When Keith (Harold) Tolliday says he knows every square inch of his Ballarat home, he’s not exaggerating. 

Not only did he build his three-bedroom house, he’s lived there for the last 70 years and simply can’t imagine living anywhere else.  Over the years, the retired carpenter and joiner has put in a new kitchen and replaced the windows but says overall it’s still in pretty good shape.  “It was one of those houses that was built to last,” the 96-year-old says.   

His home, with its large garden and towering 100-year-old pear tree, is more than just bricks and mortar – it’s full of beautiful furniture that Keith has made over the years.  It’s also crammed with cherished memories of a very happy life – busy years with the dedicated Tigers supporter working hard while raising three children with his late wife, Freda.  The family now includes grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Home is still Keith’s happy place.  The former Probus member enjoys reading, watching sport on television and attending the local Uniting Church every Sunday. 

Ballarat is also very special to Keith who was still at school during World War II.  “I remember we all had to help dig trenches at the school after the attack on Darwin,” explains Keith.  “We had to practice evacuating to the trenches in case of an attack on Ballarat.” 

Keith completed his schooling and went on to create beautiful wooden fit outs for many homes and shops across the length and breadth of the city he loves. 

“There’s something very special about Ballarat,” he says.  “The people are very friendly, it’s also very pretty.” 

His health is also good, despite the wear and tear of hard work over the years.  “I think it’s because I didn’t have an office job and spent my days exercising that I am still so fit,” he says.   

But even tough carpenters need a bit of extra help, so Keith got in touch with Uniting AgeWell – and the rest is history.  Through government-funded home care services he’s been able to access equipment to help with his mobility.  “I get on well with all the staff,” says Keith.  “They are very kind and caring.” 

Keith is also being supported by the team to transition to the government’s new Support at Home program that replaces Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025.  

Uniting AgeWell’s Grampians Program Manager Chris Armon and her local team welcome face to face conversations at their office in the beautiful 105-year-old historic building, The Young Peoples Hall 1917 at 19 Albert Street, Ballarat Central. 

“I’m passionate about what we do for our customers,” explains Chris.  “This is a vast area, and older people need reassurance that no matter where they live – on farms, in isolated communities or in cities – we’re local staff and we’re here for them.”