Emeritus Professor Malcolm Whyte celebrated his 105th birthday this week, surrounded by family and friends at the Mirinjani nursing home in Weston. Five years ago, his 100th birthday was marked by a Zoom meeting due to pandemic restrictions.
Professor Whyte, born on October 26, 1920, in Jammalamadugu, India, to missionary parents, moved to the nursing home from independent living units last December. Despite his age, he remains hale and hearty, with an impish sense of humour.
This year, he self-published a book of Haiku-style poems about the nursing home. His greatest regret is giving up his driver's licence.
Professor Whyte studied at the University of Queensland, with his studies interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the army in Borneo and the Celebes. He later became the foundation professor and Head of the Department of Clinical Science at the John Curtin School of Medical Research in Canberra.
An empathetic man, he was the first chairman of Lifeline Canberra in 1971 and trained as a telephone counsellor. In the mid-70s, he switched careers to focus on community health, spearheading drug and alcohol counselling in Canberra.
His birthday party featured three cakes and the nursing home's best china. Fellow resident Margot Titcher, 92, wrote a special poem for the occasion.
