AUSTRALIA’S oldest man, Frank Mawer, passed away at his son’s home on the South Coast on Saturday (September 17), aged 110.

Until November last year Mr Mawer lived independently in his own apartment at Gymea in Sydney’s south. He moved to the South Coast to be with his son, a nurse, and his partner following a fall.

Mr Mawer passed away in his sleep at the home in Central Tilba following the celebration of his 110th birthday on August 15.

He took the title of Australia’s oldest man in July last year after the passing of Queensland man Dexter Kruger, who died at age 111.

Mr Mawer’s son, Barry said his dad had contracted COVID-19 several weeks ago. This had weakened him.

“He lived life to the full even in recent months. He insisted on sitting up for meals, he did his exercises every day, and had plenty of visitors,” Barry said.

“He went to have his afternoon nap on Saturday afternoon and never woke up.”

Born in 1912, Frank’s life was one described as “extraordinary”.

He married his sweetheart Elizabeth, an Irish immigrant, in 1939 and together they raised six children.

The extended family has grown to 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren.

Elizabeth passed away in 2011, aged 92.

“It was a long marriage to a lovely girl,” Mr Mawer commented.

Mr Mawer and his extended family vacationed at the Blue Lagoon Beach Resort at Bateau Bay on the NSW Central Coast prior to Christmas for more than 60 years, usually at the same beachfront site. The Mawer family is so fondly thought of at the caravan park a street there was named in their honour.

The news of his passing was shared on Sunday with the congregation of Horizon Church, Sutherland, where Frank regularly worshipped. It was mentioned that the great Old Testament character Joshua also lived to 110.

There will be a celebration of his life at Horizon Church at a date yet to be announced after his body is cremated following a private service on the South Coast.

The team at HammondCare, who looked after Frank during his time at Central Tilba, described him as “the most inspiring individual”.

“[He was] a gracious man and a man of faith,” said HammondCare Chief Executive and former NSW Premier Mike Baird.

In 2020, Mr Mawer said his advice for living to a grand age was simple – no smoking, no drinking and no gambling.

“These are three things you can choose. The way you live makes a difference. And the schooling costs of my six children was a worthy investment,” Frank said at the time.

While he has not had a drink for 80 years, Mr Mawer did confess to another vice, Portuguese tarts from a nearby local bakery.

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