Mrs Fitzpatrick moved to Kiama in 1983, following her daughter Sue Bailey's family. Sue, her husband Bob and four daughters made the move to Kiama from Sydney in 1978. Sadly, Bob passed away in 1983, aged 37.

Five generations of the family, from 95-year-old Mrs Fitzpatrick to her first great-grandchild, Aubrey-lea Dingle, now live in the area. Another great-great grandchild for Mrs Fitzpatrick is expected soon.

Women are prominent in the family. Mrs Bailey said she had four daughters, five grand-daughters and now one great-grand-daughter, but only two grandsons.

Mrs Bailey said although there had been some hard times, they only served to bring the family closer together.

"We live for each other," she said.

"My girls helped me get through [when Bob died] and now I'm here to help them through."

She credited their close connections to a sense of compassion and "strong wills".

She said the biggest change the family had seen in Kiama over the decades was the transition from a sleepy seaside town to bustling tourist destination - but didn't lament the shift.

"We thrive on tourism, and it's better than seeing the town shut down," she said.

"Kiama has grown so much - isn't it great?"