Selina Courtney celebrated her 80th birthday surrounded by friends and colleagues at Benalla Health, where she has worked for 35 years.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Many people would want a day off on their birthday, and many more would like to have finished their working life by 80.
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But for Selina Courtney, there are few places she’d rather be than with her friends and colleagues at Benalla Health.
Speaking at a special birthday celebration they arranged for her, on Wednesday, March 19, she made a point of mentioning she was still 79.
Her actual 80th would be the day after, on March 20.
“I think I love work too much, and I love the place too much to retire,” Selina said.
“Especially the group of girls that I work with. We get on well and the team is very close.
“Country hospital staff are very close, and have a strong bond. We’re like a family.
“And you do have actual families working together. First the dad gets a job, then a daughter or two start. It’s very nice.”
Selina Courtney was overwhelmed by the attention as she celebrated her 80th birthday with friends and colleagues at Benalla Health.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Having worked for many years as a midwife, Selina helped deliver some of her work colleagues.
“I think at least two of them,” she said.
“When you realise they are one of your little babies, it’s so adorable.”
Selina said she had loved all her 35 years working at Benalla Health.
“There’s been tremendous changes, all for the good,” she said.
“The services here now are top. They’re excellent, you can’t compare them.”
As for the birthday celebrations, Selina said she was having a great time.
“I was very surprised,” she said.
“I told them I didn’t want any fuss, but they’ve done a great job and the cake looks lovely.”
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