October 20th, 2025Betty Togni celebrates her 100th by Narelle Groenhout
Family. Home. Church.
Three things Daylesford’s Betty Togni has devoted her life to. A life that has spanned a full century.
Recently, Betty’s family and friends converged on Daylesford from across the country to recognise Betty’s 100th birthday.
Betty’s celebrations included an afternoon tea with fellow residents at Hepburn House, which she has called home for four years. Then the family gathered the next day to share stories and memories with Betty.
Chatting with Narelle
Exhausted after a busy weekend, she still made time to welcome me in her room and chat about her milestones, her early years, her family and her marriage.
“My late husband Lou, my children, my home and my church. That has been my life, and I have been very lucky to live in a wonderful community,” she said.
“To be honest I hated it at first – arriving in the early 1940s when my father George began working as the local steam train diver. It was cold and wet. But I soon adapted, and I couldn’t imagine a more wonderful place to raise a family and call home.”
The Togni name
“I am so proud of the Togni name. The Swiss Italian heritage is such an important part of the local history. All those brave and wonderful people coming to an unknown little town and playing such an important role in the area. I admire them so much.”
Betty’s early years were incredibly hard. Born in Donald, her mother died when she was 18 months old while giving birth to her sister. She was sent to Williamstown to live with her grandmother.
Living with her grandmother
“My grandmother Emma was gorgeous. She was the most loving and wonderful woman, and I can still remember my early years being with her and surrounded by her love,” she said. “There were always so many people in our home and it was a happy and loving house. I was sent back to live with my father and stepmother and stepbrothers.
“I didn’t know them, and I was only eight. It was hard and I can still remember it. I missed my grandmother terribly. My stepmother was very tough, but I just had to adapt to it all.”
A baby doll called Louise
One memory Betty has never forgotten was the time she fell in love with a baby doll in a local shop window. At the same time, she was told that something very special was coming for her birthday.
“I thought I was going to receive this beautiful doll for my birthday but when the time came, I was told I was getting a baby brother. That was my surprise. I’ve remembered that my entire life. So, when I moved into Hepburn House, I bought myself a lovely baby doll. I named her Louise after my husband,” she said.
Family
Betty and Lou raised six children – three girls and three boys. Sadly, one of her sons died. Two of her children now live locally, while the others live in Maryborough, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Betty and Lou raised their family in their Jamieson Street family home. Betty later moved into a smaller home in Camp Street where she lived for 17 years.
“I knew after two visits to hospital in the ambulance it was time to move into care and I wanted to make it easier on my daughter Elizabeth. I have lived here for four years now and have the most wonderful views from my room. The staff here are so caring,” she said.
Gardening, golf, bowls, art and church
Over the years Betty was a keen gardener, loved her golf and enjoyed lawn bowls.
She also discovered her love of art when she bought a Paint by Numbers kit for her son Ross. There were two in the pack, so she completed one and loved it. A beautiful painting hangs above her bed and all the other work has been given to family members.
While her congregation in the local Uniting Church declined in numbers over the years and recently amalgamated following the sale of the church in Daylesford, Betty still enjoys attending the regular Wednesday church service at Hepburn House. She is also still an important member of her church family, and many were at her birthday celebrations.
Letters for her birthday
Betty was particularly delighted to receive a letter from King Charles. “I was pregnant when Queen Elizabeth was pregnant with Charles, so I have always felt a connection to him and look at him as one of my own” she said.
She also received letters from the Governor of Victoria and the Prime Minister. But it was a letter from the Department of Veteran Affairs that moved Betty.
“My husband Lou served in the army and the letter from the Minister mentioned Louis’ remarkable efforts in the war and thanked me for supporting him. It was very moving,” she said.
A family legacy
It’s clear Betty’s entire adult life has been centred around her family. And when her family gathered for her birthday, including many of her 23 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, two of her granddaughters (sisters) told her on the day they were both having babies. And Betty couldn’t be more delighted as the family she began many years ago with her beloved Lou continues to grow.
Featuring Betty and Kyle’s Rant
This is the first time in 100 years Betty has been in any local newspaper. She loves reading The Local and her favourite section is Kyle’s Rant. From the team at The Local and most importantly Kyle, we are delighted to feature you in this edition, Betty.
Finally, from Kyle
Hi Betty, It sounded like you had a much deserved, wonderful birthday with family and friends. I loved reading your story and feel like I know you. Next time I am passing the wonderful Hepburn House I will pop in to say g’day if that’s ok? Glad you like my rant – years ago when I first started writing them I used to pretend I was a grumpy old man, now I think I might be! Kyle xx
(Ed’s note: Betty, please don’t encourage Kyle by liking his rants. He will get an even bigger head! Happy Birthday from Donna xx)
