Quelch, a celebrity

By Danielle Galvin
OLIVE Quelch, 89, is the celebrity of the moment.
The Viewhills Manor resident got to ride around Albert Park Lake in a V8 supercar on Sunday 2 October.
She can’t really remember if it’s her first time in such a powerful car.
“Not as far as I know anyway. Maybe, when I was younger and I had fellas driving me around,” she said.
The Endeavour Hills firecracker has been telling everyone she’s famous.
“I went out to lunch the other day for my son’s 60th birthday and told the waiter he (had) better serve me well, I’m a celebrity.”
Mrs Quelch was driven around the famous circuit as part of seniors’ week.
This year’s theme, ‘Be Inspired’ encourages seniors to stay fit and active and to age well.
One resident from different aged care facilities across the state were chosen to take part in the drive.
Mrs Quelch was surprised to see the crowd cheering her on.
“I turned around and there was a big crowd there,” she said.
An ABC camera crew filmed the ride.
“One of the cameramen asked me if it was too fast. I said it wasn’t fast enough!”
The aged care facility had been celebrating seniors week from Monday 2 October to Sunday 9 October.
Manager of Viewhills Manor, Karen Yoffa, said seniors week was always a special occasion.
“We had a barbecue and Fashions on the Hill recently. We’ve got a resident who’s turning 103 in November and it shows that it’s important to lead a good lifestyle and to stay active,” Ms Yoffa said.
Seniors’ week is a part of the Victorian Seniors Festival. More than 1000 events are happening throughout Victoria to promote healthy ageing.
“We want people to visit and see what we have to offer and the extensive lifestyle and leisure programs we have here to celebrate older people,” she said.