"We started off with God's blessing, and after 60 years we feel like we've been truly blessed," Barbara Maddalena said.
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Barbara and her husband Bill are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary - 60 years of marriage.
The couple met at Taree show in March 1958, were engaged the following Christmas, and married in September 1959. Barbara (then Barbara Cross) was 19 and Bill 26 years old.
It wasn't long before babies arrived - five daughters (Robyn, Lexie, Lauren, Judy and Cindy), the first when Barbara was 20 years old. Twelve years later came their surprise final child - a son, Jeffrey.
"That was a really nice surprise!" Barbara said.
"They used to say new house, new baby, and that was it!" the couple laughed.
After having had five daughters they had just finished building a new family home for themselves at Glenthorne, two doors up from Barbara's parents' house where Barbara grew up, then promptly became pregnant with Jeffrey.
"Dad gave us an acre down here so we built our house here and that's where we've been ever since," Barbara said.
Four of their daughters still live locally, ones now lives on the Central Coast, and Jeffrey lives at Queensland. They now have 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
"We've been very lucky with our kids, because they've all been so good. We've had no trouble with them," Barbara said.
While no marriage is without its challenges, Bill and Barbara have no complaints. They credit communication as being the key to a good marriage, and maintaining a good sense of humour.
The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with around 40 family members at their daughter Robyn's house in Wingham on Sunday, September 15.
"They all helped with the party, and had a lovely meal, and a big cake. They even gave us a couple of medals and a little cup," Barbara said.
"It was lovely. We have to thank them so much for that."
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