Marjorie May Ferguson - 104 years

At 104 years of age, Marjorie continues to warm hearts with her gentle humour, grace and remarkable memories. Recently recognised at the My Guardian Centenarians Lunch, she reflects on a life grounded in kindness, family and simple joys that have carried her through more than a century.

As a child, Marjorie spent time on her aunt and uncle’s farm where they grew flowers and later tomatoes. She remembers those early years with great fondness, filled with nature, routine and the warmth of family.

Her first and only job was hairdressing. She learned the trade, mastered it and eventually had her own shop. One story she enjoys sharing is the day the queen of Samoa brought her daughter in for a hair wash. Marjorie simply smiled and got on with the job, just as she always did.

One of the happiest moments of Marjorie’s life was the birth of her daughter. She says it was a truly joyful time that she still holds close to her heart.

When asked what guidance she would offer younger generations, her words reflect her gentle nature. She says to behave yourselves, have a good time but do not be naughty or anything like that and to always be nice to everybody. Her advice is simple yet powerful, shaped by a lifetime of kindness.

Marjorie laughs when she talks about dancing, admitting she had two left feet and was no good at tennis. But she proudly shares that she was very good at and truly enjoyed playing golf.

Today, what she cherishes most are her daughter, her granddaughters and her great granddaughters. She describes them as wonderful and speaks of them with deep pride and love.

Marjorie is deeply grateful for the nurses at her care facility and she expresses heartfelt appreciation for everything they do to help her each day.

Marjorie’s journey is filled with love, resilience and kindness. We are honoured to share her story and to celebrate a life that continues to bring warmth and joy to everyone around her.

On 23 October 2025, Marjorie joined remarkable Australians aged 100 and over at the My Guardian Centenarians Lunch at NSW Parliament House. The gathering earned a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the largest gathering of centenarians and celebrated more than fifteen thousand combined years of lived experience.

The celebration also aligned with the national transition to the Support at Home program which will help older Australians access personalised care and greater independence. It highlighted the continuing importance of Home Care Packages for those who wish to live safely and comfortably in their own homes.

Marjorie’s story reflects the importance of meaningful care understanding and companionship as people age. Many older Australians benefit from Home Care Packages or the new Support at Home program which offer personalised support to help them continue living well. Some residents also receive additional help from organisations such as My Guardian a trusted aged care and disability provider that helps older Australians maintain independence with tailored in home care.

These supports together with family love and community connection ensure that remarkable people like Marjorie continue enjoying the memories and moments that matter most.

In the spirit of Australia Day, we acknowledge the people whose lives quietly shaped our country. Her journey reminds us that Australia’s identity is built not only through milestones, but through lived experience, love and resilience across generations.