Ula Joyce McEwan (nee Rogers) was in the mood to celebrate her 101st birthday with family and friends on Saturday.
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So she dressed the part and had a ball welcoming loved ones to her Unanderra home to “party and have some birthday cake”.
Ula also took great delight in telling this reporter she was still looking for the secret to her success to date.
“I’m doing okay, I guess,” she said.
But when pressed on the matter, Ula admits she has enjoyed a glass or two of red wine most nights over the years.
“I also love doing crosswords and have a real big interest in politics,” she said.
Born in Figtree on January 20, 1917, Ula has lived in the suburb and nearby Unanderra for most of her life.
Billy Hughes was prime minister when Ula was born and just a touch under five million people lived in Australia at the time.
Today our prime minister is Malcolm Turnbull and Australia’s population is 24,130,000.
Ula has nothing against our current PM, but is adamant Ben Chifley (1945-49) is the best prime minister she has seen in her lifetime.
“He was a genuine man who wasn’t afraid to stand up for Australia. I liked that about him,” Ula said.
Nadine Beasley said her grandmother was loved by all the family, young and old alike.
“She has got an amazing heart and everyone has so much love for her,” she said.
Ula has two children, five grandchildren and as many great grandchildren.
‘’Most of her family dropped by on Saturday to wish grandma a happy birthday,” Mrs Beasley said.