Millie Dunn, a remarkable centenarian, celebrates her 100th birthday on Wednesday 8 November 2023. Born in 1923, she has had a truly extraordinary journey filled with rich experiences.

As a young woman Millie enlisted in the Australian Army Medical Women's Service, where her administrative skills led her to work in the Army Medical Units. It was during her time in the service that she met and later married a handsome soldier named Frank, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership.

After the war, Millie and Frank settled in the remote outback town of Cobar, a region between Dubbo and Wilcannia, where they raised four children. Life in those days was characterised by primitive living conditions, including water that was a muddy red colour. Millie distinctly remembers the development of a charcoal water filtration system, which transformed the water into a vital resource. When asked about the greatest invention that impacted her life, Millie unequivocally stated, "Fresh running water." Her perspective, shaped by her life's experiences, reflects the profound value of simple necessities.

Millie's early years were spent in Fairy Meadow, where she enjoyed a simple, carefree life of walking and cycling, with everyone in the community knowing one another. Later in life, she and Frank settled in Oak Flats, where she resided for nearly six decades, several years of it on her own following Frank's passing in 2012. Two years ago, Millie chose to make Blue Haven Boniara her home, a place she has grown to love, filled with good friends and a thriving community.

To celebrate her 100th birthday, Millie is heading to Shellharbour to her daughter, who is hosting a luncheon party in her honour. Not the kind of person to want a big fuss, she’s very happy with that. 

Reflecting on the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic before her move to Blue Haven, Millie emphasises the difficulty of isolation, especially for the elderly, and the struggle to recognise people under masks when the occasional interaction did occur. “I hope that we never have to go through that again,” she declares.

For younger generations, Millie's advice is to cherish the myriad of opportunities available in today's world, contrasting with the limited options she faced during her youth. She encourages them to "try more" to lead a successful and happy life.

One aspect of our modern-day existence that brings Millie great satisfaction is the increasing attention and assistance offered to women's issues, a stark contrast to the lack of options available to struggling women in her earlier years.

In late October Millie received a “lovely letter” of recognition from Matt Keogh, the Minister for Veterans Affairs, and really treasures this. She’s not fussed as to whether she gets one from the King or not, but regrets that she will not receive one from Queen Elizabeth, who she loved and respected for such a long time. 

Millie's key to a long and fulfilling life is a testament to resilience: "Take things as they come and make the best of it." She reminds others to appreciate the advantages of modern life and the support of family, contrasting with the self-reliance and survival skills learned in her generation. Millie's journey is an inspiring testament to resilience, adaptability, and the enduring spirit of a centenarian who has lived through a century of profound change and progress.