Eating great food and being surrounded by wonderful friends are two things that Bundaberg woman Dorothy Collishaw attributes to her long life.
Turning 100 years old today, Dorothy has spent the past week celebrating a century of highlights, milestones and good baking with her loved ones.
The Bundaberg woman has been whipping up delicious scones and various other desserts for the QCWA for many years, and was recently named ‘scone master' by ABC Wide Bay for her amazing recipe.
But yesterday there was not one of Dorothy's scones in sight as she was told to put down the flour and enjoy a day of celebration with the members of QCWA instead.
“I am very spoilt,” Dorothy said at her morning tea, hosted by the group.
“It was a big surprise, I had no idea this morning tea was on.”
Dorothy grew up in Maryborough and began baking at an early age.
She said she had always had a love for making scones, however, her first few attempts were far from perfect.
“I started making scones when I was a school girl going to Domestic Science,” Dorothy said.
“The first lot I made were like bullets!”
With some help from her baker father, Dorothy said she soon learned the secret to making a great scone was stirring with a knife – and it's a tip she has carried with her throughout life.
“They are so quick to make, I just love scones,” she said.
“Every time I have coffee, I have scones.”
Yesterday, Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey stopped by the QCWA building on Quay Street to wish Dorothy a happy birthday.
“A big happy birthday to Dorothy, our scone Queen,” he said.
“Dorothy has been an integral part of our local QCWA branch and the amazing work they do.
“Renowned for being great home cooks and very handy with the crafts, QCWA members like Dorothy are so much more than that.
“Dorothy has a passion for people and a real connection to her community, so today, we say thank you for all that you have contributed and a very big happy birthday to you.”
President of the Bundaberg QCWA President Lyn Tucker said Dorothy was a passionate member who always attended meetings with a smile and some treats.
“Dorothy is so lively,” Lyn said.
“She always brings food along with her to our meetings, always! She has contributed a lot to the QCWA over the years.
“She is on top of everything and there is definitely nothing wrong with her mind, she is wonderful.”
