Florrie celebrates 99 years in style

Bourke’s oldest resident, Florrie Wicks, celebrated her 99th birthday last week, and proved she is still quick witted, outspoken and a true daughter of her beloved Bourke. So how does it feel to be turning 99?

“The same as being 98,” she said.

And what is the secret to a long life? “Not eating meat, and a tipple every evening.”

Florrie has also been a proud Western Herald reader for her entire life, and it seems only fitting that we should celebrate this milestone with her.

 Florrie Wicks was born in 1926 and as a child of the Outback, has endured the hardships of drought and flood, seen her hometown flourish,  at times struggle, and even host a visit by the Queen. Much has changed in Bourke since her childhood, and yet much has remained the same.

The population of Bourke was less than 1600 residents when Florrie was a young girl. The year after she was born, the Wonderland Theatre was opened by brothers Arthur and Thomas Randall, becoming a cultural hub. In 1933, Sylvia Randall took over its operation, and by 1935 it was modernised with an Art Deco-style façade. It was a popular drawcard for Bourke families, hosting all sorts of entertainment that Florrie and the other young people in the town would have enjoyed. […]

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Florrie Wicks is looking forward to her centenary after celebrating her 99th birthday. Photo TWH