Our People
29 July, 2026
Margaret Hunter celebrates 90th birthday
AVOCA resident Margaret Hunter celebrated her 90th birthday recently surrounded by family, friends and plenty of flowers and birthday cards.
Born on July 10, 1936, to Alan Charles and Margaret Amy Hunter (nee Barker), Margaret grew up in Moonambel alongside her older sister Verna, born in 1933.
The family later welcomed a younger brother, James Arthur, in 1945.
Margaret attended Moonambel State School with her cousins before boarding in Avoca so she could catch the bus to Maryborough Technical College.
“When I went to Maryborough to the technical school, I boarded in Avoca because there was no bus from Moonambel,” Margaret said.
She later returned to the college to undertake a sewing course, putting her skills to good use by making her own bridesmaid dress for her sister Verna's wedding in 1957.
Growing up on the family farm, Margaret said she was grateful to still be enjoying life at 90.
“As long as I've got quality of life,” she said.
As a young woman, Margaret was known for helping older residents in the Moonambel community, often riding her bicycle to assist neighbours.
Family member Jill Hunter said Margaret's caring nature had remained a constant throughout her life.
“In the forty years that I have known Margaret, I have observed that she is always helping others and this characteristic is very noticeable in the Avoca Hostel, where she has been residing for over twenty years,” Jill said.
“When a new resident is admitted, Marg welcomes each one and shows them all the important ‘stuff’ to make them feel very welcome.”
Margaret's social nature has also endured over the years, with family describing her as someone who loves getting out and about.
Margaret also remains close to her extended family and never forgets the birthdays of her many nieces and nephews.
To mark the milestone, Margaret celebrated with not one but two birthday parties.
“Marg is a very social person and of course this resulted in not just one party but two parties,” Jill said.
The first gathering was held on Margaret's birthday for close friends.
“There was about 10 of us, and then the next day family came down so that was good,” Margaret said with the second celebration bringing together 24 of Margaret’s beloved family members.
“It was good to see everyone.”