The birthday that caused it all

Hello, everyone.

Before posting entries that report on the epic trip to Europe of Catherine Elizabeth (Cate) and Timothy Leonard Turner (Tim) on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the birth of Cate, your correspondent feels that you should see some of what went on at the High Tea held to mark the actual anniversary at Boronia House, Mosman, on the afternoon of 1 July 2018.

Collage on entry

Cate organised the event, booking a High Tea at Boronia House with the idea of hosting friends and family to celebrate her birthday. That basic premise worked well, but her friends and family got hold of those straightforward arrangements and amplified the fun.

Bridget and Brenda, in particular, went all-out and made several significant arrangements for the event.

The cake with Cate in icing

Floral arrangement

They compiled a collage of photos (secured from Cate) to tribute Cate's life. They ordered an elaborate cake iced in feminist colours and including the reproduction of a picture of young Cate (reportedly 18-years-old) in icing on the top. (This meant that Cate gave herself a tracheotomy when cutting the cake!)

They also arranged beautiful flowers to dress the room. They coordinated with David to arrange musical entertainment with a hand-picked playlist and a special song to be sung after "Happy Birthday" - "I am woman" made famous by Helen Reddy.

The effort put in by Bridget and Brenda really set off the event and made a great party into a spectacular event!

Cate and her guests

More guests

Cate speaking with Paul

Gifts, in spite of instructions

While the party was mostly a party, there were some formalities, for which your correspondent was designated as Master of Ceremonies. It was my honour to coordinate the event. I was allowed to make some remarks in tribute of my Aunt (Cate) and I had the honour of reading some tributes sent in writing by others. David spoke in tribute to Cate and Bridget provide a wonderful tribute too.

Here is the text of the tributes that I have access to for those who were unable to be there and to allow those who were to reflect on the tributes again.

Tim said:

• We're here to celebrate the fact that she has been with us for 90 years now. In my case, all my life. For many of you a very long time too.
• But it's not the time that makes the difference. I think its the quality of the care she offers to everyone, all the time.
• Aunty Cath (Cate to you) is tirelessly concerned about people's well being and their welfare.
• She was a teacher as a young woman and worked in human resources for a large part of her working life. Caring and nuturing roles.
• Since retiring, she's involved herself in a range of causes that are aimed at promoting the well being and welfare of historically disadvantaged groups.
• So Cate contributes on a grand scale and many of us here know her through those efforts.
• She was recently acknowledged for those voluntary contributions through the award of a Medal of the Order of Australia; and OAM. I can't tell you how proud of her I am for that.
• But its on the small scale where I - and I think most of you - feel the most benefit of Cate's caring and giving nature.
• At her 80th birthday, I had the opportunity to tell the assembled crowd that my Aunt was like a third parent for me. My mother and father were excellent parents and did not fall short in their care or nuture at all. But my Godmother, Aunty Cath, offered me many significant and substantial guides in my young life and has been a constant supporter throughout my life. It is no overstatement to say that she has contributed significantly to the man that I am. ... So, you can blame her in the absence of my beloved parents.
• I know that she offers similar thoughtful and loving care and guidance to many of you over time. It's why we are here to thank her, to celebrate her achieving this magnificent milestone.

From Aloma Fennell - friend and President of OWN Australia.

On behalf of all Older Women in Australia we acknowledge your dedication, your advocacy, your enduring support for the improvement of social services and the rights of Older Women. You have spent many years with OWN NSW in many different positions and you continue to hold the Co-Chair role of OWN Sydney. Still beavering away for us all.

While I have only known you for short time in your long life, your advice, assistance, support and occasional push of me... I'm being gentle with you here... the "push" has enabled the National OWN to grow and develop, to make international ties and to provide comfort to women, certainly Australia-wide. Comfort in the knowledge that someone really cares and will stand up for them. You have made a positive difference to many and you are a great role-model.

Have a very happy birthday, Cate. We send you our love and we are with you in spirit.

