The couple were married on February 9, 1957 at the Presbyterian Church Gunnedah and celebrated their diamond anniversary last week with their family. They had kept the original wedding topper from their cake 60 years ago and used it to decorate their anniversary cake.

Shirley, daughter of Allan and Hilda Whitton, was one of six children and grew up in Gunnedah.

“Back in those days, you were either a football fan or a soccer fan,” Shirley said.

“A few girlfriends and I decided to go on a bus to Singleton to watch the soccer. I met Robby on the bus and it was there our relationship started. His accent was so broad I didn’t know what he was saying so I didn’t know whether to say yes or no.”

Robert, the youngest of 11 children was born in Glasgow, Scotland to Bridget and James Anderson. He made the move to Australia on his own when he was 17. He joined the National Service before working in various trades and eventually opening Gunnedah Business Cleaning Service, which is now run by the couple’s son David.

After marriage, the Andersons had three children and have since welcomed seven grandchildren.

“Most marriages have their ups and downs, but family keeps you together,” Shirley said.

“We’ve been very close and held each other together,” Robert said.

“It’s about working together and understanding what each other want,” Shirley said.

“We have been blessed.”