon tea with other residents on Friday, April 16, before spending time with Robert on Saturday.