Born on December 11 1917, Sydney was in the army and the airforce before settling down to married life. He worked as a storeman in Sydney and had three children, one of whom died.

His marriage ended and he never remarried and eventually came to live with his daughter, Barbara Perkins and her husband, Peter. They moved from Sydney to Wauchope to be near family and Sydney loves his five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

"He's had a tough life, in many ways. He's a real character. He loves singing. He always wanted to be a jockey, and even now, he's a jockey one day, and a boxer the next," said his daughter.

"He loves to recite The Man From Snowy River, and he knows all the words. On his 100^th birthday, he told me he was only going to live another three days, but he's still here, still smiling. He came into Bundaleer for respite and liked it so much that he stayed. I think he likes the company."

Her brother, Ronnie, who lives in Urunga, was also there to join in the celebrations along with his wife, Margaret. As well as birthday cake, Hastings Pipe Band piper Jenny McKenzie played tunes as Sydney and the other residents enjoyed birthday cake.

The birthday boy was delighted to receive cards from the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, the NSW Premier and the local MP.

Tarryn McSpadden, lifestyle manager at Bundaleer, says Sydney is quick with a compliment.

"He always tells you you look beautiful. It's very endearing. He always wants to give you a kiss on the hand, and he tries to open doors for us, which is very chivalrous and sweet," she said.

When they go out on bus trips, they don't put music on, because Sydney will sing or recite poems and keep everyone entertained all the way there and back.

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