Catherine Asciak - 100 years

Catherine Asciak speaks with grace warmth and a quiet dignity that reflects a century of extraordinary experiences. Now 100 years old and recently honoured at the My Guardian Centenarians Lunch she shares her story of being born in Egypt growing up within multiple cultures and raising a family she remains deeply proud of.

Catherine was born into a Greek family in Egypt and grew up speaking five languages fluently French Arabic Greek Italian and English. Her childhood and early years were shaped by a rich blend of cultures and she recalls these experiences with fondness and pride.

When Catherine speaks of her late husband her voice softens. She describes him as a very good man who sadly passed away very young. Their love story began in private school when he told his mother You know what I am going to marry this girl when I grow up and he kept his promise. The memory brings her joy and stands as one of the most cherished parts of her life.

Catherine raised three girls and a boy. Her son passed away young from cancer a loss she still carries with tenderness. She speaks proudly of her daughters and of her children overall saying they were very very nice and that they listened to her. Her pride in the family she built shines through every word.

With her multicultural background fluency in several languages and the strength she gained through early loss and lifelong love Catherine reflects on her life with gratitude. She describes herself as very proud of her family and her story is filled with layers of heritage resilience and devotion.

Catherine Asciak’s life is a beautiful testament to multicultural richness enduring love and a family shaped by kindness and resilience. We are honoured to share her story and celebrate her remarkable one hundred years.

On 23 October 2025, Catherine 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.

Catherine’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 Catherine 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.