ROCK ‘N’ ROLL tunes, sea breezes and 60 smiling faces filled the deck of Port AdVenture Cruises on Sunday, 15 June, as four much-loved locals celebrated a combined 300 years of life.
The two 70-year-olds and two 80-year-olds marked the milestone in true Hastings style – with music, mateship, and a whole lot of fun.
Neroli Reid, 70, grew up in Rollands Plains, before later settling in Port Macquarie, raising a family and launching a real estate career that spanned almost three decades.
“Seeing buyers’ faces light up still gives me a buzz,” she said.
She speaks with pride of her two sons, and the friendships she has maintained over the years.
“I’ve got the bestest friends, truly,” she said.
Her plans for the years ahead include more dancing, more travel, and more moments that “make life magic”.
Sharing the birthday spotlight was Rohan Smith, 70, who first crossed paths with Neroli in 2004 when she sold him a farm in Rollands Plains.
Originally from Griffith, Rohan came to the region chasing a quieter life.
Now settled in Port Macquarie, he is enjoying the coastal lifestyle and giving back through his part-time work at Ramsay Private Hospital.
“I’m in the twilight of my life, and I’m loving every minute of it,” the father of three and grandfather of seven said.
Rohan plans to retire soon, with travel plans to visit family in Canada.
Celebrating his 80th birthday was Bruce Hardy, who swapped Sydney for sea breezes after a 40-year telecommunications career with Telstra.
“Why would you go anywhere else?” he said of his Port Macquarie home.
A regular at local new vogue and rock-and-roll dance nights, Bruce is known for his smooth moves and big smile.
“Dancing keeps me young,” he said.
Another of Bruce’s passions is vintage cars, which led him to meet his partner of 12 years, Roselyn Winwood-Smith, who also celebrated her 80th birthday on board the cruise.
Born in Guyra, raised in Narrabri and Sydney, and later based in Forbes, Roselyn’s passion for fashion led her to teaching roles at TAFE.
She moved to Port Macquarie in 1983 and quickly became a well-known local, running the much-loved Pacific Video later Network Video on Short Street.
Still full of energy, dancing remains a major source of joy.
“I may not be around for the next 80 years,” she said, “but I’ll keep dancing and seeing the world as long as I can.”
Between dancing, heartfelt speeches, and plenty of laughter, guests tucked into fresh wraps, birthday cake, ice cream, and lolly platters.
By Chan ANSELL
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
