Don O’Neil Celebrates 100 Years

August 12, 2025 

Bribie Island resident Don O’Neil has celebrated an incredible milestone, his 100th birthday, surrounded by friends, neighbours and members of the local community at a special event held at the Bribie Island Golf Club last month. 

“It’s great to see Don reach such a remarkable milestone,” Member for Longman Terry Young, who was in attendance for the celebrations, said. “I was fortunate enough to join Don and the community in celebrating his 100th birthday. It was a wonderful day filled with warmth and appreciation.” 

Born on August 7, 1925, in the seaside town of Sumner, near Christchurch, New Zealand, Don’s life has been rich in love, adventure and community connection. 

In 1988, Don married the love of his life Beulah. During their honeymoon in Mooloolaba, the couple fell in love with Queensland’s sunshine and relaxed lifestyle. The trip proved life-changing - they soon returned to New Zealand packed their belongings and made the move to Queensland. 

After initially settling in Mooloolaba, Don and Beulah eventually discovered the charm of Bribie Island, relocating to Banksia Beach. Embracing the coastal lifestyle, they bought a boat and spent many happy days fishing in the Pumicestone Passage and Moreton Bay. 

Though Beulah has since passed and now rests at Bribie Memorial Gardens, Don continues to honour her memory, visiting her each year on her birthday and reflecting on the life they shared together. 

Now a much-loved member of the Bribie Island community, Don is known for his sharp memory, kind spirit and quiet devotion. His 100th birthday was not just a celebration of age, but of a life well lived and marked by deep love, cherished friendships and community ties. 

Happy 100th Birthday, Don!