Morrie Evans wing at Benalla Health caring for the elderly since 1978

Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn was on hand to cut the cake with resident Margaret Firth.

And residents enjoyed playing some music and having a singalong.

Allison Burton, who has worked in the wing for more than 10 years, said it was a lovely day.

“There has been some changes in my time,” Ms Burton said.

“When I came here it was four-bed wards and shared bathrooms. Now we have all individual rooms and each resident has their own en-suite.

“The ward is a bit bigger, too.

“We now have an activities room and beautiful gardens.

“We still have the same amount of residents as back in 1978, but now they have their own rooms and a lot more space which is lovely.

“And because we only have 30 here the staff get to know the residents really well and it’s got a nice family atmosphere.

“Because of that bond we have quite a lot of staff who have been here a long time.”