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Sundale Palmwoods resident Joyce Cunningham has celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends, marking a remarkable century shaped by hard work, family and a deep connection to the Sunshine Coast.
Joyce’s story stretches from wartime farm work with the Australian Women’s Land Army to cheesemaking in Kenilworth and decades of community connection across the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
From the Australian Women’s Land Army to Kenilworth
In 1943, at just 17 years old, Joyce joined the Australian Women’s Land Army, working on farms across South East Queensland.
Her work involved planting and harvesting crops including beans, peas, potatoes and tomatoes. One farm reportedly had around 7,000 tomato plants – a vivid indication of the scale of the agricultural work involved.
It was a significant chapter in Joyce’s life, beginning when she was just 17 years old.
After the war, Joyce’s working life continued at Kenilworth Dairies Cheese Factory. For 13 years, she worked alongside her late husband, Clyde, helping turn fresh milk into cheese for Brisbane.
The family’s connection to food and cheesemaking continued through their son Col, who later opened Colin James Fine Foods in Maleny.
Joyce and Clyde also made an important contribution to the Cooroy community. Together, they helped fundraise for the town’s first aged care home.
It is one of many connections Joyce has built with communities across the Sunshine Coast throughout her life.
Celebrating 100 years at Sundale Palmwoods
Joyce celebrated her centenary at Sundale Palmwoods, surrounded by family and friends spanning five generations.
The special occasion also included a visit from Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt MP and Sconetime host Martin Duncan, who brought along a fresh batch of scones.
Martin has known Joyce since 2018, when she began attending Sconetime at Cooroy Memorial Hall. Joyce was part of the Cooroy Sconetime community for close to seven years, building friendships and connections through the regular gatherings.
When asked what advice she would give to younger generations, Joyce’s answer was simple:
“Always be truthful, and remember that hard work never hurt anyone!”
It is advice that reflects the values Joyce has lived by throughout her life: dedication, honesty and care for others.
Happy 100th birthday, Joyce.
Your story is a wonderful part of Sunshine Coast history, and your community spirit continues to inspire those fortunate enough to share in it.
For close to seven years, Sconetime was one of the many ways Joyce stayed connected with her local community – bringing seniors, families, volunteers and local businesses together through good company, conversation and, of course, scones.
