Celebrating 100 Years of Vi Liebrecht

The community gathered at Regis Aged Care Home, Ayr, on Wednesday, 9 July to celebrate 100 years of beloved Burdekinite Violet “Vi” Liebrecht.

The event welcomed family, friends, and familiar faces from across the region, who were greeted by a vibrant, elegant, and warmly decorated hall.

Among attendees was Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, who was especially proud to celebrate the milestone with Vi.

“Vi is one of our pioneers, and has contributed so much to the Burdekin community,” said Mr Last. “What a great milestone, and what a great day for Violet and her family.”

A Century of Resilience, Care, and Style

“Stoic,” said daughter, Rhonda Sinclair, without much hesitation when asked to describe Vi.

Vi was born in 1925 in Murgon to German settlers Paul and Louisa Holznagel. Raised on a dairy farm alongside 10 siblings, she learnt from a young age the meaning of discipline, resilience and hard work.

“There was no time for any precious moments. It was all about working together and getting the job done,” says Rhonda.

“You supported your siblings... you went to Sunday school. You walked to school… It was very much a healthy lifestyle, of its time,” she added.

These early years shaped Vi into a woman who understood the value of sacrifice and community—values that heavily influenced Vi’s decision to enlist in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) at just 18 years old, amidst the turbulence of World War II. Stationed in Townsville, she found a connection to the north that would forever influence her future.

Returning from service, Vi spent some time in Brisbane before settling in the Burdekin region, marrying Emil Liebrecht and raising five children, including twins. Despite the harsh demands of mid-20th century sugarcane farming in Queensland, she managed it all with great aplomb.

“If needed Mum would put a pair of overalls on and drive the truck beside the harvester, go back up and make coffee or morning and afternoon tea, as they would—then, maybe the next evening put on her very best dress and jewellery and go to a function,” said Rhonda.

She cultivated this love for fashion during her time tailoring mens clothing down south—a love that she passed on to her children.

“She loved dressing up and encouraged us girls to take pride in our appearance,” Rhonda recalls. “There was always fabric around the house, and Mum taught us about deportment— an appreciation for the nicer things in life.”

As a mother, she fostered a no-fuss household environment of confidence and self-respect. Education was encouraged, appearances were valued, and discipline was delivered with purpose. “There wasn’t a lot of warm and fuzzy,” Rhonda says. “But we were always encouraged. If you did something well, it was a shared joy—and you felt it.”

She stayed active in the community through the CWA, church and RSL women’s auxiliary, and with her son Gary’s encouragement, proudly marched in VP commemorations in later life.

Even after losing her husband Emil and later her son Jeff, Vi carried on with the same resilience that had defined her life. Now, at 100, her mind remains sharp and observant, with her spirit content.

“Granny—that’s what we all seem to call her now, and I think that’s where her legacy really lies,” Rhonda reflects. “Not just for me, but for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They’re just beginning to understand who she was and what she lived through. And I think they’ll look back and recognise it.”

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Violet “Vi” Liebrecht celebrated her 100th birthday with friends, family and a special visit from Member for Burdekin Dale Last. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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