Bourke’s First Lady celebrates 100 years

Florrie with all her young ones - back l-r: Amanda Wicks, Peyton O’Laughlin, Matilda Lawrence, Felicity Cook. Middle: Gunnar Wicks, Saxon O’Laughlin, Thomas Cook, Avery O’Laughlin, Hailee Cook is holding Berkley O’Laughlin. Front: Trig Wicks, Sadie Tuckett, Shay O’Laughlin and Storme Bray. Photo: Ian Cole

Story by Tricia Duffield and Ian Cole

The ‘First Lady of Bourke’, Florrie Wicks, celebrated her centenary birthday on Friday, and family and friends from far and wide were in Bourke to share the milestone with this remarkable lady.

Florrie also received birthday cards from King Charles and Queen Camilla, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns, Governor General Sam Mostyn, letters of congratulations from the NSW Governor Margaret Beasley, Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey, and Bourke Shire Council.

Florrie’s influence across the generations of her family was powerfully evident at the birthday gathering on Friday. Her great granddaughter Sharne Cook gave an emotional speech, describing the lasting impact that ‘Nan’ had on her as a young girl growing up in Bourke.

“Turning 100 years is something only a few people get to experience,” Sharne said.

“Is it pure luck? Is it just plain stubbornness? Or is it an old Vegemite glass of cask wine each night that has contributed to a life spanning across the decades?

“No matter the reason, the ‘hows’ or the ‘whys’, it is certainly an amazing accomplishment and one we all get to be a part of.

“For most of her life and for all of my memory, Nan lived at number 4 Short Street here in Bourke, right next to her mum. I remember fondly Nan’s love of gardening, sewing, cooking, puzzle books and trashy gossip magazines. […]

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