A Brisbane man who grew up in the shadow of Queensland lighthouses has marked a major milestone recently, sharing a simple piece of advice he reckons helped him reach triple figures: eat fish.
Carinity Brookfield Green resident Colin Fuller turned 100 on 4 February 2026, celebrating with family and fellow residents.
Born in Brisbane in 1926 to British parents who had migrated to Australia before World War I, Colin’s childhood coincided with the Great Depression. When his father, a carpenter, secured work as a lightkeeper with the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service, the family’s life became closely tied to the coast.
Those postings took them to a string of maritime stations along Queensland’s shoreline, including Lady Elliot Island, Double Island Point, Caloundra and North Reef lighthouses. For Colin, it meant days shaped by the sea—fresh air, routine, and plenty of time fishing, an interest that stayed with him for decades.
His son, Stephen Fuller, said fish was a staple in the family’s diet back then, and Colin has long believed it made a difference to health and longevity. Stephen also noted that Colin’s older sister, Joyce, has reached 100 as well—adding a little extra weight to the family’s running theory.
After school at Kedron State High, Colin began working during World War II, joining the Royal Australian Air Force, qualifying as an aircraft engineer, and working at Oakey Air Base on fighter aircraft.
In the years that followed, he moved through civil aviation into sales and marketing, eventually holding a long-term role as Sales Manager at appliance manufacturer Westinghouse.
Colin married his wife, Lex, in 1955 and the pair built their family home at The Gap, raising two children, Stephen and Angela. When he retired in 1986, Colin and Lex leaned into the things they loved most—travel, family time, gardening and (still) fishing.
Photo Credit: Supplied
“He is a keen fisherman and regularly camped on Fraser Island. He made his last visit there when he was 90,” Stephen said. At home, Colin and Lex were also known for their bright garden displays—particularly azaleas and petunias—turning their street into a small seasonal landmark.
Now a great-grandfather to four little ones—two boys and two girls, ranging from seven weeks to two years—Colin’s centenary was marked with both family pride and plenty of reflection. His Brookfield Green celebration also included an induction into Carinity’s “100 Club” for centenarians.
Published 5-Feb-2026
