The couple were married at St Paul’s Church, Harris Park, on 26 February 1966. They still smile when they recall their little flower girl, Jill, accidentally knocking over a chair in the middle of the ceremony. Greg remembers the day as exciting and a complete whirlwind.
After the reception, the newlyweds were farewelled in traditional style. Their car was covered in shaving cream, tin cans were tied to the exhaust, and someone had mischievously filled the air vents with confetti — which promptly blew everywhere as they drove off.
For their honeymoon, Gaye and Greg set off on a road trip to the Gold Coast, quite an adventure in those days. Greg borrowed his new father-in-law’s car and his uncle-in-law’s caravan for the journey.
They stopped first at Lidcombe and then Taree, staying at the Dawson River Caravan Park, before heading on to Kirra Beach where they enjoyed sightseeing and plenty of swimming. On the way home, they paused at Evans Head, where Gaye had an unexpected encounter with an enormous march fly while in the shower.
The couple began their married life at Bilgola Plateau on Sydney’s northern beaches. Their first daughter, Leanne, was born in 1969, followed by Melissa in 1971. After a few years, their son Matthew completed the family in 1978.
In the early years, Greg worked hard and travelled frequently. When the children were young, Leanne would often wave at planes flying overhead, calling out, “Hi Daddy.” Not wanting to spend so much time away from his family, Greg changed jobs soon after Melissa was born.
Life on the Plateau was happy and full. The neighbourhood was friendly and growing, and with Gaye’s family moving closer, there were always celebrations and gatherings to enjoy.
As the years passed, their children grew up, married and started families of their own. Leanne in Bonny Hills, Melissa in Green Point and Matthew in Canberra. Sixteen years ago, Gaye and Greg made the decision to move to North Avoca to be closer to family.
“It was a wonderful decision,” they say. “The people, the area and being closer to family has been very worth it.” They are active members of their local EV Church congregation and enjoy regularly socialising with fellow parishioners, as well as with their much-valued neighbours.
Today, with an extended family of 18 - soon to be 19 - including six grandchildren and nearly two great-grandchildren, Gaye and Greg feel truly blessed.
After 60 years of marriage, they are grateful to still be sharing life’s journey together, surrounded by the love of their family.
