Rosa was born in Extramadura, Spain in 1918 and fell in love with British Merchant Navy officer Ted Belcher, who was stationed in Gibraltar.

After an extended courtship by mail, the pair married and travelled to Australia in 1956. They initially built a house together in Blacktown during the late 1950s before relocating to Telegraph Point in 1981.

Rosa celebrated this year's birthday with a party at Telegraph Point Sports and Recreation Club among friends.

"I love Telegraph Point very, very much and when I go I want my ashes to be put by the river in Telegraph Point. I love it, I love the people and I will never forget my friend Sue," she said.

"She was there for me as a friend, a neighbour and that's beautiful. She is my friend and my right hand, who knows more about me than myself."

Rosa said the best advice she has learned over her 102 years, and 40 years in Telegraph Point, is just to be honest and not to hate others.

"My advice in life is to be honest. That is the most important thing, wherever you are and whatever you've done, you have to accept who you are," she said.

"My brothers were younger than me, but they are gone and I'm still here. I don't know why but I think it's because I never hate anyone. I know we all have our own personality and we can't help it.

"I don't know what I will do for my next birthday. I would like to see my family but I cannot travel by plane anymore, I know that.

"I would like to go back to my village and see my family there, but I know I can't do that at my age now."

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