Queanbeyan's living treasure turns 101

"I don't know anybody who's turned 101…I'm looking forward to it, it could be my last birthday so I'm looking forward to it," Mr Woods said with a laugh.

"I had the extra special birthday last year. I'm not too sure how this one will finish up. I don't want it to be too extra special, but it'll be nice.

"There'll be a family affair I'd say…I'm getting pretty old."

Mr Woods' request comes after last year's huge centenary celebration which stretched for a full week and included a civic reception.

On his actual birthday, the phone was ringing off the hook from 9.30am onwards and guests shifted in and out of his home.

He can't say for certain how many people, just that 250 cups of tea were consumed.

"I hope it's a smaller affair this year. I don't expect anything too much, just a call from a few friends," he said.

"No doubt I'll get some presents and there'll be a cake somewhere."

Mr Woods, former owner of the Queanbeyan Age newspaper and all round community man, still lives in his own home.

He says his family is a great help but the reality is, he's not getting any younger.

During the interview with the Queanbeyan Age, Mr Woods receives a call informing him a friend passed away recently.

He's says, there's not a lot can do about that. He mentions the loss of his son and grandson had been a "big blow".

He lost his wife, Rene, 11 years ago but the couple had shared a long and full life together.

"I'd like to die here [at home], because I think I probably should be in a [nursing] home but once you go into a home, that's it," he said.

"It's not easy, now I'm getting old. I'm managing with the help of my family and that's good of them.

Mr Woods' mind is still pretty sharp, he's able to recall stories of the good old days and recount various anecdotes from his 101 years. But, he admits his body is failing him - particularly his knees, legs and feet.

"When I wake up in the morning, I don't know whether I have feet or not. It's terrible," he said.

"I can't complain, my feet have travelled a long way."

Indeed, Mr Woods is travelled a long way as a well-known businessman, sportsman, musician and community organiser.

Many of his achievements have helped formed this town including establishing Queanbeyan and District Historical Society and Museum, founding the Queanbeyan Sport Gallery and originator of the Queanbeyan Printing Museum.

And the achievements keep rolling in. Mr Woods was recently recognised given the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Queanbeyan Business Excellence Awards.

He also just returned from a weekend trip to first hometown of Temora where the Rugby League Club, the Temora Dragons, celebrated 100 years. Mr Woods played the position of hooker in his younger days.

But the one piece of unfinished business Mr Woods would like to attend to before it's too late is extending his beloved Printing Museum.

"One thing I would like to achieve before I leave the scene is an extension to our Museum, we need it so badly," he said.

"But I'm not making any promises. I just take it a day at a time, I don't plan too much ahead."