DateBetween 1st February 2026 and 2nd February 2025Date KnownExactDescriptionStepping into Dorothy 'Dot' Miller’s home in Fairfield is like taking a little time-travel trip. The retro light fittings, vintage furniture and old black and white photographs tell stories of a life lived across decades. Dot, 102, sits at her kitchen table with a sparkle in her eye, sharing memories. Born in 1924, she grew up in the bush with basic schooling in a one-room schoolhouse, with no electricity or plumbing. She started work at 16 as a factory girl in the city, met her husband Arthur while running picnics with friends for servicemen in Central Sydney, and together they built a life in Fairfield, raising two children and watching the neighbourhood grow from gravel streets to the bustling city it is today. “The corner store knew us by name, and the milkman and baker came on horse and cart,” she recalls.
Dot now lives with her daughter-in-law Elaine Joy, who lovingly looks after her. Dot emanates a spritely energy I aspire to at her age, and she keeps busy going to church, tending to the garden, catching the bus into town for shopping, and staying connected with her family. Her legacy abounds with five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and the children next door who all think of her as Grandma Dot. Dot’s life is a testament to the extraordinary stories hidden in everyday lives, and her warmth and curiosity absolutely charmed me. I left with an armful of gifts, a selection of special salt and pepper shakers from her personal collection, and the promise of returning to visit soon.
- Chloë Nour, February 2026PhotographerChloë NourNotesThese photographs are part of the 2025 City Photographer project.
Details
Image ColourColourTypeDigitalCopyrightPartial restriction. Please contact Fairfield City Heritage Services for image use.AcknowledgementChloë Nour 2025 Fairfield City Photographer. Image courtesy of Fairfield City Heritage Collection.
Dorothy Miller (Between 1st February 2026 and 2nd February 2025). Fairfield City Heritage Collection, accessed 18/06/2026, https://heritagecollection.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/7197
