One hundred years strong, Dorothy Blackmore is happy and healthy

Honest and to the point, Ms Blackmore is witty and engaged although she admits she has slowed down in recent years.

Ms Blackmore scoffed at the idea of requesting a letter from King Charles, but she thinks she might have requested one from the late Queen Elizabeth because they were born in the same year.

On her 99th birthday, Ms Blackmore was using an oxygen tank but she has since recovered.

She still enjoys her health, going on bus trips into town and shopping alone.

“If I get really sick, knock me on the head,” Ms Blackmore said.

When asked for her secret to a long life, she said “there is no advice, it’s pure luck”.

While luck is certainly a factor, Ms Blackmore has also lived an active life, playing tennis for many decades, only putting down the racquet when she was nearly 90.

Her children and grandchildren have long since moved away, but she is not short of company, as she receives regular visits from friends

Among them is Benita Connelly, who said “we wish her all the best”.

“It’s a good milestone and she has had a good life,” she said.

Ms Blackmore loves the diversity of her community, who come from a range of religions and ethnicities, including the staff at Mercy Place, who she said are “beautiful here”.

Born in Swan Hill, Ms Blackmore has lived in Bendigo, Melbourne and Invergordon before coming to Shepparton for the tennis facilities at Mercy Place.

She chose her room for its view of the garden and said “nature calms you down”.

“You make your own life here,” she said.

“I’m well and happy.”