Eaglehawk resident Nell celebrates 100th birthday

Nell McDougall recently celebrated her 100th birthday alongside friends, family and fellow residents at Benetas Eaglehawk residential aged care home in Bendigo.

The great-grandmother was born Helen Gleeson in Kerang, spending her teen years in farmland just outside of Swan Hill.

The family moved to the 135-hectare property, complete with horses and cattle after Nell’s father returned from World War II where he served in France.

In 1949, Nell married Donald McDougall with the couple raising six children. She now has 23 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren – the 27th is on the way.

Nell said her key to long and fulfilling life was “family, faith, hard work and the Geelong Football Club.”