By JESSE GRAHAM
FRIENDS, family and well-wishers gathered at the Gruyere Hall on Sunday, 24 July, to congratulate the Yarra Valley’s latest centenarian, Moira Burgi.
Ms Burgi turned 100 years old on Monday, 25 July, and more than 100 people gathered to celebrate the occasion at the hall, which had been decorated with pieces of family history.
On a table at the party were photocopies of letters congratulating Ms Burgi from Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, Victorian Governor Linda Dessau and Evelyn MP Christine Fyffe.
When asked how she felt about her 100th birthday, Ms Burgi said it felt like “it’s happening to somebody else”.
“I’ve lived in this area all my life – I live in the same house I ever lived in,” she said.
“My grandparents were the first people in Wandin and they brought my father with them – so he and I have seen the whole of Wandin. It’s changed from the forest … to what you see here today.
“It’s incredible. It’s 150 years … such a change could take place anywhere.”
