Retirement resort celebrates residents turning 80

Palm Lake Retirement Resort at Deception Bay held a big birthday bash for all its residents turning 80 this year on June 29.

One resident celebrating her birthday, Lorraine Humble, spoke to Moreton Daily and explained the origins surrounding the celebrations.

“I can tell you how it first started, there was a couple of us turning 80 and then (the organiser) – Brian – he found out that there was a couple more,” she says.

“He put some notices around the village and there ended up being 19 people turning 80. And so, OBE is ‘over bloody eighty’ so that’s our mantra – we’re OBEs."

Lorraine wasn’t just celebrating turning 80, but she also helped organise the event alongside Brian and a few others.

“It was just like a long happy hour…We all took food and drinks, and we all sat at different tables and talked about all sorts of things and had photos taken and were all given a certificate for being OBEs with the ‘over bloody eighties’ written underneath it,” Lorraine says, laughing.

“A good time was had by all. Everyone told a little story about their past and their childhood and joined in the fun and it was a really nice night.”

Lorraine expresses her gratitude for Brian and all his hard work to make the night come together in the way it did.

“The fact that what Brian did was just amazing. You know, he worked very hard, and he supplied a lot – we got a cake and balloons. He sort of put his heart and soul into the whole thing…” she explains.

When asked what life advice she would give to others, Lorraine says: “I think enjoy your life and don’t get stressed about things and try to enjoy the latter part of your life. Be happy and enjoy your family and friends.”