In a world where the average Australian marriage lasts just over 12 years, Alan and Joan Williams have achieved something truly extraordinary: 80 years of wedded bliss.
That’s right—eight decades side by side, weathering the storms of life and celebrating its joys together. As they mark this remarkable milestone in Hervey Bay, their story is not just a testament to enduring love, but also a living piece of Australian history.
Alan and Joan’s love story began in the most dramatic of circumstances—amid the chaos and uncertainty of World War II. Both were serving in the army, stationed at Western Australia’s Midland Junction Workshop.
Joan was a driver, Alan a mechanic. In 1944, with the world at war and the future uncertain, Alan received orders to deploy to Papua New Guinea. Fearing they might never see each other again, he turned to Joan and asked the question that would change both their lives: ‘Would you like to get married?’
Joan said yes, and on 20 January 1945, they tied the knot. But their honeymoon was short-lived. Just two weeks after their wedding, Alan shipped out to New Guinea, while Joan was discharged and moved across the country to New South Wales, waiting a year for her husband’s return.
Reunited after the war, Alan and Joan set about building a life together. They moved from Grafton to Ballina in 1954, where they bought and grew a car dealership, eventually earning a coveted Holden franchise.
But their ambitions didn’t stop at business. Joan, ever the community spirit, placed an ad in the local paper seeking fellow drama enthusiasts. The response was overwhelming, and together, the couple founded the Ballina Players in 1955—one of Australia’s oldest amateur theatre groups.
Their passion for the arts and their community saw the group flourish, eventually building its own theatre and earning Alan and Joan the honour of being named Ballina’s Citizens of the Year in 1985. Their story is a reminder that a shared purpose and giving back can be powerful glue in a relationship.
So, what’s the secret to 80 years of marriage? ‘We’re always honest with each other. I think that’s the big secret,’ Alan says. ‘It’s been 100 per cent support… I always had Joan’s support.’
But it’s not all hard work and serious conversations. The couple also credits their longevity to taking regular holidays together. ‘We’ve been round Australia with a caravan twice, and done a few overseas trips, and had a very fulfilling life,’ Alan shares. Their advice? Don’t underestimate the power of a change of scenery and shared experiences to keep the spark alive.
Now aged 101 and 99 (with Joan set to celebrate her centenary soon), the Williamses live in a retirement village in Hervey Bay, close to one of their two sons. They’re content, grateful, and still enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
‘I must admit, things are good here—very good,’ Joan says. ‘The thing is, we seem to be having a nice time all the time… we’re just lucky that way.’
Alan and Joan’s story is a powerful reminder that love can endure, even in the face of war, distance, and the inevitable ups and downs of life. Their advice for younger couples? Be truthful, support each other, and don’t forget to have fun along the way.
As we celebrate their 80th anniversary, we can’t help but feel inspired by their resilience, humour, and unwavering commitment to each other.
What do you think makes a relationship stand the test of time? Do you believe honesty and shared adventures are the key? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Also read: Is your marriage secretly over? Find out if you’re stuck in a ‘silent divorce’
