Joined by her nephew Graham Martin, Thelma Taylor’s eyes sparkled as she watched the debs being whirled across the dancefloor.

“It’s a lovely day,” she said.

Thelma is the matriarch of four generations of family and is the much-loved aunty of many nieces and nephews.

She has lived through two World Wars and the transition from the industrial age to the digital revolution.

Mrs Taylor was also present at the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932 where Francis de Groot infamously rode up on his horse and stole the show by slashing the ribbon prior to the grand opening.

The centenarian was born in Manly and lived for many years on a horse stud near Orange with her husband Eddie.

She worked as a dental nurse and later with disabled children.

Mrs Taylor also loves to travel and once sailed down the Nile River.

Her advice for longevity is to ‘live your life the way you want to’.

Mrs Taylor gave up smoking and driving at the age of 90.