Dorrie McBaron (b. 1909)
A Resident of Taralga Aged Care Facility

Taralga's oldest resident and indeed Jandowae's also — Dorrie McBaron — celebrates her 100th birthday on the 17th February 2009. Taralga residents and staff are both proud and excited to be part of this wonderful celebration.

Some history of Dorrie's life as told to Margaret Curd:

Dorrie was born on 17th February, 1909 in Jandowae. She was the fourth youngest of 14 children; her parents, Bill and Charlotte Brazier, brought up the family at "Lonsdale" just outside town (a daiiy farm).

Dorrie attended Jandowae State School and attended the local Anglican Church.

Dorrie can recall her family taking two days to travel to Dalby by horse and cart for supplies. She remembers her mother helping the Ambulance man, Albert Kossard (who lived near the Anglican Church) with sick, injured people as there was no Doctor in the town and she remembers the days the first train ran to Jandowae. No telephones or electricity when she was growing up.

Dorrie married at age 23 to Alva McBaron, a local carpenter. She had 4 children Loretta (Brisbane) Wesley (Charters Towers) Allison (Gladstone) and Merle (Charters Towers). She has 9 grandchildren. Her husband passed away in 1974. Dorrie's only sister, Phil Hoskins, resides in Toowoomba.

Dorrie was instrumental in getting the Bowls Club up and running, She remembers herself and her sister, Phyllis, planting the first grass for the Bowling Green. She was a foundation member, life member and singles champion. Dorrie was also a very active member of the CWA and Anglican Guild. Dorrie entered Taralga July, 2002 and apart from her family farm at "Lonsdale", had only resided (after she married) at Warra Street, Jandowae.

In 2007, Dorrie learned to use the computer, thanks to excellent tuition each week from Margaret Atkinson. Dorrie still enjoys cards, reading and sport on TV.

Her family will celebrate her 100 years at the Bowling Club on Sunday the 15th February and again at Taralga on her special day, Tuesday, 17th February.

Congratulations Dorrie on a long and wonderful life. Margaret Curd Director of Care. Taralga