Around 70 people gathered at Toowoon Bay on Saturday, March 23, for a major reunion of the Stead family.
Attendees were the descendants of the 13 siblings of the family, who were born and raised in Ivanhoe in central NSW, and the five surviving siblings.
The oldest of the surviving siblings, Thelma (Belle) Crees of Kanwal, also celebrated her 102nd birthday on the day with her sisters Lorna Carney (90) of Dubbo, Gladdys Crees (92) of Ingleburn, who married Belle’s husband’s brother, Pat Lynch (89) of Toukley and Dot Thomas (91) of Queensland and the rest of the extended family.
Organiser Mick Lynch said it was the first reunion of the extended Stead family and was held at Toowoon Bay Surf Life Saving Club.
“My aunt Belle has achieved a great milestone by turning 102,” Lynch said.
“She and her husband Les Crees lived first in Punchbowl and then on the Central Coast, where Belle still lives alone in her own home.
“They had two children, and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“Belle worked for years as a cleaner at Roselands shopping centre in Sydney.”
Belle said she had enjoyed a “great day” with her sisters and the rest of the family.
“I’m looking forward to the next one,” she said.
“I need to turn 103 so I can have more delicious cake.”