Ida Jackson reflects on lifetime achievements on 100th birthday

She worked within the divisions of the Australian Women’s Army Service nearly 80 years ago. Now Ida Jackson is celebrating one of the most significant milestones of her life.

Ida Jackson and her daughter Sheryl celebrating her 100th birthday at Warwick's Blue Care respite service.

At just age 19, the Warwick resident joined the Australian Women’s Army Service anti-aircraft division, where she was responsible for tracking the position of enemy aircraft during World War II.

Many years following her time in AWAS, Ida moved to the Southern Downs in the mid-1960s with her husband and four children.

Sadly, her husband lost his life during the construction of the Leslie Dam.

This week Ida celebrated another milestone – turning 100.

Blue Care Warwick held a celebration for Ida’s significant birthday, where she has received respite care since 2017.

Sheryl Busto (L) celebrating her mother Ida Jackson’s (R) 100th birthday at Warwick's BlueCare respite service.

(L) Ida Jackson and friend Michele Wilson (R) at her 100th birthday morning tea at BlueCare Warwick's respite centre.

“Everything is just so great here and they’re all so lovely,” she said.

Ida’s age hasn’t stopped her remaining active.

She is known around Blue Care to be a skilled Scrabble and indoor bowls player who enjoys the occasional episode of The Bold and The Beautiful.

Lengthy lives also run in Ida’s family.

The Sunshine Coast native is not far off following in the footsteps of her mother Edith Berg, who once surpassed her 103rd birthday.

Ida’s official birthday was on Monday, July 24, which she celebrated with her family earlier in the year with a group trip to the Gold Coast.

She is also hoping to receive a special letter of acknowledgment from the King.

(L) to (R) Donna Camac, Glad Tunny, Vivienne Blackburn, Ida Jackson, Cr Ross Bartley, Kate Kitto and Lynne Wood.