Pat told Divercity she was touched and delighted by the flood of birthday messages she received, including congratulations from King Charles, the Governor-General, the Governor of Victoria, the Victorian Premier, our Mayor - and her beloved Sydney Swans.
Her passion and dedication were formally recognised in 1989, when she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to the community and local government.
Speaking from her South Melbourne aged care facility where she keeps busy and active, Pat joked that the only disappointment that day was losing a game of bingo. "I nearly always win a prize," she laughed.
Those competitive instincts have long served the community well. Pat clocked up wins as an advocate for the community as a private citizen and then as a councillor at the former City of South Melbourne (1978-1984 and 1988-1994), including a term as Mayor from 1983-84.
When the City of Port Phillip was created through the amalgamation of the Cities of South Melbourne, Port Melbourne and St Kilda, Pat once again stepped up, becoming one of the Council's first elected councillors (1996-99), lending her experience and steady hand during a time of major transition.
Her road into public life began simply: she picked up a candidate nomination form because she wanted to make a difference. "In politics, it's always about the numbers," she reflected.
Determined to remain independent, she declined the backing of a men's business association and ran her campaign on her own time and resources.
One of the causes closest to Pat's heart was the successful grassroots campaign in the 1970s against the proposed F9 highway, part of the 1969 Melbourne Transportation Plan. The freeway would have cut through inner suburbs including South Melbourne. "You can fight and win," she said proudly.
She also found deep satisfaction in helping to scale back the height of a proposed aged care development. Left unchecked, she believed it would have been "like parking elderly people in pigeon-holes".
Pat was active on several hospital ladies' auxiliary committees and maintains a strong interest in the Mercy Hospital. She also played a role in the development of the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, delighting attendees by tackling the waterslide at the MSAC pool opening. "It was a very proper, ladylike bathing costume," she laughed. "I wasn't like Hedy Lamarr."
Now Victoria's longest-living serving Justice of the Peace, Pat continues to keep informed about issues affecting the voluntary role.
Her late husband Hugh, who wholeheartedly supported her community-minded work, passed away several years ago. This milestone birthday was still celebrated in style with Pat surrounded at two gatherings by family, friends and former councillor colleagues.
Pat credits good genes for her longevity but concedes that never smoking, rarely drinking alcohol and staying active and curious have likely played their part.
"I'd love to live another 100 years to see what's going to happen to the world," she said.
For now, she is relishing every moment of life in vibrant, historic South Melbourne. "It's the place to be."
Pat's 100th birthday and community service legacy will be acknowledged at the 22 April 2026 Council Meeting.
Pat Brown in her mayoral regalia.
