Three Friends, One Community, and a Lifetime of Memories: A Heartwarming Reunion Blooms at Whiddon Narrabri
In celebration of International Day of Friendship (30th July), three lifelong friends Margie, Yvonne, and Enid are proving that true friendship stands the test of time.
9 July 2025
Proving that lifelong friendships can be rekindled at any time, three remarkable women from Narrabri have reconnected after decades of life’s twists and turns. A chance encounter at a barbeque at aged-care home Whiddon rekindled their bond, highlighting the importance of connection and community.
Margie Cameron, Yvonne Bradley and Enid Smith share a special connection stretching back decades. As young girls in the 1940s, Margie and Enid were next-door neighbours, forging a friendship built on warm smiles. Years later, Margie’s daughters worked alongside Yvonne at Carrigan’s Accountants over 45 years ago, creating yet another link in their circle of friendship.
Life took each woman on her own journey, from weddings to raising families, careers, and moves, yet the sense of community and shared history remained. When Margie returned to Narrabri in 2010, she and Yvonne joined a local group of friends known affectionately as “The Millers Girls” after their favourite clothing store.
At a recent Neighbour Day BBQ at Whiddon Narrabri, the three women found themselves together again, sharing tears, laughter, and cherished memories of the good old days. Since then, their bond has only grown stronger, with regular catch-ups and a renewed sense of belonging.
“It's great to catch up after so many years,” Margie said, smiling at the memories that came flooding back. “There are too many good memories to pick just one.”
For Yvonne, the trio reuniting brought a wave of emotion: “It was teary and lovely. It really meant something, it brought back that sense of a tight-knit community where your kids were safe wherever they were.”
Enid agreed: “It was really good to meet up with everyone. I like having friends so I’m not on my own, just to have people to talk to and share stories with.”
Today, Margie is a resident at Whiddon Narrabri, Yvonne lives next door at Whiddon Narrabri’s retirement village, and Enid attends Whiddon’s Community Care activities. Each cherishes the opportunity to stay active, socialise, and share in each other’s lives.
“At this stage of life, friendship means talking to someone who really knows you and can share those memories,” said Yvonne. “It brings back the close connections we all had.”
The trio also shared their advice for younger generations: “Keep in touch, even when it’s difficult,” Enid advised. “Be yourself, and don’t drink or smoke!” added Margie.
Whiddon’s award-winning MyLife relationship-based care model places relationships at the heart of everything they do, supporting Margie, Yvonne, and Enid to stay connected to what matters most.
Whiddon ensures residents enjoy meaningful connections, personalised care, and programs that focus on wellbeing, social engagement, and continuing the friendships that make life special.
About Whiddon
Whiddon is an award-winning care provider that aims to inspire every day in its 22 RAC homes, dedicated community care and NDIS support across NSW & SE QLD. Its purpose is to enrich people’s lives and make a real difference.
Whiddon has been providing exceptional care to older Australians and people with disabilities across regional, rural, and remote NSW and QLD for more than 75 years.
Whiddon proudly partners with academics and universities to remain at the forefront of innovation as it leads the latest thinking, programs, and training around quality of life and ageing.
