Caption: Northern Grampians Shire mayor Karen Hyslop, centre, and Cr Karen Probst congratulate St Arnaud's Kevin Allen on his 100th birthday.
Keeping busy and avoiding alcohol might be among the keys to a St Arnaud man's longevity.
Kevin Allen turned 100 on Thursday, June 19, celebrating with a few cups of his favourite black tea.
"I've never drank beer or anything, but I love my black tea, I'd have 10 cups a day," he said.
"Sometimes with a biscuit."
A love of tea and biscuits and a desire to stay active have paid off for Mr Allen.
Still sharp as a tack, he and his wife Ruby, 94, still live at home together in a home they purchased more than 75 years ago.
Mr Allen grew up at Gowar East, just outside St Arnaud, and was the only boy in his household, growing up alongside four stepsisters.
He joined the Airforce aged 17 and nine months and was enlisted for three years, visiting places such as New Guinea and Borneo during the war.
Upon returning home to the St Arnaud area, Mr Allen met Ruby Castleman at the picture theatre after seeing a film. They were both having a cup of tea; Ruby's sister worked at the theatre.
Mr Allen said he walked Ruby home that night after striking up a conversation, but quickly ran home after her dad came out to greet them on arrival, booming, 'You best get out of here now lad'.
The pair married at the Church of England in St Arnaud on April 30, 1949.
"We were meant to get married on April 1 but her sister went and had a baby so we had to shift it," Mr Allen said.
The Allens have two daughters, Cynthia and Aileen, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Mr Allen loves spending time outdoors and being active, which is why he became a farm hand for a few years at a place near Birchip.
However, as his wife neared the delivery date of their second daughter, he moved back home to be with his family.
Mr Allen went on to work at St Arnaud Flour Mill for more than 28 years before retiring in 1980.
A keen footballer, he played for Landsborough Football Club for many years and won a best and fairest award at some stage.
Mr Allen now enjoys being outside in his garden, which is immaculate, and still cuts his own firewood.
"I don't do it all myself these days though," he said.
"I've got a guy who comes to cut the front grass and a friend who gets me wood from a farm. I can't do those things anymore."
When asked what advice he had about living to such a milestone, he mentioned the importance of keeping busy.
"You've got to keep active, keep your body moving," he said.
"I don't like sitting still for too long."
Northern Grampians Shire mayor Karen Hyslop and councillor Karen Probst paid Mr Allen a visit on his special day, presenting a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the council.
"It was fantastic to visit Kevin and Ruby and celebrate such a remarkable occasion," Cr Hyslop said.
"Kevin still has such a great memory and his message about keeping active is an inspiration to all of us. We wish him the happiest of birthdays."
