More than 90 years ago, a nine-year-old Mavis Rowles boarded a steam train in Meekatharra, bound for Toodyay — a small farming town nestled in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt. The red dirt and tin-roofed homes of her childhood gave way to rolling hills, and with that, a lifelong love was born.
“I loved it, loved it from the first moment,” Mavis recalled fondly. “And, well, I more than love it now. I really do.”
This week, Mavis celebrated her 101st birthday, still living independently in the town she has cherished for nearly a century.
Early Life: From Meekatharra to Toodyay
Born the youngest of eight siblings in Meekatharra, Mavis faced tragedy early in life. Her mother died when she was just four years old, and soon after, she moved to Toodyay to live with her sister and brother-in-law on their farm.
“It was awful leaving my dad and brothers — we were a very close family,” she said.
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Her new life involved long train journeys for family visits and an even longer bike ride — 10 kilometres each way — to school.
“I had to milk the cows, feed the pigs, help do all the things there,” she said. “It was hard work.”
Love in a Time of War
While boarding with another family closer to town, Mavis met Pat Rowles — the man who would eventually become her husband.
“He decided when he met me when I was 12 he was going to marry me,” Mavis laughed.
The two would have to wait out the Second World War, with Pat serving overseas. He returned in 1945, and the couple married shortly thereafter.
“It was heartbreaking when he went away,” Mavis said.
Tragedy and Triumph in Motherhood
Married life brought joy — but also unimaginable heartbreak. The couple’s first two babies died of heart conditions at a time when medical interventions were limited.
“I had a little girl, four months old — she died,” Mavis shared.
“It was dreadful, but then I’ve been thinking in latter years how wonderful they learnt from me losing my babies how to save other babies.”
Six years later, Mavis made the difficult decision to try again. She gave birth to Bernard — “just like his father” — followed by their second son, Trevor.
“Love ’em, love them to bits — they’ve all done well,” she said proudly.
A Life of Hard Work and Community Spirit
For 26 years, Mavis and Pat ran a bustling farmstay filled with guests and animals. With Pat often away working as a shearer, Mavis managed much of it on her own.
“At holiday time the place was packed,” she said. “It was good — we worked damn hard.”
Pat passed away in 1984, but the memories they made together remain vivid.
“We had a good life,” Mavis said.
Lifelong Friendships and CWA Service
One constant in Mavis’s life has been her friendship with Ellen — a bond that began when Mavis was a newlywed and Ellen was just 16.
“She’s still my best friend,” Mavis said.
Another has been her decades-long involvement with the Country Women’s Association (CWA), which she joined as a young woman.
In 2024, she celebrated the organisation’s 100th anniversary as a guest of honour at Government House, where she proudly cut the celebratory cake.
Her 72 years of service with the Toodyay branch have been recognised with awards and heartfelt appreciation.
A Legacy of Strength and Love
As she celebrates her 101st birthday, Mavis continues to inspire her family, friends, and community with her strength, grace, and enduring love for Toodyay.
“It feels like the place chose me as much as I chose it,” she said.
In a life marked by resilience, hard work, and compassion, Mavis Rowles stands as a living testament to the power of community, the depth of family love, and the beauty of a life well-lived.
