Born in Cobargo on January 6, 1926, Betty’s early education required determination and travel.
With no high school in her home town, she repeated Year 6 before the principal secured a bursary for her to attend Sydney Girls High.
This education paved a way for her to study languages at university.
Post-university, Ms Bradney began her teaching career in Junee.
She taught French and German, and later moved to Narrandera to teach English.
In 1970, the Bradney’s drew a farm in the land ballot and relocated the family to Coleambally.
Betty went on to teach locally for 20 years, working until 1994, and raised four children while contributing to a wide range of community activities.
Among her many involvements, Betty is known for her long association with the Coleambally Garden Club.
As one of its early instigators, she has remained an active member for decades and was awarded Life Membership in recognition of her service.
“Betty has an amazing knowledge of all things gardening, and she is always very willing to share this knowledge with others,” her friends at the Colembally Garden Club said.
“At our monthly meetings, Betty always comes laden with potted plants she has nurtured to give to others with great advice on how to keep them alive.
“Betty is an inspiration for all gardeners.
“We are sure that her love of gardening has given her this amazing milestone.”
Betty has also been involved in various naturalist and environmental groups, reflecting her lifelong interest in the outdoors and the local landscape.
Reflecting on the changes she has witnessed over a century, she points to electricity as the most significant.
“I’ve seen electricity come to several towns,” she said.
“As a girl, when I came home for the school holidays just after Cobargo got electricity, the house was lit up like a show boat.”
As for the secret to her longevity, she credits good fortune, and vegetables.
“I’ve been lucky my whole life, but I think my current good health is because I eat a lot of vegetables,” she said.
In December, the Garden Club acknowledged Betty’s 100th birthday during their Christmas party.
At the weekend, family members, friends, community groups and several former students of Betty’s attended another celebration in her honour.
The Sunday gathering celebrated a woman whose influence has spanned generations.
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