Still going strong after 65 years

“Dances were the only place you (young people) could meet. Geoff was a good dancer; I wasn’t,” Mrs Bowen said.

Dancing was what brought them together but a shared interest in car and motorcycle racing united the young couple and helped push forward their relationship.

In 1958 they married at the local Presbyterian church.

“I thought he was a good catch,” Mrs Bowen said.

Mr Bowen couldn’t agree more.

“We got along well,” he said.

Three daughters, 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren have followed and are scattered all around Australia.

The couple relocated to Cobram in 1967 on the advice of doctors when one of their daughters became unwell and needed a change in climate.

Mrs Bowen has nothing but good things to say about the town, noting that it had always had what they needed.

Between work and raising a family the couple spent their years travelling Australia, as well as New Zealand.

Mr Bowen is 89 and Mrs Bowen is 85, and both are still going strong.

They live in Oasis Village with their two cats, Polly and Esta.

Having lasted as a couple for so long, both Mr and Mrs Bowen believe in “the one”.

Asked what makes a relationship last throughout the decades, both had slightly different answers.

“Giving and sharing,” Mrs Bowen said.

“Being together quite a long time and getting along well,” Mr Bowen said.

As for advice for those looking for love, Mrs Bowen said young people shouldn’t make hasty decisions.

“Don't rush into it. Just make sure you've got the right person. Sometimes it doesn't work. But take your time,” Mrs Bowen said.

And for couples who are in a relationship, Mrs Bowen advises patience when things get tough.

“Persevere and take your time,” she said.