Joan Baumber’s 102nd birthday party

So, how does it feel to be 102?

“It feels the same, a bit stiff,” she said.

Mrs Baumber also shared her secret to a long life.

“What I tell everybody, hard work and no money,” she said.

Mrs Baumber grew up the daughter of soldier settlers in Yea, where she spent her early years on a farm.

She is proud to have studied at Clarendon College in Ballarat, where her mother also attended.

After school, Mrs Baumber worked at the Commonwealth Bank until she met her husband and moved to Murchison, finding herself back on a farm.

“After saying I never would [marry a farmer],” she said.

Mrs Baumber told granddaughter Olivia Kerrins her greatest achievement in life was, “You kids, I suppose.”

Mrs Baumber also shared stories of her travels during a gap year after school when she headed to England by ship.

“It was a marvellous thing to travel by ship. We stopped at various ports and spent time there,” she said.

Mrs Baumber recalled a rocky cable-car ride up Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, and spoke of the perilous nature of the journey home.

“[There was] very, very rough, wild weather. So we arrived at Fremantle with a few casualties on board. Quite a few casualties,” she said.

Mrs Baumber also highlighted the importance of learning from your mistakes and the people around you.

“You live and learn, that’s right,” she said.

“You meet a lot of people; they all have different ideas, and you pick up a bit along the way from everybody.

“That’s it. That’s my life.

“I’ve had a marvellous life.”

Mrs Baumber continues to be a vibrant member of the community, having been secretary of the Murchison Anglican Church for over 40 years.

Reverend Andre du Plooy said he and Mrs Baumber often met to trade advice and wisdom.

Mrs Baumber lived at home by herself with minimal help until Christmas last year.

She and her granddaughter wanted to thank Parkvilla staff members for their amazing care since moving in.

“I’ve chosen well. My family has chosen well,” Mrs Baumber said.