Ferny Grove couple, Charles and Jenny Ivin, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary tomorrow.
The couple were both born and raised in suburbs in Sydney’s north west and have lived in the outer north-western Brisbane suburb of Ferny Grove for nearly 35 years.
The retirees are well known locally for their extensive environmental efforts over many years, as well as helping with Ferny Grove Primary School’s Ready Reader program and Uniform Shop, and Mitchelton Library-based ‘The Purlers’ group, who knit for Brisbane Charities.
Jenny’s volunteering efforts were formally acknowledged with The Order of Australia Association’s Queensland Senior Volunteer Award in 2017.
The couple have two children, Cathy and Michael, and four grandchildren – three granddaughters, Madison, Paige and Matilda, and grandson, Darcy.
As long-term Family Day Care providers, Charles and Jenny have also played a role in raising many local Brisbane children too.
“Throughout their lives they have always worked, volunteered, pursued recreational interests and been there for family and friends,” says daughter, Cathy.
“They have always intentionally worked at improving the environment within their home, their neighbourhood and even their beloved Kedron Brook Catchment.”
The pair first crossed paths on the job in Sydney in 1961, where Charles was working as an industrial chemist and Jenny in an administrative role, both with NSW Railways.
“From the NSW Railways he moved to the Burnie Paper Mill and then worked for decades at the Mackay Sugar Research Institute and as lecturer at the Mackay Sugar School (TAFE),” says Cathy.
“He operated one of just two computers that were in Australia – the other being a CSIRO one – when they took up an entire air conditioned room.”
Charles travelled internationally for his sugar industry work, and was an international corrosion expert.
He worked until aged into his 70s as a Senior Industrial and Food Hygiene Workplace Health and Safety Inspector, and received many awards for his expertise during his career.
“In their young family years, they have spent a lot of time volunteering with Dog Obedience, Dog Showing, Cubs, Scouts, Amateur Radio (supporting SES), the Betty Meskell School of Dance and the Mackay Community Theatre, and the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre,” says Cathy.
And until Charles’ hearing worsened, they were regulars at the Queensland Performing Arts Complex, particularly for the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
Always keen to keep and extend their community connection, Jenny was a Commissioner for Declarations and, Charles, a Justice of the Peace.
The couple still enjoy short holidays in South East Queensland, and particularly love visiting the region’s mountains and beaches.
“Most of their days are spent with family, friends and neighbours and enjoying their volunteering and recreational pursuits,” says Cathy.
- The Australian Seniors News Team wishes Charles and Jenny the happiest of wedding anniversaries.
