Being nice to others and keeping people happy is what local resident Phyllis Seechin believes to be the secret to living a long life, having just celebrated her 104th birthday.
Phyllis has lived in the Bundaberg Region for the most part of 104 years, being born in Avoca in 1917.
Celebrating the milestone birthday, she shared her secret to living a long life with Mayor Jack Dempsey.
Phyllis said it was quite simple really, just be kind to everyone.
“I just want everyone to be kind, and keep each other happy, that is it” she said.
Phyllis spent many of her years working on farms within the region, while also being a carer and cook for her parents and siblings.
Phyllis' niece Roberta Harycki recalled her always working hard and keeping busy.
“She is ever so hardworking, she was a farmer who helped with seasonal picking and packing of tomatoes, mangoes, oranges, custard apples and bitter melons at the Gooburrum family farm,” Roberta said.
“She had a stall at the house where she would sell local produce along with her homemade jams and chutneys.”
While she maintains a positive attitude to life, Phyllis has endured many hardships over the years, making her the resilient 104-year-old she is today.
“During the 2010 – 2011 floods, Phyllis was rescued by her brothers and taken to higher ground, with a huge cleanup effort entailing.
“In the most recent floods in 2012 – 2013, her house was washed away after she was rescued by boat.
“The house held many memories to the family, with over 70 years spent there.”
Roberta said Phyllis was an aunt who had provided them with very fond memories over the years, and they were looking forward to celebrating another birthday with her when she reaches 105 years old.
“She is an aunt who is much loved, has inspired us all with her generosity and good sense of humor,” Roberta said.
“She has spent her life caring for others and while she presents quietly and as a private person to outsiders, with family she is always relaxed and sociable.”
This is a fabulous article of my aunt who had a visit from the Bundaberg Mayor.
I too was born in Bundaberg in 1949 at Bundaberg Hospital, attending North Bundaberg Primary School. The article brought back a lot of memories about community spirit.
Thank you
Rosetta Kai Sung