Three Scarborough centenarians at BallyCara have shared memories of family, faith, rural life, travel and community after reaching 100 years and beyond.
Scarborough Centenarians Share a Century of Memories
Three women living at BallyCara in Scarborough have reflected on lives shaped by family, faith, travel, work and community after reaching milestone ages of 100 years and more.
Jean McBride, 102, Bianca Usarzewska, who turns 101 in June, and Enid McGregor, who turned 100 on Mother’s Day, are among five centenarians living at BallyCara.
Their experiences span the Great Depression, the Second World War, rural life in country New South Wales, migration from Italy and years spent raising families. While their lives have followed different paths, their reflections centre on the people and communities around them.
Jean McBride’s Life of Faith, Family and Activity
Jean McBride has lived through major periods of hardship and change, including the Great Depression and the Second World War.
Her father died at 48 without a will, leaving six children behind. Through those years, faith remained a central part of her life, along with a belief in kindness, care for others and appreciation for the community where a person lives.
Jean married Dominic after the war. They were married for 61.5 years and raised three children. Her husband had served in Papua New Guinea and returned home quiet about his wartime experience, speaking about it only when asked directly.
Her family life included friendships, ballroom dancing and a tennis court in the backyard. She also played tennis into her 30s and has continued to value activity and independence.
At BallyCara, Jean has also spent time making rosary beads, which are sent to communities in Papua New Guinea, and spending time with other residents and staff.
Enid McGregor’s Memories of the Land
Enid McGregor spent much of her life on a large rural property at Ashford, in country New South Wales.
Her memories are strongly connected to family and life on the land. She has described her family life as happy and has spoken about missing the rural life she once knew.
The years when she had her children remain among her happiest memories. She has also looked forward to time with her great-grandchildren.
Enid celebrated her 100th birthday at BallyCara, where staff and residents gathered to mark the milestone. She has been part of BallyCara for many years, first in the retirement village and now in permanent care. Her birthday celebration was also shared alongside a Mother’s Day gathering.
Bianca Usarzewska’s Life of Travel and Connection
Bianca Usarzewska came to Australia from Italy in 1998, when she was 73, after following her daughter. She did not return to live in Italy.
Travel has been a major part of her life. Her journeys included Brazil, where she had family, as well as return visits to Italy and trips to Holland and Britain.
Bianca has described travel as something she would encourage younger people to do. She has also credited diet and exercise as part of her approach to later life.
At BallyCara, Bianca has taken part in Wellness Centre Gym activities, including one-on-one sessions and weekly Balance classes. She also starts each morning with an orange.
Her 100th birthday was celebrated with BallyCara’s chat group, and family travelled from the United Kingdom for the occasion.
BallyCara’s Scarborough Community
BallyCara is a charitable organisation with its residential care and retirement village located at Scarborough. It also provides home care and wellness programs across Moreton Bay, Brisbane North, Logan, the Gold Coast and Melbourne North.
The organisation describes Scarborough as its spiritual home on Moreton Bay.
For Jean, Enid and Bianca, BallyCara is now part of a longer story of family, movement, work, faith and friendship across 100 years or more.
Published 7-July-2026
