Mrs SALLY QUINNELL (Camden) (20:51): Mavis Sidman, a local resident of Camden, celebrated her incredible 100th birthday on 10 March this year. I speak about her life and accomplishments today. Mavis Martha Sharpe, daughter of Cecil Havelock Sharpe and Ivy "Millie" Mildred Sharpe, nee Kelloway, was born on 10 March 1924 at Nurse Taplin's residence on Oxley Street, Camden. Out of the three children, Mavis was the oldest, with a younger brother named Frederick and a younger sister named Doreen. Mavis was raised on a dairy farm on the outskirts of Camden on a property originally built by the Macarthur family. Cecil chose that house with a view of Camden, which also happened to be close to Millie's parents, Stephen and Prudence Kelloway.

When Mavis was five years old, she started attending Mount Hunter Public School. Following her graduation from Mount Hunter, Mavis went to Camden Public School, which, at the time, was the only school in the region providing a high school education. Mavis started working at Whiteman's store on Argyle Street after graduating. She would assist in loading the horse and cart, and later the truck, with the designated goods that would be delivered to the nearby residents. Prior to her marriage, Mavis was employed at the Whiteman's business.

Mavis learned about Ralph Leonard Sidman for the first time from her uncle Arthur. Ralph has familial ties to Camden and lived close to Uncle Arthur. Ralph's grandfather, William Sidman, had purchased the Camden Times around 1894. Ralph and Mavis would form a close bond before Ralph was enlisted to serve in World War II. Ralph was sent to Papua New Guinea to work with the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, a corps of technical personnel whose job it was to maintain the army's cutting‑edge gear. When Ralph was overseas, they corresponded via letters. Ralph was discharged in December 1945, and Ralph and Mavis were wed on 24 January 1946 in the Camden Methodist Church following his return from Papua New Guinea.

Later they would build their first house at 29 Chellaston Street in Camden, where they welcomed three children: Daryl, born in 1948; Kevin, in 1951; and Narelle, in 1954. Ralph maintained interests in vehicles and machinery while working at several businesses in Camden. That included roles as a truck motor mechanic at Souter's and a general car and light truck mechanic at Babbage Motors before starting his own taxi business. Ralph was also well known as a car salesman, selling vehicles at Clintons Motors in Camden. After her kids moved out, Mavis used more of her free time to knit. Mavis became a member of the Camden Hospital Auxiliary and began knitting cardigans, hats and baby booties to sell at the hospital and give as presents to expectant mothers in the maternity unit. Additionally Mavis knitted trauma teddies that the Red Cross gave to ill children. It is noteworthy that Mavis created and donated over 1,200 trauma teddies between February 2002 and February 2022—an incredible quantity that would have required many hours of work—all in support of our beautiful town.

Since March 2006 Mavis has been a resident of a Camden nursing home. Sadly, Ralph passed away in September 2008 at the age of 89. Mavis is still in good health despite the occasional illness, and she is doing remarkably well for her age. On Sunday 10 March 2024 Mavis' 100th birthday was honoured with a small family get‑together at the home. With the passing of time, Mavis's family has expanded to include six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Mavis has received letters and cards from King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the Prime Minister, the Premier, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Australian Red Cross and the Department of Veterans' Affairs in honour of her 100th birthday, but I have been told it was my letter that made her the most happy. Mavis Sidman has lived an extraordinary life. A Camden local, she has seen great change— from a very small country estate to a town located on the outskirts of Sydney. Mavis's service to the community is a reminder of how we can all make a positive difference in the lives of others. Once again I congratulate Mavis on reaching 100 years of age.