Cecily Clarke - 100 years

At one hundred years of age, Cicely looks back on her life with clarity, gratitude and a gentle sense of humour. Recently honoured at the My Guardian Centenarians Lunch, she shares memories from her childhood in Taravara, her early career during wartime and the deep joy she has found in raising a family.

Cicely recalls growing up in Taravara with great affection. She remembers a childhood filled with simple adventure, including her friend Billy who lived next door. The two would climb to the top of a pine tree until Billy’s mother called them down from the veranda because she was afraid they might fall. These early adventures became some of the happiest memories of her youth.

Cicely’s first job took place during the war which shaped her expectations and responsibilities at a young age. She later trained at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and remembers the pride she felt when she was finally allowed into the wards after her training period. It was an important moment that marked the beginning of her working life.

When asked what advice she would give to younger people today, Cicely says it is better to stay at school and work hard in the important senior years to open up more choices in a career. With a smile, she admits that young people including her great grandchildren will not listen to this message but she believes it strongly all the same.

Cicely says the best time in life is when you produce a child with the man you dearly love. Watching her grandchildren now having their own children has been one of her greatest blessings. It is a joy that continues to grow with each new generation.

She enjoys listening to lovely music, especially Mozart, and often surrounds herself with peaceful classical melodies. She laughs as she shares that she has never been able to sing in tune or play the piano but appreciates the beauty of music all the same.

Her greatest pride lies in her son and daughter who she describes as nice adults, though she affectionately acknowledges that this is a biased sort of answer.

Cicely’s journey is filled with family, kindness, perseverance and a love for simple pleasures. We are honoured to share her story and celebrate a life of one hundred years that continues to inspire those around her.

On 23 October 2025, Cicely joined remarkable Australians aged 100 and over at the My Guardian Centenarians Lunch at NSW Parliament House. The gathering earned a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the largest gathering of centenarians and celebrated more than fifteen thousand combined years of lived experience.

The celebration also aligned with the national transition to the Support at Home program which will help older Australians access personalised care and greater independence. It highlighted the continuing importance of Home Care Packages for those who wish to live safely and comfortably in their own homes.

Cicely’s story reflects the importance of meaningful care understanding and companionship as people age. Many older Australians benefit from Home Care Packages or the new Support at Home program which offer personalised support to help them continue living well. Some residents also receive additional help from organisations such as My Guardian a trusted aged care and disability provider that helps older Australians maintain independence with tailored in home care.

These supports together with family love and community connection ensure that remarkable people like Cicely continue enjoying the memories and moments that matter most.

In the spirit of Australia Day, we acknowledge the people whose lives quietly shaped our country. Her journey reminds us that Australia’s identity is built not only through milestones, but through lived experience, love and resilience across generations.