A century of kindness: Nina celebrates 100 years

_{Image above: Nina Berris and Volunteer Yvonne Berton}

When long-time Payneham resident Nina Berris met Yvonne at a local knitting shop on Gage Street almost 10 years ago, neither imagined their friendship would grow into something so special.

“I was teaching knitting back then,” Nina recalls. “Yvonne came in as a student and we’ve been friends ever since.”

Their bond deepened when Yvonne became Nina’s Aged Care Volunteer Visitor about five years ago.

What started as a simple connection through wool and needles has become a heartfelt companionship, with Yvonne now visiting Nina up to three times a week.

With Nina’s glaucoma causing minor vision impairment, Yvonne often reads letters and church readings aloud for her.

“We knit together, chat and sometimes go out to the shops or run a few errands,” Nina says.

“It’s become more than just visits, it’s a real friendship.”

That friendship has been one of the many joys in Nina’s long and full life, one she recently celebrated in grand style.

On Saturday 11 October, Nina marked her 100th birthday with a sit-down lunch at The Gully Public House Bistro in Tea Tree Gully, surrounded by around 150 family members and friends.

The celebration didn’t end there. The following morning, Nina attended her regular Trinity Church service on North Terrace before heading to Victor Harbor to spend the day with family.

When asked about her secret for a long life, Nina’s advice is simple. “Be lovely to all,” she says with a smile.

She also credits a “fairly clean” lifestyle, never having smoked or drank alcohol.

Nina’s life has been filled with memorable moments, but one in particular stands out.

“A highlight was visiting my daughter in New Guinea,” she says. “I met so many wonderful people, it was a beautiful time.”

Even at 100, Nina continues to live independently in her own unit, doing her own washing and keeping busy.

She still attends church every Sunday morning with help from her family and remains proud of her long-time love for knitting, having won multiple prizes at the Royal Adelaide Show for her creations.

Born in England, Nina moved to Adelaide around 70 years ago with her husband, who worked in government service.

Today, her family tree spans seven children, 22 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren (with one on the way), and four great-great-grandchildren.

A true legacy of love and longevity.

Happy celebrations Nina.

About the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme

The Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme connects socially or culturally isolated older people with caring volunteers from their local community.

Volunteers visit weekly or fortnightly to share time, conversation, and companionship, whether it’s chatting over a coffee, going for a walk, or enjoying a hobby together.

Visits are available to older residents in the Cities of Norwood Payneham & St Peters, Burnside and Campbelltown.

Volunteers are carefully matched based on shared interests and personalities and receive full training and support.

If you have just one hour a fortnight to spare, you could make a world of difference to someone like Nina.

Find out more about this Program, visit: Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme