Emeritus Professor Malcolm Whyte AO is reticent and humble about the merest mention of his life achievements. In contrast, he is quick to spruik the benefits of fortnightly home care provided by Mercy Health and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Malcolm is possibly the world’s oldest living Rhodes Scholar, having recently turned 101.
“It’s all fake news,” he laughs. “They say I’m the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere and probably the oldest in the world, but what does it matter?”
Malcolm on his graduation day, 1939.
His 101st birthday celebrations were low key — fewer than 10 people attended an online video gathering organised by his stepdaughter.
It was a different story 12 months ago when Malcolm reached the magical 100-year milestone, with close to 200 family members, friends and former colleagues from as far afield as the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany assembled online — all eager to pass on their congratulations to this high-achieving Australian.
Malcolm celebrating his 100th birthday with cousin Chris Moore and stepdaughter Kate Angus.
Not long ago, Malcolm was described in a newspaper article as one of Canberra’s most distinguished residents, but the former Chair of Clinical Science at John Curtin School of Medical Research at The Australian National University says that career was a lifetime ago.
“These days, I love staying engaged; I love writing Japanese-style poetry and I enjoy walking, which I do most days of the week.”
Malcolm still lives independently, and during COVID-19 lockdowns, he found himself a part of seven different Zoom groups that meet regularly.
I love staying engaged; I love writing Japanese-style poetry and I enjoy walking.
He lives in Woden, a suburb of Canberra, and help from Mercy Health home care frees him up to engage with friends and family, giving him time to share his wisdom (our words, not his).
“I still think I’m a competent cleaner but having a trustworthy and a nice person who comes in and provides assistance and applies that round of extra polish once a fortnight is reassuring,” Malcolm says with a sparkle in his eye.
Even for this article, Malcolm’s one request was that the interview take place on Zoom. Technology is his friend.
Malcolm is still mobile and enjoys a daily walk.
As a young man, his medical studies were interrupted by World War II. He served as a medical officer in Borneo and, as a result, his home care is funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Malcolm is also quick to point out that he shares a milestone with Mercy Health.
“Although I was born in India in 1920 to missionary parents, I’m aware that it was the same year that the Sisters of Mercy arrived in Victoria.
The son of missionaries, aged four.
“The Sisters, through their spirit and drive, set up hospitals and schools,” he adds.
Malcolm was actively involved with Lifeline, in Canberra and nationally. He worked closely with many organisations, including The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society and Alcoholics Anonymous.
“I went on to become a thorn in the side of the health bureaucrats,” he laughs. “But like the Sisters of Mercy, hopefully I’ve gone on to do some worthwhile work.”
Last reviewed December 19, 2021.