“Salt, butter and lots of chocolate... And a caring and loving family,” Mrs Riddle said with a smile.

Family has always come first for Mrs Riddle, who is celebrating her 100^th birthday on Tuesday.

The centenarian raised six children – five girls and one boy – in Dunkeld after meeting late husband Percy, a shearing contractor, at a local dance.

“I guess you could say we danced into each other’s arms,” Mrs Riddle said. “He was the love of my life.”

The first few years of marriage were tough for the newlyweds, who tied the knot in 1937, but Mrs Riddle describes family life as a “pleasure”.

Dancing continued to be a favourite past-time, and later Mrs Riddle also took up golf and bowls.

The still-sprightly Mrs Riddle now lives at Warrnambool’s Mercy Place and is a grandmother to 22, great grandmother to 52 and a great, great grandmother of one.

Mrs Riddle is heading out to lunch with her children on her birthday, before a large family celebration at Lake Pertobe on Sunday that is expected to draw a crowd of more than 100 relatives.

“I’m going to need a big rest after that. I’ll feel 100,” she said.

“I’m lucky to have such a loving family. Everyone has been so kind.”