From Lesley Irwin - friend.

Can it really be 10 years since we celebrated Cate's BIG 80?

I first met Cate when I was a sweet young thing, newly transferred from Bradmill, Footscray.

Female executives were rare in those days but Cate was Area Personnel Officer (now HR Manager) for the large, sprawling mill at Rutherford, near Maitland. She was responsible for hiring/training/supporting employees - and sometimes firing these when their bosses did not have the courage to do so.

She did this with her usual good humour, wisdom and wonderful empathy for others.

She was my boss and has been an ongoing inspiration and friend since then.

One of the most remarkable things she did for me was to give me advice and invaluable when I resigned from an executive position in the computer industry where I was then working. At breakfast soon after she asked me how I was going to support myself, to which I replied that I didn't know.

"You can teach. You understan computers," she responded. "Why don't you set yourself up as a computer trainer?" I worked with computers up to 12 hours a day, so did not see the need to have a PC at home, but Cate did, and invited me to use it.

So, three mornings a week, I drove to her unit in Parriwi Road, Mosman; we went for an early morning walk, then I would sit down for 4 hours and write course notes for Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. I set up a company as a computer trainer, a career that sustained me for 15 years.

That is the kind of person Cate is.

And now at the age of 90, she is going to Paris with a gorgeous young man!

I look forward to celebrating her century with her and you and all.

With love and admiration, Lesley Irwin

And Bridget's speech:

Welcome everybody, and thank you for being here today to celebrate Cate's 90th birthday. Looking around the room, I see not only the number of people who love Cate, but also the diversity of her friends - in age, gender, sexuality and cultural backgrounds. This says a lot about Cate, and why we love her so much. Because, regardless of who you are, Cate embraces everyone. She's as comfortable chatting to politicians such as the current NSW Governor, David Hurley (who she described to me as "such a lovely man"), to sitting down in Alice Springs with a group of disenfranchised Aboriginal women. Cate is interested in everyone around her, not just those society decides are important.

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Bridget and I have known Cate for nearly half my life. To say she has had an impact on who I am is an understatement. She has contributed so much to the woman and feminist that I am today. She not only shaped my politics and my ethics, but she gave me the confidence to believe in myself, to get out there and live a vibant, happy lie. More importantly, she encouraged me to stand up for myself and for other who need a voice. For social justice is at the core of Cate Turner.

I first met Cate when I worked at the Women's Electoral Lobby, a feminist lobbying organisation. I was a young, idealistic and enthusiastic woman and couldn't believe my luck when I landed a job, working with a bunch of incredible women, some of whom are here today - Anne Barber, Anna Logan, and Hilary Roberts. I was totally in awe of these women who were so busy in their working and personal lives yet found the time to lobby for women's issues. They were also extremely kind and very patient with this young, single mum who was juggling a part-time job, completing her teaching degree, and raising a 3-year old daughter on her own.

One day, I was working in the WEL office, and very energetic 65-year old woman came into the office and introduced herself as Cate Turner; Cate with a C! We started chatting and discovered we were both New Zealanders. We talked about her life and her passions, including feminism. I was ecstatic that this woman was offering her experience and energy to WEL.

Little did I know that this chance encounter would change the rest of my life.

During this time, Cate was soon elected Convenor of WEl and we spent a lot of time working together. Soon, we met Brenda who became a life-long friend, who helped organise today, and then I met the love of my life, Kylie. The four of us became inseperable and this close firendship continues today, more than 25 years later.

I cannot begin to tell you the many adventures that we four gals have had together. There are so many, but I'll just share a few with you now.

