A Capalaba woman who once used timber scraps from the construction of the Sydney Opera House to fuel her passion for fine art has officially joined the exclusive ranks of Australia’s centenarians.
A Life Defined by Creative Resilience
Photo Credit: Yurara Art Gallery and Studio/ Facebook
Mary Kirkby reached the age of 100 on 24 February. Looking back on her long journey, she noted that the decades seemed to pass in an instant. Born in Sydney, her early years were spent exploring the rugged bush tracks of the Blue Mountains. This connection to the Australian landscape eventually became the primary focus of her professional life as an artist.
Although she originally hoped to join the army during World War II, she followed her mother’s wishes and pursued formal education instead. She spent three years studying at East Sydney Technical College, which prepared her for a diverse career in the arts.
Turning History into Art
While she worked in traditional roles such as ticket writing for shops and positions at the Government Printing Office, her most unique work involved a piece of Australian history. Her father worked on the construction of the Sydney Opera House and brought home leftover wood segments.
She turned these discarded pieces into intricate marquetry, which involves fitting different types of wood together to create pictures. Her talent for capturing landscapes and seascapes in oils and watercolours led to several solo exhibitions and placed her work in private homes as far away as the United States.
Health and Family Roots
Photo Credit: Yurara Art Gallery and Studio/ Facebook
The long-time member of the Redlands Yurara Art Society maintains a high level of physical fitness and independence. She spent 40 years as an active ballroom dancer and continues to walk regularly around her neighbourhood. Her daughter, Cynthia McClusky, observed that her mother remains incredibly self-reliant and simply focuses on living her life to the fullest. As the head of a massive family tree, she now has seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
A Milestone Celebration
To mark her 100th year, she planned a series of community and family events. These included a barbecue and a large gathering at St Andrew’s Church Hall in Ormiston. Proving that she still has an adventurous heart, she also arranged to take a ride on the large observation wheel at South Bank to view the city from above. She continues to stay busy in her daily life by crocheting, painting, and preparing her own meals at home.
Published Date 04-March-2026
Photo Credit: Yurara Art Gallery and Studio/ Facebook
