Nhill’s Mervyn Schneider – fondly known as Merv – marked an extraordinary milestone last week, celebrating his 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends, and well-wishers.
A celebration was held at the Nhill Bowling Club on Saturday, with more than 150 people in attendance. Guests travelled from across Victoria, interstate, and even overseas to honour Merv’s century of life and contribution.
Born in Woomelang and later settling in Nhill, Merv attended school locally and played sport for both Lowan Star and Nhill. He dedicated over 50 years of his working life to Bullen Brothers before retiring in the 1990s.
Merv’s daughter Lyn said the day was a joyful community effort.
“We had a wonderful celebration at the bowling club – thank you to the club for providing the venue and kitchen,” she said.
Special thanks were extended to Melanie Colbert, Julie Colbert, Kate Pilgrim and Alison Bourchier for their work catering and serving on the day. Local businesses were also part of the event, with Amber’s Sweet Bliss creating the birthday cake, Paw Po providing flowers, and food donations coming from various community members. Catering support also came from Lowana and the LOL van.
Mayor Ron Ismay and Councillor Rosie Barker from Hindmarsh Shire Council presented Merv with a formal citation, acknowledging his incredible service to the region. Merv also received hundreds of birthday cards, including a congratulatory letter from the King and correspondence from several parliamentary officials.
“There were so many highlights,” Merv said. “But one special moment was seeing people from Bullen Brothers – it was like a reunion. And it was fitting to celebrate with lifelong friends like Jack Bullen, who’s 103, and May Craig, who will be 104 in November.”
The afternoon’s proceedings were guided by MC Rob Lynch.
Merv’s life has been one of service, adventure, and deep community commitment. A Warrant Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II, Merv served from 1943–1945 and spent time at Mawson Research Station in Antarctica. In 1991, he was inducted into Wimmera Legacy, serving on the Board of Management across multiple terms, and chairing Welfare Services from 2010–2017.
He’s also dedicated 44 years to the Board of Management at Avonlea Incorporated, serving five terms as president and being awarded Life Governorship.
A charter member of the Rotary Club of Nhill since 1961, Merv has been instrumental in initiatives such as establishing Meals on Wheels and community tree-planting projects. He also helped establish the Nhill Senior Citizens Club and Probus Club.
Among his many accolades, Merv has received the Paul Harris Fellowship, the Centenary Medal for service to veterans, an Order of Australia Medal in 2014 for service to the Nhill community, and was named Hindmarsh Shire Citizen of the Year in 2022. Even at 100, Merv remains a familiar and much-loved figure in Nhill.
“You’ll still find him riding his bike down the street,” said Lyn. “Chatting and telling stories.
This article appeared in Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 23 July 2025.
