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Community & Business

15 February, 2021

Dot celebrates 103 years

When Doris ‘Dot’ McKeown was born, World War 1 was still taking place across Europe, King George V was still on the throne and Prime Minister Billy Hughes made the first ever direct radio telephone call between England and Australia.

By Phil Brandel

CELEBRATION: Doris ‘Dot’ McKeown celebrated her 103rd birthday on Monday, February 8 in Malanda.
CELEBRATION: Doris ‘Dot’ McKeown celebrated her 103rd birthday on Monday, February 8 in Malanda.

When Doris ‘Dot’ McKeown was born, World War 1 was still taking place across Europe, King George V was still on the throne and Prime Minister Billy Hughes made the first ever direct radio telephone call between England and Australia. 

103 years later, Dot was joined by friends and family on Monday, February 8 to celebrate her milestone 103rd birthday at Ozcare in Malanda. Eldest son, Bruce McKeown who is 80, said his mum still had her wits about her. 

“When she can hear she is as good as gold,” he said.

“When she has her hearing aids in, she is great. 

“When she was younger, she used to do a lot of knitting, reading and gardening, she loved her garden. 

“Unfortunately, now she spends most of her time in a wheelchair.” 

Originally born in South Johnstone, Dot moved to Atherton for work in 1939. Originally working at the Atherton Hotel (The Stump), The Carrington Hotel and The Peanut Board. 

Bruce said the whole family were born in and around Atherton. 

“Our family goes back to the 1800’s when they had a property on what is McKeown Road at East Barron,” he said. 

Dot’s Husband Robert McKeown sadly passed away in 1979. Dot has three children, four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren.   

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