Cairns veteran Dulcie Newbery celebrates 100th birthday on Anzac Day

Meet the Cairns ex-servicewoman who is set to pass an incredible milestone on the most poignant day imaginable.

A Cairns veteran will have 100 reasons to commemorate Anzac Day this year but says the day will be about remembrance first.

Dulcie Newbery was born on the eighth Anzac Day in 1924 and served as a stenographer in the Australian Women’s Army Service from November 1942 until the end of World War II in 1945.

Ms Newbery said it was the “happiest” days of her life.

Stratford resident Dulcie Newbery has celebrated her 100th birthday, which will occur on April 25, with a celebration surrounded by dozens of friends and family members at the Cairns RSL. 100 year old Dulcie Newbery (centre) with her daughter Judy Hopper and son Graham Newbery, and other family and friends. Picture: Brendan Radke

“The caretaker at the Merrylands (NSW) drill hall had a huge toolbox and I used to sit on it and ask the boys what was in it,” Ms Newbery said.

“Little did I know there was a tunnel dug from the drill hall to the American Hospital while our sergeant … traded ham, bags of sugar and silk stocking for black market wine.”

Many of Ms Newbery’s family, including children Judy and Graham, gathered at the Cairns RSL Club on April 22 for an early celebration of her milestone birthday.

“Thursday (Anzac Day), will be about remembrance first and birthday second for mum,” Judy said.

Dulcie Newbery enrolled in the Australian Women's Army Service as an 18 year old in 1942.

Dulcie Newbery (R) with friend Rosemary Iloste at a 2017 Anzac Day service. Picture: Brendan Radke

Ms Newbery said she holds memories of the war close to her but there was also sadness she would never forget.

“One thing which will always remain with me was when the buses started bringing the Prisoners of War from the German prison camps back into the Marrickville Transport and Leave Depot,” Ms Newbery said.

“The looks on the emaciated bodies of the once healthy strong men was a sadness I will always remember.”

Ms Newbery was born on April 25 1924 in Hurstville, NSW, and settled in Cairns with her husband Colin after they married in 1946.

When Colin died in 2009 Dulcie remained in their Stratford home until she was 98 before moving to the Farnorha aged care facility in Cairns.

100 year old Dulcie Newbery cuts her birthday cake with the help of her daughter Judy Hopper. Picture: Brendan Radke

Ms Newbery credits a happy upbringing and “throwing herself into everything” as secrets to her long life.

“My days were carefree and happy which has helped me attain my current age,” she said. “Hiking and swimming with good friends also played a large part of my life, no TV or social media in those days.”

In her later years, along with spoiling family and friends with her legendary fruit cake and mango chutney, Ms Newbery gave much of her time to the community.

She took part in hospital visiting for the Good Shepherd Anglican Church in Edge Hill until her late 80s.

“Over the years I hope I have helped those in need,” Ms Newbery said. “I do miss my hospital visiting, however I must believe that the Lord has His plans for me.

“My loving family have been a great joy to me.”

Originally published as Cairns veteran Dulcie Newbery celebrates 100th birthday on Anzac Day