Gary and Diane King (nee Stephens) are celebrating an incredible milestone this year, marking 60 years of marriage.
The long-time residents and community stalwarts of Kooweerup, tied the knot on 4 September 1965 at the Church of England in Clayton.
Gary was born in Black Rock in 1944 and Diane in Launching Place in 1947. Both families relocated to Clayton in the late 1950s, where Gary attended Oakleigh Technical School and Diane went to Springvale High School.
Growing up in the same suburb, the couple shared a circle of friends and were already “going out together” by the early 1960s. Their engagement in 1964 led to marriage the following year.
They bought their first home in Ringwood in 1967, where they welcomed three sons – Bradley, David, and Richard.
In 1974, they moved to Kooweerup and purchased the Wendore Milk Bar, which they ran for five years. Diane later opened a delicatessen in Pakenham, while Gary worked for the Rural Water Commission.
The Kings then owned and operated the Kooweerup Newsagency, Post Office, and Tatts Agency for 15 years, during which they became deeply involved in local community groups.
The couple credits teamwork and shared commitment as the key to their enduring relationship.
“When we moved to Kooweerup in 1974, we were in business, and it was important that you give back to the community,” Gary said.
“We always felt strongly about contributing to the Kooweerup community where we plan to live out our lives.
“It’s been a great 60 years and we both look forward to enjoying our twilight years within the Kooweerup community.”
Looking back, the couple were fortunate to be surrounded by supportive friends and staff, which made the challenges of running busy businesses much easier.
Both have been deeply involved in local initiatives. Gary, appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1999, contributed to the Kooweerup Hospital, the Kooweerup Football Club – earning life membership in 1995 – and numerous other initiatives. Diane became active with the Kooweerup Senior Citizens, earning life membership in 2022.
Through it all, their proudest achievements remain their family: supporting their three sons and daughters-in-law, Linda and Lisa, and enjoying time with their five grandchildren—Jake, Riley, Owen, Molly, and Hartlie.
Reflecting on 60 years together, Gary said their wedding vows, “till death do us part,” have guided them through life.
“While this is considered old fashion, modern vows have changed,” he said.
Marriage, the Kings note, has changed dramatically since 1965. Couples today face new challenges, including rising housing costs, demanding workplaces, and the influence of technology and social media.
“Modern couples are very resilient,” Gary said.”Their commitment to family is to be applauded. The pressures they face are far more than what we faced over the past 60 years.”
As for advice, Gary prefers to keep an open mind.
“I wouldn’t actually give advice to modern families. I would listen to what they have to say and hopefully learn about the future. My mantra is: ‘Learn from history and embrace the future.’”
