Roma’s Dexter Kruger has become Australia’s oldest man at 111 years and 124 days

Residing in Roma and still writing books, Dexter Kruger has become Australia’s oldest man at 111 years and 124 days.

Dexter Kruger.

Dexter Kruger felt as though he could “jump and skip” when he celebrated the milestone of becoming Australia’s oldest ever man at the tender age of 111 years and 124 days.

On Monday, May 17, Mr Kruger overtook the previous record holder, World War I veteran Jack Lockett, who died in 2002 at the age of 111 years and 123 days.

Dexter Kruger's birth certificate.

The published author, former grazier and cheeky centenarian hasn’t let age slow him down, now in the final stages of writing his 13th book.

The 111-year-old said the secret to longevity is finding something you enjoy doing and do it well.

“I set myself a goal when I was quite young and I achieved that,” Mr Kruger said.

“And I still set goals in my day to day and I feel on top of the world.

“I’m feeling very healthy, I’m still active and I eat well.”

Minister Peter Dutton, Maranoa MP David Littleproud, Warrego MP Ann Leahy, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Fiona Simpson, Maranoa Regional Council mayor Tyson Golder and several family and friends celebrated the achievement at Pinaroo aged care facility in Roma.

Deputy leader of the Opposition Fiona Simpson, Dexter Kruger and Member for Warrego Ann Leahy.

Mr Kruger told the minister he listened to the parliamentary procedures on the radio and thinks “by and large we are pretty well governed”.

“In the type of society we have today, it’s impossible to please everybody,” he said.

Mr Dutton commended Australia’s oldest man for putting his life to paper and keeping a record for generations to come.

Dexter Kruger, Member for Maranoa David Littleproud and Minister Peter Dutton.

“As it turns out, my grandmother was born two days later than you and you share a similar family history, she came off the land, they were dairy farmers and the stories she told as kids, growing through the drought, depression and world cars as probably lost to a point at a young age on us kids, and what I regret is that we didn’t document these things like you have done for your family,” Mr Dutton said.

“You have made a tremendous impact on a lot of people, this region and this facility.”

Mr Littleproud labelled Mr Kruger a “living legend” and said the fact he still resides in Roma is a testament to the lifestyle of this region.

“There’s so much wisdom that you have been able to share over the years, not only through your books but the conversations, which is so special about our community here, we can respect and admire a great man who has hit a great milestone,” he said.

Meeting with Mr Kruger numerous times of the years, mayor Golder said every time you meet with Mr Kruger you learn something new.

“I also heard this morning you eat chicken brains, so that’s a new one and could be part of your longevity,” Cr Golder joked.

Mr Kruger‘s 74-year-old son Greg emotionally said his dad asked him years ago whether he would ever receive an award on Australia Day.

“I told him I don’t know you want one, anybody gets those things now, they hand them to hundreds of people … so because I don’t believe anybody has known him longer than I have, I’d just like to say he doesn’t need something handed to him on Australia Day because today he can write after his name AOM – Australia’s oldest man,” he said.

Family members and friends, Jimmy Allen, Mandy Lake, Bob Matthews, Liz, Janet Rowlings and CEO of Pinarro Melanie Calvert all spoke at the morning tea for Mr Kruger and congratulated him for achieving the record.

Mr Kruger said he is looking forward to turning 112 and is a “third of the way there, not bad is it,” he said.

Special mention to Margie Brown to made the specifically requested cake, Pop Creations for the decorations, Mandy Lake and Janet Rowlings for their organisation and Pinaroo.

Originally published as Roma’s Dexter Kruger has become Australia’s oldest man at 111 years and 124 days