SUNRAYSIA has changed in remarkable ways over the past 100 years, and Phyllis Venn has lived through it all.
Born on the July 3, 1924, Mrs Venn grew up in Mildura and will next week celebrate her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends.
Her daughter, Judith Curson, said her mum is known for her strength, independence, and dedication to her family and community.
“We’re all very proud of her, she is in great health, she has been a great mum,” she said.
In the 1950s and 60s, Phyllis was a pioneering working woman, managing to balance her career with raising her children.
“I think that’s the reason why she has such longevity, she has always been so switched on,” Ms Curson said.
“In terms of her being a role model, she is an incredibly strong, independent decision-maker.”
Mrs Venn continues to live an active life, cooking for herself, gardening, and taking out the bins.
Remarkably, at 98, she had a hip replacement and quickly bounced back.
“She is always up and about,” Ms Carson said. “She never sits still.”
Mrs Venn moved back to Mildura from Merbein West on her 80th birthday to reconnect with friends and family, and was a community volunteer for more than 30 years until the age of 85.
“They would’ve still had her doing it because even now she still fires up the computer,” Mrs Curson said.
A devoted mother of three, Phyllis is also the proud grandmother of four and great-grandmother of eight.
The family is visiting next week for a special lunch at the Gateway Tavern to celebrate this milestone.
