Retired Roma grazier Dexter Kruger became the oldest man ever in Australia's history on Monday and marked the occasion by reciting a poem about his life at a small party held in his honour at his Roma aged care home.
Mr Kruger turned 111 years and 124 days, surpassing the milestone set by World War I veteran Jack Locket of Victoria, who died in 2002 at the age of 111 years and 123 days old.
Warrego MP Ann Leahy was among a bevy of well-wishers at the Pinaroo Aged Care Home congratulating him on a remarkable achievement.
They included Maranoa MP David Littleproud, Defence Minister Peter Dutton, Queensland opposition spokeswoman for state development Fiona Simpson, and Maranoa Regional Council Mayor Tyson Golder.
"Dexter is a living legend," Ms Leahy said. "I've met with him on many special occasions and have enjoyed his humour and stories about life on the land."
Thanks to her past visits she knew that he was a fan of chocolate, which was her present to mark the special occasion.
Dexter Ronald Kruger was born on January 13, 1910 in Nundah, Brisbane, then grew up with his siblings on the property Sheep Station Creek near Kilcoy.
He was a pioneer of the liveweight cattle selling system, moving a motion in 1951 as a member of the United Graziers Association to have liveweight scales installed in Cannon Hill, Queensland.
Mr Kruger married Gladys Beanland in 1942, with whom he had one son, Greg.
They were married for over 50 years before her death in the 1990s.
Two of Kruger's cousins lived to 100, and his aunt lived to 103. He's the fifth recorded male supercentenarian in the history of Australia, as well as the first from Queensland.
Ms Leahy said he didn't miss a beat on Monday as he recited a poem about himself and his brothers and sisters, and how his family had come to Australia, to an audience of 30.
"He's as sharp as a tack," she said. "He's written 12 books in his later years and he has drafted his own autobiography, with the help of Janet Rowlings, which I can't wait to read."
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk purchased his collection of 12 books for permanent placement in the State Library of Queensland in 2019.
"Today is a momentous occasion for Dexter, his family and the Warrego electorate," Ms Leahy said.
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Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
