Sarah Patricia Blackburn celebrates 100th birthday after long career as foster carer

A compassionate Territorian who cared for about 350 children in her lifetime is set to celebrate her 100th birthday. See the photos of her life over the years.

Sarah Patricia Blackburn at age 16. Picture: Supplied

Long-term Territorian Sarah Patricia Blackburn has big plans to celebrate her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends.

The almost-centenarian will commemorate the milestone on February 1 with her children.

Sarah Patricia Blackburn and daughter Nadine Tsangaris will celebrate the almost-centenarian’s birthday on February 1st. Picture: Sierra Haigh

The Yorkshire-born woman is the youngest of 13 siblings.

The now-Territorian relocated to Australia in 1952, where she soon became a house mother.

The centenarian said she cared for about 350 children throughout her career.

Sarah Patricia Blackburn (carrying a large flower bouquet) was the Ossett Common Carnival Queen in 1937. Picture: Supplied

At one stage, Ms Blackburn cared for 20 children in Tambling House, Darwin.

Ms Blackburn said one of the children she fostered was her young nephew.

“He was put into a children’s home, and it took me three weeks to get him out,” she said.

“I went to the solicitors and we got signatures from the father, and I could take him.

“I had him until he was 16.”

Sarah Patricia Blackburn worked as a supervisor at the Old Koala Restaurant in Darwin's CBD in 1964. Picture: Supplied

Ms Blackburn worked on buses before her role as a house mother.

She said she took on the new role because it was “something different”.

“I was shipped off to Katherine in a nice, new house that had three levels,” she said.

“The first six years, I didn’t get a wage.

“They gave you the house and electricity, and they pay for everything that’s needed for the children.

“Then, one of the government people, he came and saw me and told me it wasn’t right.

“After that, I got a wage too.”

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