When Cate turned 70 (20 years ago), for some reason she came up with the idea of playing tennis again. Brenda, Kylie and I said Ok, and we decided to play doubles - Cate and Brenda versus Kylie and I. Kylie and I were so cocky. We were in our late 20s/early 30s and Cate and Brenda were, quite frankly, bloody old! We thought we'd whip these girls' butts. When we arrived at the court, Cate was dressed in her old tennis outfit - the skirt was almost down to her ankles. The three of us just rolled around laughing. Then we started playing. Cate and Brenda absolutely thrashed us. Kylie and I were mortified. Here was this 70-year old woman and her equally ancient tennis partner, Brenda, thrashing two women half their ages! Kylie and I were absolutely humiliated. I still can't think of that tennis hiding without total embarrasment!

 Another eadventure was when Cate turned 80. A group of us decided to go camping at Uluru. It was around this time of year and Cate was recovering from a serious bout of bronchitis. We were worried as she was still not 100% but her words were, "I wouldn't miss this for the world." She did many of the walks, delighting in the beauty of Australia's natural world. The only downside was Cate's snoring. It kept the whole campsite up! Kylie and I had to move our tent - we thought the cries of the dingoes at night was bad enough but I have to say, Cate's snoring was much worse, sounding more like a freight train zooming through our campsite than some little old lady sleeping near us!

Another memorable time was a few years ago when Cate, Kylie and I decided to spend New Year's Eve together to watch the fireworks. I suggested to Cate, come to our place for a few champagnes and then we'd go to Pyrmont to watch the 9 pm and then midnight fireworks. Cate and I got so plastered that we couldn't get up from our seats. It was 5 pm in the afternoon! by 7 pm, Cate and I were noring on the lounge, much to Kylie's disgust. As a non-drinker, 2014 was Kylie's worst New Year's Eve. She said that she sat there, watching the fireworks on TV, whilst Cate and I were snoring and dribbling on the lounge.

I could go on. We've had weeks away on houseboats on the Hawkesbury and the Murray Darling. We've done loads of walks such as the Coogee to Bondi walk. Cate even went hang-gliding from Stanwell Tops. These were all when Cate was in her late 70s and 80s.

Cate is known for her little sayings. She would often say to me when describing someone who she thought was fantastic, "their blood is worth bottling!" Well, Cate, so is yours.

This is despite, since the age of 70, you've talked about getting too old. Frequently, you will say that you'll eventually buy yourself an expensive bottle of whiskey, drive up to the snow, drink all the whiskey, and then go to sleep.

Well, Cate, despite us teasing you, and offering to drive you to the snow as you are getting bloody old, we are only talking about chronological age. You are living evidence of what positive aging is - that despite the years, one can remain, vibrant, smart, active, fun, politically-engaged and someone everyone wants to spend time with. Sure, your bits miht be falling off or not be in perfect working order, however, this has not stopped you living the fullest and most engaged life that you can.

You are the pin-up girl of the senior set.

You, Cate, are one of the most incredible women I know.

You often chastise us for not respecting you enough, particularly when we call you our LOL - little old lady. Yes, Catherine Elizabeth, you are getting on in years, but not in energy, enthusiasm, and lust for life. You are more energetic and "on your game" than many people I know in their 30s and 40s. Your sense of what is right, your stoicism, your belief and commitment to equal rights, particularly for women and indigenous people and for helping those struggling with life's challenges, is incredible. There have been many occasions when I have seen you put the needs of peope, even strangers, before your own.

And these examples are only what I know about you. What I also love about is how modest and humble you are. There are so many good deeds you do that most of us have no idea about.

Cate has a running joke that when she is impressed with something we have done, she describes us as her "No. 1". I've only ever been called this once, and it was only because it was my 50th birthday. I think Kylie has been called it a few times, and I don't think Brenda has ever received this honour.

Could I ask everyone here to please raise their glass to Cate Elizabeth Turner. For today, Cate, on your 90th birhday, you are our No. 1. And, Cate, I want you to know, you have always been mine.

Happy birthday, Catherine Elizabeth. And see you at your hundredth birthday.

(For the record, "90 hours in Paris" is the estimated daylight time Cate and Tim will be in Paris, and it's synchronous with the reason that we're there.)