It is tough to celebrate birthdays in times of social distancing and isolation, but that did not stop Gwen Palmer from celebrating her 100th year in style.
Plans for a big birthday with family and friends from Mrs Palmer's aged care residence in Western Australia's South West had to be cancelled due to coronavirus.
Not wanting her to miss out, fellow resident Jacqui Thorpe rallied other residents together to come up with an alternative to mark the occasion — and it came in the form of a roaring golden hot rod, loaned to them by the son of another resident.
Mrs Palmer went for a ride around her aged care residence in the gleaming vintage car as the other residents came out to wave and cheer her on from their driveways.
"I wasn't very excited, but after being in that car and seeing all of the people waving and that it was really lovely," she said.
An artistic centenarian
Mrs Palmer's life has always revolved around the arts since she took up her first job as a dressmaker.
She said she played a huge role in getting the arts scene up and running in Bunbury and taught for 35 years.
"They call me a colourist; I've always had colour in my life," she said.
"And I think by teaching art I'm helping other people to get that."
The years have never dulled her colour and Mrs Palmer is still teaching arts to the residents.
Never seen anything like it
Mrs Palmer lived through the Great Depression in the 1930s and the flu pandemic but said she had never experienced anything like we are experiencing now.
"I think the Premier is doing a very good job," she said.
"He's keeping everything going and in order, he is motivating everybody I think — he's motivating me."
Mrs Palmer's advice to others was to keep connected, even if you can't do so in person.
"Because you can't see anyone, I think your family is one of the main things," she said.
"They give you a ring or you ring them — give them a chat, but stay close to your family."
Her fellow residents describe Mrs Palmer as a "young 100-year-old".
Her best tips for a long life are to stay creative and have a glass of wine with friends every so often.
"I didn't know I'd live this long, never had a thought," Mrs Palmer said.
"You have to keep your mind active — you have to have an interest in something, and I think you have to have a goal.
"Also, I used to love cooking, so we always had lots of food and cakes and I think food is a big asset."
