Thelma McLeod, a longtime resident of Bethanie retirement village Wearne Cottesloe, has celebrated her 111th birthday on Tuesday 13 February.

Joined by family, friends and fellow residents, Thelma celebrated her triple-digit birthday with a joyous afternoon tea affair in the Porthole Lounge at the Wearne Cottesloe village.

Wearne Cottesloe is managed by Bethanie, Western Australia’s most recognised not-for-profit aged care and retirement living provider, on behalf of Curtin Care.

As Thelma has been happily residing in the village for the past 16 years, her family considers Wearne and Bethanie’s care practices one of the largest contributing factors to her good ageing and overall wellbeing.

“Thelma continues to enjoy walking with therapy staff three times a week and her family and friends visit daily,” said Wearne Cottesloe Facility Manager Janeen Karsten.

Thelma is the second oldest person currently living in Australia and the oldest actually born in  Australia. She has five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.