The Coastal Waters resident is the first in her ancestry line to hit triple digits and celebrated surrounded by about 80 family, friends and staff on Saturday.

Born in Western Australia in 1917, Mrs Kemp moved to Wollongong when she was nine years old with her family.

The daughter of a coal miner, she married at the age of 17 and with her husband had a daughter and two sons.

The family often visited Jervis Bay for holidays and eventually the couple retired to Sanctuary Point, before moving to Vincentia and then to Coastal Waters.

Ivy has eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

“It’s been months in the planning for this afternoon,” Coastal Waters activity officer Cheryl Lowry said.

“This is the fourth person to turn 100 since I have been here, I’ve worked here for almost 13 years.”