Brian and Sylvia Carless were married on April 29, 1967 at St Stephens Church in Mittagong.

Sylvia, who has lived in the Highlands all her life, and Brian have lived in the same house in Bowral for all 50 years of their marriage.

The pair has two sons, Stuart and Trevor, who have both moved away and have families of their own.

Brian and Sylvia have 12 grandchildren and say the secret to their success is shared interests.

“We both love family, gardening and have belonged to the church all that time,” Sylvia said.

To celebrate their special anniversary, Brian and Sylvia will have a dinner with friends. In May, a small reunion of sorts will mark the big event. The couple will hold a family barbecue with their sons and grandchildren, who will travel back to the Highlands from the Central Coast and Tasmania.

“We’re looking forward to seeing everyone, it’s an occasion worth celebrating,” Sylvia said.