A 100-year-old man has settled into aged care living in Brookfield, sharing a century’s worth of life experiences spanning war, education, and family.
A life of service and experience
William “Henry” Martell has joined the Carinity Brookfield Green aged care community, bringing with him a life that has spanned military service, education, and business. Born in December 1924 in Haberfield, Sydney, Mr Martell’s early years included hiking across the Hawkesbury and cycling along Manly beach.
Educated at Neuchatel Grammar and later Sydney Grammar School, Mr Martell went on to serve in the Pacific during World War II after joining the Australian Army at 19. His duties included delivering ammunition to troops near Japanese-occupied Bougainville.
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Post-war ventures across continents
Following the war, Mr Martell married Diana Coote in Cornwall, England. While overseas, they ran a 17th-century inn in Devon. They described the years spent there as particularly fulfilling. His career continued with ventures including managing a cocoa plantation in Papua New Guinea.
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Mr Martell later transitioned into academia. He became a university lecturer specialising in Asian history. He was part of the inaugural teaching staff at La Trobe University in Victoria.
Returning to Brookfield
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Henry and Diana Martell moved into Carinity Brookfield Green aged care after previously living nearby for nearly 30 years. The couple now reside in the facility together. Their birthdays fall one day apart, and their family includes four children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
About Brookfield Green
Brookfield Green is located on Gold Creek Road in Brookfield, approximately 25 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD. The aged care community offers permanent aged care, dementia support, and respite services in a peaceful, semi-rural environment.
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The facility has served the local community for 50 years. Its latest addition, The Residences, opened in 2019 and features private rooms with ensuites in a Hamptons-style setting. Communal areas include lounge spaces, private sitting rooms, and scenic dining areas.
Brookfield Green is operated by Carinity. For further enquiries, you can contact them at (07) 3374 7111 or via brookfieldgreen.org.au.
Marking a century
Mr Martell’s induction into the Carinity 100 Club recognises his centenarian milestone. Reflecting on his life, he credits the people he’s met along the way as central to his experience.
Published 10-Apr-2025