A local Baradine World War II veteran and former grazier has celebrated a landmark birthday.

Hilton Pickette turned 100 years old surrounded by family, friends and loved ones at a lunch held at the Coonabarabran Club on Saturday, 14 October.

Hilton’s son, David said it was an honour to be able to wish his father a happy 100th birthday.

“Dad is the last of seven children,” David said. “He went to school first in Longreach, Queensland and then went to live in Sydney with his sister and attend Balgowlah High School when his father passed away. After getting his leaving certificate he worked at Anthony Hordern & Son department store, where he learned about tea blending and tasting.

“He enlisted in the army in 1942 serving in New Guinea and Japan. Returning from the War he worked on cattle properties with his brothers near Kempsey and around Inverell.  

“He purchased sixty-five acres at Ulamambri in 1952, got married and had five children. He then purchased another 100 acres to add onto his block, which he sold and moved to ‘Merriview’ in Purlewaugh in 1954. He sold this property in 1965 to buy ‘Ellerslie’ at Kenebri followed by the purchase of another block east of Gwabegar in 1970."

Hilton Pickette with his card from King Charles and Lady Camilla

“In 1978 Dad bought a property with his cousin on the Narran River near Angledool; he always wanted to have a go farming on black soil. He sold that property in 1987 and bought a small farm at Geurie. 

“This is where he was supposed to retire, but he kept farming, feeding cows, cutting burrs and planting trees for the next 36 years, so you can see he has always had a love for the land even though he has seen some dreadful droughts, floods and grasshopper plagues.”  

David said his father attributed his longevity to eating plain food without any spices, brewing your tea properly, exercising regularly, and by that he means swinging an axe, using wire strainers and chipping burrs. 

He advocates the benefits of having a run on frosty winter mornings, after milking the cows, and before breakfast!