A New Zealand centenarian with a lifelong love of Noosa has crossed the Tasman once again – this time to celebrate her 100th birthday surrounded by four generations of family in the place she proudly calls her “second home”.
Beatrice “Robbie” Shearer marked the milestone in Noosa with an extraordinary family reunion, bringing together all three of her children, seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, along with partners – 27 family members in total. Two of her children travelled from New Zealand, while her grandchildren and great-grandchildren are all now in Australia.
Despite her century of life, Robbie remains remarkably agile and sharp-witted, living independently in her retirement village unit in Taupō, New Zealand.
Still adventurous, she was more than willing to make the journey to Noosa to celebrate with her family.
“Noosa has always held a very special place in Mum’s heart,” her son Gary said. “She’s been coming here regularly with my father Stan since the early 1990s. To celebrate her 100th birthday here with the entire family was something quite extraordinary.”
Gary settled permanently in Noosa after years living overseas, eventually founding SafetyQuip locally in 1992. The business grew from a single garage into a national franchise, with Gary insisting its support office remain in Noosa throughout its expansion. Now retired, he remains proud of the business’s enduring success.
Born in Leicester, England, on 20 January 1926, Robbie’s early life was shaped by hardship and war. She vividly recalls life during World War II, including the devastation of bombing raids and the uncertainty of each day. As a child, she even played with a neighbour named David Attenborough, already fascinated by birds and insects.
At 18, Robbie married a New Zealand bomber pilot, but tragedy struck just 16 weeks later when his Stirling bomber was shot down over France. After months of agonising uncertainty, confirmation came that all crew members had been killed.
In his memory, friends began calling her “Robbie” — a name she has carried ever since. “I like it because it reminds me of my first husband and the sacrifice he made,” she said.
At just 20, Robbie sailed to New Zealand as one of the post-war “War Brides”, arriving in Wellington Harbour on ANZAC Day 1946. Determined to help others adjust, she later founded the Overseas Wives Club, offering practical support and companionship to British women adapting to life in New Zealand. The club remained active for nearly 30 years.
Robbie went on to remarry, raise three children, build businesses, travel widely and help shape communities – all while maintaining a deep connection to Noosa. Over more than 20 extended visits, she has watched the region evolve, with the Noosa Spit at sunset remaining her favourite place, preferably with a glass of bubbles in hand.
Her 100th birthday celebration was held at Noosa Springs Golf Resort, described by Robbie as “the party of all parties”. Highlights included live music from her great-grandson Finlay Zerner, winner of the Noosa Alive Festival 2025, and a surprise handwritten birthday note from Sir David Attenborough.
Now safely home in New Zealand, Gary is already thinking ahead. “I’d better start planning the 110th party now,” he laughed. “It’ll be hard to top this one.”
