A former Mayoress, and Councillor, Mrs McCracken is known for her beaming smile to those who visit her at Eventide Homes.

Mrs McCracken was born and grew up in Geelong.

She met her husband Arthur McCracken in Geelong and together they had two children.

Mr McCracken moved his family to Stawell and was Mayor for four terms.

Mrs McCracken was known as an excellent cook. In the time as her role as Mayoress, she cooked for all shire events with minimal assistance. Her family say they were told her suppers reached legendary status.

After her husband died suddenly at the age of 66, Elaine decided to stand for Council and was elected.

"Being on Council was a bit daunting to start with, but I loved it when she got the hang of it," she said.

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"I joined because I wanted to make a difference in my own right."

Mrs McCracken said she was particularly proud of her grandson Joe McCracken who is a Councillor at the Otway Shire Council in Victoria and has followed in his Grandfathers shoes by holding the position of Mayor for a term at 29 years old.

She is never short on tips for Mr McCracken on how to carry out his Council responsibilities, which are taken on board fondly.

Mrs McCracken resides at Eventide Homes where she can be found delivering the local paper to all the other residents each week.

She regularly states that she really misses her car which she gave up at 92 yrs of age.

Family members take Elaine on regular outings locally for a latte or icecream at Halls Gap or even a nice steak at a local pub, and even as recent as Dec 2020 she spent a week away after every Christmas at Barwon Heads with daughter Elizabeth, making her quite the celebrity upon her return to Eventides each New Year.

The coronavirus pandemic naturally was difficult as no outings were allowed for residents in aged care, so it was a very very long year for Elaine.

"I got a bit bored because she couldn't go anywhere or see my family," she said.

Mrs McCracken took up painting at Eventides as an interest at 95 yrs old and found it really enjoyable.

She has produced quite a lot of artwork since which every family member can attest to.

Mrs McCracken sometimes mentions how sad it is when you've outlived most of your friends, but happily, she has made a lovely new friend, Lorna McLeod, at Eventides and they enjoy each others company constantly.

Mrs McCracken said she didn't feel 100 in the slightest bit.

"It's only a number," she said from her room at Eventide Homes.

"I'm waiting on restrictions to see how I can celebrate my birthday. The family are going out for lunch."

Mrs McCracken still enjoys colouring in and spending time in the garden in the courtyard at Eventide Homes.

This story was written with the help of Mrs McCracken's family and Toni Williams of Eventide Homes due to visitor restrictions.

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