Aresident has clocked up over 20 years at an independent living facility in Mount Gambier to become the house’s longest residing member.


The “delightful” Doris Duffy celebrated 22 years at Abbeyfield Mount Gambier House this month in a ceremony attended by several of her children, volunteers and residents.


Ms Duffy was presented a resident’s award for recognition and appreciation of her time as a valued resident by Abbeyfield Mt Gambier House board president John Kirby.


“We actually had her brother, Peter Duffy on our committee at one stage and it is great family are here to celebrate Ms Duffy’s 22 years,” Mr Kirby said.


“We acknowledge Doris’ 22 years in Abbeyfield, she is the resident who has been here the longest.


“There are some here that are approaching 20 years but certainly not 22 years and she is one of the longest at Abbeyfield houses anywhere in Australia.”


Ms Duffy said she had enjoyed her time at Abbeyfield.


“I recommend Abbeyfield to anyone when they get older,” Ms Duffy said.


Abbeyfield Mt Gambier House board secretary Sandy Lavender said Ms Duffy is very welcoming to new residents and always takes the time to show them around and have a chat.


“She is a bit like the matriarch of the house, she has been here so long and she knows the routine,” she said.


“If anybody has any questions, they usually go to Doris.


“She would have to be pretty proud of sticking it out for this long I think, as she said she has loved it and it has really been her home so that is great and we are very proud of her.”