Wise … Life-long St Albans resident Mary Smith is this week’s focus for the Pride in Brimbank series. 59280 Picture: DAMJANJANEVSKI
By Belinda Nolan
MARY Smith could never imagine living anywhere else but St Albans.
That’s because she never has.
Having lived in the suburb for every one of her impressive 90 years, the stalwart resident could be considered St Albans’ unofficial biographer and number one fan.
Having watched the suburb spring up from a farming town to a bustling commercial hub, it’s no surprise Mary has a story to tell about every house and every street corner.
And she doesn’t mind sharing her wisdom.
“People always know I’ve got a story to tell,” Mary said.
“I’m well-known for my chatter.”
Born in 1920, Mary’s family moved to St Albans in the same year after her father got a job at HV McKay’s famous Harvester factory in Sunshine.
“When we came to St Albans, there was nothing here, just paddocks,” Mary said.
“There was nothing but snakes in the summer and mud in the winter.”
In those days, barely anyone was rich enough to own a car, so most St Albans residents used a horse and cart to get around.
Mary went to St Albans Primary School and later joined the family trade at the McKay factory.
She married in 1943 and has two children, both of whom still live in the area.
While many others have passed through St Albans, after 90 years Mary stayed true and can be considered an icon of the suburb.
“I love St Albans, it’s always been my home and it always will,” Mary said.
“I couldn’t live anywhere else.
“It’s always been a real community where everyone knows everyone and people all help each other.
“That’s probably what I like about it the most.”
At almost a century, it’s no surprise that many have sought the secret to Mary’s remarkable longevity.
“And I always tell them the same thing – hard work,” Mary said.
“I’ve worked hard my whole life and I think that is what’s helped keep me young.
“You have to keep going or you’ll just stop.”
Star’s new series – Pride in Brimbank highlights the stories of ordinary residents who take pride in their community.
If you know someone who fits the bill, contact Star on 9933 4815 or email belinda.nolan@starnewsgroup.com.au.
