“I’d die of thirst otherwise,” the new centenarian joked.

In fact, Mrs Smith’s family say they have trouble “keeping up” with the active 100-year-old.

Mrs Smith turned 100 on Thursday and celebrated with a morning tea at Pineview Residential Care and a lunch with 45 family and friends at the Robin Hood Hotel.

Nephew John Smith said she loved a few beers or brandies, a good counter lunch and a few games on the pokies.

“She’s a challenge to keep up with,” he said.

Mrs Smith was born in Charlton on June 16, 1916 and was one of Patrick and Alice Power’s 11 children.

“And mum was sorry she couldn’t have more,” Mrs Smith said.

She went to work at the Ultima Hotel near Swan Hill and spent 11 years cleaning rooms and waitressing.

“I had a lot of fun,” she said, with a twinkle in her eye.

She subsequently worked in the Camperdown Hotel and the Ballarat Teachers College kitchen.

In 1964, she married banker Bob Smith and moved to North Balwyn.

After Mr Smith’s retirement, the couple moved to Ballarat to be closer to family here and in Warracknabeal.

Mrs Smith enjoyed her Alfredton home, particularly her garden, and didn’t move into Pineview until she was 99.

“She loved her garden and she loves her family,” Mr Smith said.

Mrs Smith received telegrams from Queen Elizabeth, Governor General Peter Cosgrave, Victorian Governor Linda Dessau, Ballarat MP Catherine King, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Premier Daniel Andrew and Veterans Affairs Minister Dan Tehan.

Niece Agnes Costigan described her aunty as “an absolutely fantastic woman”.

“We just love her sense of humour,” she said.