In a heartwarming celebration of enduring love, Shell Cove residents Dale and Nada Jones have joined an exclusive club, marking their platinum 70th wedding anniversary—a statistical rarity achieved by a mere 0.1 per cent of couples.
A Legacy of Love and Family
Surrounded by their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, the couple celebrated this immense milestone at the Shellharbour Surf Life Saving Club. Family and friends travelled from across the country, from Maroochydore in Queensland to Jindabyne in the south, to honour the pair.
Dale, 87, and Nada, 88, have spent most of their married life in the Illawarra region. Their story began at a dance in Wollongong, where they were instantly smitten. They married soon after at Kiama Anglican Church and set up their first home in Tarrawanna, where they raised their three children: Kerrie and twins Gaye and Paul.
Lives Full of Adventure and Dedication
Dale served in the National Service and later worked as a supervisor at the Port Kembla steelworks until retirement. A keen sportsman, he participated in 20 Sydney to Gong bike rides and numerous other long-distance charity cycles well into his late 70s. His adventurous spirit also saw him stranded overnight on Toothbrush Island after a fishing trip, much to his family's concern.
Nada, born in Kiama where her father was a long-serving council alderman, initially trained as a nurse at Wollongong Hospital. She later dedicated herself to raising their children, volunteering at their schools, and ferrying them to countless sporting events. She also worked in the office at Coles Wollongong and is a talented, prize-winning artist and poet.
The couple's shared passion for bowls spans an incredible 50 years, starting at Fairy Meadow Bowling Club and continuing today at Windang Bowling Club. Nada served as president of both the Fairy Meadow and Warilla clubs and was a state referee for three decades.
The Secret to Seven Decades
According to their daughter Gaye, the family unit has always been paramount. "They have been a constant source of strength and support," she said. The couple's legacy now includes nine grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Even in retirement, Dale and Nada embraced adventure, travelling extensively around Australia in their caravan. In a characteristically spontaneous move, Dale once booked a trip to Alaska and Canada when they were both in their mid-80s. "Nada nearly fell off her perch but they went on the trip and really enjoyed it," Gaye recalled.
Now residing in Shell Cove to be closer to family, both remain fit, healthy, and social. "And mum is a whiz on Facebook!" Gaye added with a laugh. Their story stands as a beautiful testament to commitment, family, and a life richly lived together.
