Mr ALISTER HENSKENS (Wahroonga) (18:18): A hundred years ago the world was experiencing the Roaring Twenties, when technology was much less advanced than today. Regular radio broadcasts were becoming more frequent. Cars were becoming more common, with horses and carts still dominating. World War II was still 14 years from commencing, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge had not yet been built. I recently had the honour of celebrating more than 600 accumulated years of life of six incredible women from my electorate, who now live at Adventist Aged Care in Wahroonga. Jean Pease is 107 years of age; Noelle Humphreys, 105; and Phyllis Timms, 102. Leone Rocke, Shirley Norris and Ruth Hunter are each 101 years of age.

Phyllis Timms was born in Blackheath in the Blue Mountains. She attended Blackheath Public School and Katoomba High School and attended dance classes after she graduated. Phyllis worked as a part-time teacher before she married and had children. Many years ago Phyllis and her husband settled in Sydney, where she is a devoted mother and grandmother. She has five grandchildren and is the matriarch of her family. She loves playing games and enjoying the company of her loved ones.

Leone Rocke was born in India. She grew up with servants who were treated like family members, and she attended boarding school. Leone worked in the British naval office until she was 21 years of age, when she decided to move to Australia and study nursing. Because of the Second World War, she was off-loaded on the way, in Sri Lanka, for her safety. When she arrived in Sydney, she trained as a nurse at the San hospital in Wahroonga. She nursed a patient named Frank Rocke, who was a teacher and who became the love of her life. They eventually married and moved to Redhead in Newcastle, where Frank taught. Frank studied to become a scientist while Leone supported him until he graduated with his degree. They lived in Hall Road, Hornsby, for a few years while they built a home at Castle Hill. Frank worked as a scientist at Lucas Heights, and Leone continued in her nursing profession, from nursing privately to being a matron running five nursing homes. Leone was active in her local church, and her faith in God has always given her strength in life.

Noelle was born on the outskirts of London, where she received her early education at the Rickmansworth high school. She attended the University of Bristol, where she studied English, French and Latin. She then immigrated to Australia with her mother. During the Second World War, she served in the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force, training in Melbourne, where she also trained in Morse code. She had previously worked for an insurance company in London and continued in the same field upon arriving in Australia. Noelle left the air force and married during the war. She devoted her post-marriage years to reading, travelling and reflection. She was a passionate dancer, trained in both classical and ballet dancing by a renowned dancer, and this remains her lifelong love, alongside her passion for literature. Noelle travelled extensively, visiting every country in Europe and returning to England several times over the years. Her outlook on life is summed up in her own words, "cherishing the good parts and trying not to dwell on the bad parts of a long life."

Shirley Norris was born in Sydney on her mother's birthday and was delivered at home by her grandparents. She attended St George Girls High School during World War II. Shirley did not attend university because of the war but she did build a successful career after it ended, working at Martin Place in the Mutual Life Assurance Company, from where she eventually retired. Shirley married on 4 February 1954 and loves being creative. She is a lifelong animal lover, and her hobbies include knitting, crocheting, bushwalking, mountain climbing, fancy needlework and travelling. Jean Pease has turned 107 and was an operatic singer—an incredible and unique talent. Ruth Hunter was a dressmaker and seamstress, which require important skills that are always useful to have.

Each of these residents has a lifetime of stories and memories and has lived a wonderful life. The different interests of each of them give us, I think, an indication of what it may take to live long lives ourselves. It was wonderful to celebrate this milestone with them. The people at the Adventist home really spoiled them and put on a great event. I congratulate all of them on the incredible lives they have lived. They are part of the incredible fabric of the Wahroonga electorate.