Ivy Ollier, a Casey local, celebrated her centenary on Tuesday 16 December, with her son Paul and other family members by her side.
Throughout the years, Ivy has been a passionate advocate for wildlife and environmental preservation.
Before migrating to Queensland, Australia in 1983, she lived in Crewe, England where she joined the local World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 1970.
Ivy says that since she signed up to support wildlife and conservation, she has “never looked back”.
Once settled in Queensland, she became the secretary for the ‘Save the Weyba Bridge’ Committee in the 1990s and produced a video of the transformation of the old bridge into a walking, cycling and fishing bridge.
Ivy and her late husband John Ollier, were also heavily involved with the greening of Noosa particularly the conversion of the old caravan park at the end of Hasting Street into bushland, as well as being deeply involved in the developments of Noosa Botanical gardens.
She will now be celebrating in Melbourne, after moving in June 2025 to be closer to her family.
On her special day, Ivy’s family and close friends have travelled down from Queensland to celebrate her.
She was also adorned with customary Happy Birthday letters from King Charles, the Governor General, the Premier and Prime Minister.
Ivy’s son, Paul, says watching his mother turn 100 has been an amazing feat and that her crucial lessons of valuing truth and always doing what is right, has shaped his life.
“It’s been amazing as mum got older we tried to make her feel special,” said Paul.
“Mum has always been great to me through good and not so good times.
“She has her passions and enjoys them.
“She has widely travelled throughout the UK, Europe and Africa.
“She almost never drinks alcohol and has never smoked, she is a wonderful person.”
