Mrs Holden and fellow Apsley Riverview Hostel resident Poppy McLaren, were recognised with the prestigious Australia Day award during this year’s celebrations in McHattan Park.

“I was amazed when they told Poppy and myself that we’re the two oldest women in Walcha,” Mrs Holden said.

“I still think there must be somebody somewhere else.”

Both women were born in November 1916 in the midst of WWI, barely a week apart.

Walcha born and bred, Mrs Holden spent 54 years away, mostly at Warialda, before returning to her home town about seven years ago.

The great-grandmother said she had no idea what the secret to her longevity was.

“I don’t know. No one in my family has lived as long as me,” the 97-year-old said.

“There is nothing that I don’t do. I seem to do everything, which sometimes takes a bit of an effort.”

She said she was quite amused by all the fuss in the wake of her new-found fame.

“On Australia Day they had Poppy and I both sitting up looking like a pair of old crows while they took photos,” she said.