On Wednesday September 13, the Crowes will celebrate their 70^th wedding anniversary, a union that has produced seven children, 19 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

The couple raised their family in Codrington, a part of the country that has become known for its wind turbines.

While electricity didn’t come to Codrington until 1954, the Crowe family had a light above their heads in 1948, thanks to power generated by a windmill.

The windmill fed batteries that gave power to the family home, proving most things new are just something old in a different guise.

It was an example of the ingenuity that helped the couple successfully run the family sheep and cattle farm.

Mr Crowe, 95, went on to be a leader in the agricultural industry, serving as president of the Victorian Farmers Federation for four years and as chairman of the Australian Cattle Council.

He was awarded an Order of Australia for his service to the industry.

But it was his work, in partnership with Mrs Crowe, in raising a large family that has left the most lasting legacy.

Mrs Crowe, 92, recalls meeting her husband and what has made their marriage last for so long.

“I would have met him at a dance I suppose,” Mrs Crowe said.

“I thought he wasn’t too bad. When you meet someone you might want to live with for a certain time and you sign a contract, then you are expected to keep it.

‘We have had lots of good and bad times. During the good times you just keep working hard and hope everything stays going right. When the bad times come, we lost a grandson and a son-in-law to accidents, we all try and stick together and help each other through it.

“Both Des and I came from big families so we know how important family life is. We’re proud our family is always helpful to one another and there for each other when they need.”

The couple were married at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Yambuk.

They retired from life on the farm in 1992, making the move into Warrnambool where they still reside today.