Six decades after their 1963 meeting in Perth, David and Jacqueline Thomas renewed their vows in North Lakes, surrounded by the family they’ve built and the stories they’ve lived.
A quiet street in North Lakes on Saturday, 17 May, was filled with laughter, old memories and new stories as David and Jacqueline Thomas marked an extraordinary milestone—60 years of marriage, celebrated with a vow renewal in the garden of their eldest daughter’s home.
With a civil celebrant guiding the couple through a light-hearted and meaningful ceremony, guests witnessed something that felt as rare as the anniversary itself: love still standing strong after six decades.
Photo Credit: Kel Berry, Birkdale
They have been friends since 1964 – that’s 61 years!
Photo Credit: Kel Berry, Birkdale
From an Awkward First Meeting to a Lifelong Journey
David and Jacqueline—or Jaccy, as she’s affectionately known—first crossed paths in Perth in 1963. David, then a Royal Australian Air Force member and a Rugby League fullback, met Jaccy at a fundraising dance for his football team. His muddy football gear and the unusual sight of milk bottles used as drink glasses didn’t impress the young beautician from the Boans department store.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Still, they danced. And the next day, David invited her to go for a Sunday drive. Jaccy’s housemate encouraged her to accept, mainly because David owned a car. It may not have been flashy, just a 1961 VW, but it was enough to get them going.
They were engaged five weeks later. Their two-year engagement was partly due to Jaccy’s mother, who insisted she wait until she turned 21 before marrying.
A Life Built Across States and Stories
Their journey together has been anything but ordinary. The couple lived in Hong Kong during David’s RAAF service, later moving through nearly every Australian state, excluding Tasmania and the Northern Territory. After leaving the military in 1970, they ventured into various businesses, including running a 300-seat restaurant in Victoria, managing an airfield with a Cessna training centre, owning five newspapers in Queensland, and working closely with federal MPs.
David also served as a press secretary to politicians including Bob Katter, Warren Entsch and Pauline Hanson, though their celebration focused on family, not politics.
Now retired in North Lakes, David and Jaccy look back on a life filled with adventure, enterprise, and, most importantly, one another’s support.
The Meaning of Family
The couple raised three children, who are now parents themselves. Their extended family includes six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A moment of deep emotion came during the ceremony when the couple acknowledged the memory of their late grandson, Lachlan, who passed away from COVID-19 three years ago. His presence was felt in a special way. His ashes, held in an urn, were included in the celebration.
Photo Credit: Kel Berry, Birkdale
Celebrant Anthony Spark delivered the new vows with humour and warmth. They were followed by heartfelt messages, photos from across the decades, and stories told around the garden.
Still Growing, Still Going
David and Jaccy treated themselves to a new car to mark the occasion and are planning more travel. Their message to those gathered was simple: they are thankful for the life they’ve built, the people they’ve loved, and the journey they’ve taken together.
Their story, quietly lived and joyfully celebrated, shows the strength of everyday commitment. In North Lakes, where neighbours often pass with just a wave, their anniversary served as a reminder that some love stories do last, and are worth telling.
Published 19-May-2025
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