A Lifetime in Grafton: Celebrating Australia’s Oldest Man on His 113th Birthday
For 113 years, the town of Grafton has been home to Kenneth (Ken) Weeks. Born on 5 October 1913, Australia’s oldest living man celebrated another extraordinary milestone last month. Surrounded by his family and the familiar faces of his Whiddon Grafton care team, Ken marked his 113th birthday with a beautiful trip down memory lane and a historic international connection.
At Whiddon, we believe a rich, valued life journey keeps older people connected to the places, people, and passions that matter most to them. Ken’s remarkable life story is a testament to this philosophy.
Watch the full video of Ken’s 113th birthday celebrations here:
A Journey Through a Changing Town
To celebrate his 113th birthday, Ken returned to the local places that shaped his century of memories. Accompanied by his son Ian and granddaughter Eunice, Ken toured Grafton in a beautifully restored 1929 Dodge, courtesy of the Grafton Vintage Motor Vehicle Club.
The journey offered a glimpse into a town that has changed dramatically around him. Born the eldest of five children, Ken grew up on a farm beside the Clarence River. He attended Carrs Creek Primary School and Grafton High School before embarking on a diverse working life. Over the decades, Ken built roads, drove trucks and buses, operated a service station, and ran a radio repair business.
For his family, revisiting these locations was a wonderful experience. His son Ian reflected on the day:
“Dad loves getting out and about, so this was a wonderful treat and experience for his 113th birthday. He was intrigued by the car and loved revisiting places that have been such an important part of his life. Being able to share those memories with him, and with our wider family, made it such a special day”.
Ian added:
“It’s amazing that he is still so mobile and independent. Reaching 113 is one thing, but being able to get out and about, enjoy experiences like this and continue doing the things he loves is truly remarkable”.
Eunice also cherished the experience:
“It was wonderful to share memories with Grandpa as we travelled around Grafton. It was delightful to connect with memories of community at his family home, his school and church family. I loved seeing his smile and laugh as he recalled the blessings of the past”.
A World-First Birthday Celebration
Ken’s 113th birthday also included a momentous international surprise. In an extraordinary coincidence, Ken shares his birthday with João Marinho Neto from Brazil, the only man in the world older than him. Born exactly one year earlier and more than 14,000 kilometres away, João turned 114 on the exact same day.
Supported by Whiddon and LongeviQuest, the two supercentenarians exchanged warm video messages to celebrate their shared milestone.
Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis highlighted the privilege of witnessing this connection.
“I don’t believe we will ever see this again,” Chris said. “The world’s two oldest men. One 113 today, the other 114. On the same day, wishing each other happy birthday from opposite sides of the world. That is not rare. That is special, and it may be the only time it ever happens”.
Chris emphasised that the day was ultimately about honouring Ken’s personal journey:
“Ken’s 113th birthday is an extraordinary milestone. But for us, it was never about the number. It’s about Ken, and the life he has lived to get here”.
Eunice echoed this sentiment when reflecting on her grandfather’s longevity:
“Grandpa’s resilience, determination, and independence combined with his faith in God have given him a remarkable and long life. And while he is remarkable, l also love that he has lived a simple ordinary life of industrious hard work. To me he is a typical Aussie battler, that just happens to be my Grandad”.
Supporting Independence and Quality of Life
Ken lived independently in his Grafton home for 65 years before moving into Whiddon Grafton shortly before his 105th birthday in 2018. Eight years later, he continues to live life on his own terms.
For the care teams at Whiddon, knowing a resident’s history is vital to providing relationship-based care.
Sandra Osborne, Residential Services Manager at Whiddon Grafton, notes how deeply Ken is woven into the local fabric.
“Grafton is such an important part of Ken’s story. So much of who he is has been shaped by this community and the life he built here,” Sandra said. “After caring for Ken for the past eight years, we’ve heard so many stories about his life, but seeing him return to some of these places with his family is incredibly special. It gives us another glimpse into the experiences and memories that have made Ken who he is”
Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis shared that aged care is about reablement, new connections, and finding new reasons to get up in the morning.
“Ken’s 113 years are extraordinary, but just as remarkable is the quality of life he has continued to enjoy along the way,” Chris said. “Ken came to Whiddon Grafton at 105. Eight years later, at 113, he is still living the life he wants, connected to his family, holding onto his independence, spending time with the people and places he loves. He is the oldest man on record for as long as records have been kept in Australia. We’re proud to have played our part in that story. That’s what quality aged care means: taking the time to understand who someone is, what has shaped them and what brings them joy, so they can keep living life on their own terms”
Ken’s determination, curiosity, and enduring independence continue to inspire everyone around him. After 113 years, Grafton is still his home, and we are incredibly proud to be part of his ongoing journey.
