Leonard Lionel Sicard - 102 years

Leonard Sicard speaks about his life with humility and a steady warmth that reflects more than a century of memories. At 102 years of age, and recently honoured at the My Guardian Centenarians Lunch, he looks back on a childhood spent outdoors, a lifetime of hard work and the deep joy he has found in family.

Leonard was born in Wellington in New South Wales. As a teenager he learned to swim in the Macquarie River near Goolagong and spent many days with his father fishing and shooting ducks. These early years formed the foundation of his practical skills and strong work ethic.

His first job was on the railway at Dubbo as a junior clerk in 1940 at just eighteen. In the same year he joined the air force and began extensive training that took him from Tocumwal to Canada. He remembers these years as both demanding and defining.

Len’s advice to the younger generation comes from a place of experience and integrity. He encourages people to whatever you do give it your very very best effort. Just give it one hundred percent. His message is simple but powerful and reflects the way he has lived every chapter of his life.

The happiest day of Len’s life was the day he married his sweetheart. It remains the memory he continues to hold closest to his heart.

Len’s hobbies reveal both his enthusiasm and determination. He played competition squash until he was seventy, a remarkable achievement that brought him pride and enjoyment. He also tried playing the piano for a time but says with humour that he eventually gave that away.

One of Len’s greatest pleasures is staying connected with his family. He loves communicating with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoys gathering with them for special occasions. These moments of connection bring him deep happiness.

Leonard Sicard’s life is a beautiful reflection of discipline love resilience and a deep commitment to family. We are honoured to share his story and celebrate his remarkable one hundred and two years.

On 23 October 2025, Leonard 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.

Leonard’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 Leonard 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.