After 100 years Heather Robertson had only one regret in life, not getting her driver’s licence.
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Last week her wish came true when she successfully obtained her learner’s permit on her 100th birthday and enjoyed the day driving a personalised golf buggy for her first driving experience.
After mentioning to many close to her that her biggest regret in life was not gaining her driver's licence, the staff organised a written test – which she achieved 100 per cent for – and organised her first driving lesson in a golf buggy at the Port Lincoln Golf Club.
She was chauffeured by Allan Schwarz in his Mercedes to the golf course to enjoy a drive in a personalised buggy with a large yellow ‘L’ on the front and back.
When asked what she enjoyed most about her drive, she said, “getting going” was her favourite part.
In the morning she was presented with letters from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Her Majesty the Queen and many more.
The letter from the Queen garnered special attention from Mrs Robertson as she had met the Queen herself.
“I saw her when she was a young girl when she came to Newcastle, she was going south to Sydney and she waved… and she had white gloves on so it was very special for me,” she said.
Born in Sydney, she said she recalled doing work during World War I and World War II. In her working days she was a radio announcer and as a child she was selected to go to the Sydney Harbour Bridge opening in 1932.
Following her official first drive the Matthew Flinders Home, where Mrs Robertson now lives, was alive with celebration when she made the milestone of her 100th birthday.
The dining hall of the home was filled with residents and staff for a big birthday cake.
“Thank you everybody, you’re all very kind and I love you all,” she said.
Known for her skills on the piano she joined long time friend Judy Pearce – with 182 years between them – in a duet to perform a selection of songs for the more than 70 people who attended her party.
Matthew Flinders Home physio aid and lifestyle therapist Jacquie Bastian said everyone at the home admired how she still helped other residents, her incredible physical fitness and her piano skills.
“Heather is a great pianist and she loves playing the piano,” Ms Bastian said.
“Quite often we rely on her to play the piano for the other residents.”