John and Eileen Brand celebrate 60 years of marriage

When the Brands were asked what their secrets to success were, they were hard pressed to find something they both had to work on.

But when it boiled down to it, they said the two keys: a busy life and a strong foundation of commitment.

"I don't know what the answer to that is," Mr Brand laughed.

"Having a busy and interesting life that took up my time perhaps helped."

"He's never in the road to make me cranky," Mrs Brand jokingly pointed out.

Mr Brand has been on multiple boards throughout his life, and Mrs Brand has helped out wherever she can, catering as a volunteer for numerous events throughout the years.

Celebrating their diamond anniversary last Thursday, the pair didn't have anything over the top planned, but were thrilled to show off well wishes received from all levels of the Australian Government. Getting a letter from the Queen, governor general, the prime minister and more really tickled their fancy.

Mrs Brand was a Manilla local, and met Mr Brand when he came to Tamworth for work.

"I remember I walked her home from a dance," he recalled of the first time they met.

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When she visited him and his family in Sydney, she found work at a bakery there, and before she knew it they were married.

"My wedding dress was like something out of a fairy tale," she said.

"It was worn by my daughter at her wedding, and has been passed onto her daughter for hers."

They are proud of their three daughters, who have now given them five great-grandchildren.