29/07/2026
Getting in early so you wake up to birthday wishes… because you deserve to know just how loved you are Nathan O'Donnell
Happy Birthday to my favourite person. ❤️
Thank you for being my Prince Charming in every way.
25 years ago we met in a theatre play … you were Prince Charming and I was the skater boy. Life had a funny way of knowing we weren’t quite ready yet, so we went our separate ways… only to find each other again when the time was right.
And now, looking back, it’s pretty clear we were always meant to find our way back to each other. We are exactly where we are meant to be.
If you know Nath, you know exactly who he is. He’s articulate, incredibly kind, ridiculously handsome (even if he rolls his eyes at me saying that!), and absolutely convinced he is hilarious… and to be fair, most of the time he is. 😂
He has the biggest heart, with so much love to give. He loves deeply, cares deeply, and makes the people around him feel valued. He is fiercely loyal and always there for the people he loves.
The past year has been one we’ll never forget. We’ve opened new shops, chased big dreams, made some huge decisions, and had more than a few “what are we doing?!” moments.
Like the 3am start to move a fridge halfway down the main street, only to discover the trolley tyres were flat and having to wait for the petrol station to open so we could pump them up.
Or the time Nath moved 60 slat wall panels on a trolley with flat wheels… while the shop was still open! Because apparently some shops just refuse to close. 😂 (And yes, I was there with two twisted ankles watching this madness unfold!)
People often think I’m the one with all the crazy ideas, but the truth is Nath deserves credit for at least 50% of them! Together we’ve dreamed big, taken risks, worked hard and built something we are incredibly proud of.
It feels extra special that after starting his journey with Swannies nearly 25 years ago, we eventually came back around and became the ones to take over the business. When Pat and Ian said it was almost like family taking over, that meant more than they probably realised.
When he’s not dreaming up our next adventure, he’s making the most amazing homemade chicken pies (your mum would definitely be proud ❤️), being an incredible dad to our kids, and somehow living up to his unofficial title as Merimbula’s best dressed man.
Thank you for dancing the dances, holding my hand through it all, being my partner in crime, and simply being my one.
Thank you for making me laugh every single day, for loving us so well, and for being exactly who you are.
Happy Birthday, Nath. ❤️
Here’s to another year of adventures, laughter, crazy ideas, and continuing to build this beautiful life together.
I love you mate. ❤️🎉
