There were cupcakes, doughnuts, scones and other treats in a room filled with the sound of laughter and decorated with flowers, colourful balloons, and ribbons.

At the main table, looking serene and dignified in her red blazer, sat Helen. In front of her was an enormous pink birthday cake as she proudly held up cards from the Queen and Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove.

Since she lost the ability to speak, following a stroke several years ago, Helen is more demure than she once was but is still keenly aware of her surroundings and will occasionally flash the mischievous eye twinkle she was known for.

“She was always very energetic, bright, and a great flirt. She loved the men. And still does,” laughs daughter Suzie.

The family has lived in the Yass district for around 130 years, but Helen was sent to boarding school in Sydney at Pymble Ladies’ College, while her father worked as a stock agent for AB Triggs.

Returning to Yass, Helen led an active youth, enjoying tennis, swimming, dancing, attending B&S balls, and nurturing her love of animals, especially horses.

“She was an amazing horse woman, great tennis player, always on the dancefloor, and had a wicked sense of humour,” said long-time friend Bimbi Turner.

In her late twenties, tragedy struck, as her fiancé became a casualty of World War II and died serving overseas.

Years later she met a local man named William Castle-Roche, who ran the Cavan Station cattle property located along the Murrumbidgee River on the Wee Jasper Road.

They married and had a wonderful life. At that time, after the war, social life in Yass revolved around house parties, horse races, and big occasions.

“Mum had a fabulous life and really partied on,” said Suzie.

The family would go water skiing on the Murrumbidgee in summer and best friend Judy Cummins recalled an incident where the two of them took control of the boat.

“We started going up and down the river and Helen was driving close to the bank so we went between a bunch of fishermen and their lines.

“‘Look Judy, they’re waving, look how friendly they are’ said Helen.

“It was only when we got closer that we realised they were telling us to stop scaring the fish away,” explained Judy.

This optimistic outlook has always been part of Helen’s life and when her husband died she was able to run the property and look after the cattle on her own.

“Apart from this she spent lots of time showing horses, riding, and playing polo cross, and is a proud patron of the Yass Show,” said Suzie.

Towards the end of the hundredth birthday celebrations, Bob Richardson from Yass/Boorowa Legacy read out all the cards that had been received. Aside from the Queen and Governor-General, they included congratulatory messages from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, NSW Premier Mike Baird, state MP Pru Goward, and federal MP Angus Taylor.

Judging by her reaction, the celebration definitely made Helen feel young again, and according to sister Suzie, there may be many more birthdays to come.

“She’s still in good health, enjoys a few drinks every night, and eats plenty of potatoes. I reckon she’ll live to 120.”