Hackham centenarian wraps up 2025 with his life advice

This festive season is extra special for Hackham local Ron who has celebrated his 100^th birthday on 22^nd December.

The centenarian grew up in the Adelaide suburb of Edwardstown where he found his passion showing motion pictures during high school.  

“I attended the trade qualifications to become an Assistant Operator at the theatre and I was reaching the age of 18 and we had to register so I did,” Ron said.

“Legacy supported my mother and our family after my father passed away, so they assisted me in my career and transferred me to Brighton.

“I was able to enjoy that. I got promoted to an Assistant Projectionist in the Windsor Theatre in Brighton and we showed pictures to entertain the military personnel stationed in the Sand Hills.

“I remember one of the first big movies was ‘Gone with the Wind’ and it took up the whole evening, which in those days was rare.”

Ron served as an Assistant Projectionist as part of the Compulsory Protracted Service Industries during World War II before volunteering for the Australian Imperial Force in the Pacific Islands and Japan from 1946 to 1954.

During this time he married his late wife Betty, raising six children together.

Now a great great grandfather, Ron has called Bolton Clarke Holly aged care home for 15 years and holds the voluntary role of Resident Guide, helping new residents settle in.

“I get to meet new residents, share stories and show my support and encouragement for them in those initial days which can be difficult for some.

“Making friends doesn’t come easily to some people and in an aged care home one should try and make the effort.

“I’ve learnt that a smile, a handshake and a hug can go a long way.”

Now just days away from celebrating his 100^th birthday, Ron says the secret to life is all about the relationships you hold with others.

“Love one another, be kind to each other and love like no other.

“Hold hands, never got to sleep with your back to each other – it’s all those little things that I think pays off.”