Noelle Daphne Humphreys - 104 years

At 104 years old, Noelle Humphreys continues to inspire everyone around her with her gentle humour, sharp memory and beautifully grounded outlook on life. Her journey spans continents, historic moments and countless cherished memories, a true testament to a life well lived.

Noelle speaks fondly of her childhood and school years in England. She proudly attended “the oldest girls’ school in England,” describing it as “a very happy place” filled with warmth and opportunity. Those early experiences shaped her values and remain some of her happiest memories.

Like many of her generation, Noelle contributed to the war effort. She chose signals, spending long hours learning Morse code, a skill she still remembers vividly. With a smile, she shares that she can still tap out “Happy Birthday” in Morse code.

One of the defining moments of her life came after the war, during a long sea voyage to Australia. She describes stepping off the ship and wondering what her new life would hold, feeling “really, really happy” to finally arrive in a place that would soon feel like home.

Noelle has always preferred the comforts of home. She was never drawn to sport; instead, she found joy in listening to music, especially ABC Classic, which she still enjoys today.

She speaks with sincerity when she reflects on her life:
She feels she has been “very fortunate” and has “no complaints.”
Her greatest pride is her children, knowing she did her very best for them.

On 23 October 2025, Noelle 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.

Noelle’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 Noelle 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.