LAURIE Ansett has great memories of growing up in the Dingee district and visits to the bush nursing centre as a youngster.
He was among many former residents to return for Sunday’s centenary celebrations.
Laurie and twin brother Keith were  born in Dingee in 1941.
“I can well remember Sister Williams running the show,” he said. “And there were many visits as youngsters for injections and other treatment.”
Laurie and Keith left Dingee aged 16. Both applied for a job at the Bendigo Butter Factory “and they put us both on”.
Laurie later worked in the textile industry in Bendigo and Geelong before becoming a travelling salesman.
Son Tony, a former Geelong councillor, brought Laurie back to Dingee for the celebrations that also acted as an unofficial back-to for the community.
Centre president Geoff Thomas said the crowd had exceeded expectations.