MONTAGUE MAGIC: John Burbidge celebrated his birthday on Montague Island surrounded by family and friends.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY: John Burbidge celebrates turning 80 years old next Wednesday. (October 10)
LOCAL resident John Burbidge celebrated his surprise 80th birthday on Saturday with a picnic lunch on Montague Island and a whale watching cruise on Narooma Charters.
Born in Moruya hospital on October 10, 1932, John spent his childhood in the Eurobodalla between his father’s farm in Bodalla and his grandmother’s property (now Amooran Oceanside) in Narooma.
John reminisces of times spent gazing out to Montague and dreaming that one day he may just step foot on the Island, as up until recent times the Island was not open to the public.
John has visited the Island several times since then, however on Saturday it was made extra special as he took the journey surrounded by 30 of his closest family and friends, including three great grandchildren.
John is an avid believer in keeping good health and at 80 years says his secret is eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly and enjoying life to the fullest.