General News
10 April, 2026
Seven decades of memories
DON and Phyllis Vaughan are not only husband and wife, they are soulmates who, together, have enjoyed 70 years of wedded bliss.
Married at the Christ Church in Warrnambool on April 7, 1956 the sprightly pair fondly remember their early days of courtship.
“I was 20 when I first met Phyllis back in the old hall at The Sisters,” Don recalled.
“She was only about 16 when we met at a dance; we had a lot of fun spending time together and with our friends.
“We really were just kids but it wasn’t that long and we were married. I can’t recall actually asking her it just happened. We had a lovely wedding and have had a wonderful life ever since.”
Born and raised in Framlingham, Don (who turns a sprightly 95 later this month) was an amateur jockey in the late 1940s and 50s, making his mark at various picnic meetings across the district and beyond.
“I rode a few winners in my time; I had a bit of luck,” he recalled.
“I also trained some racehorses but not once did I ever bet on the horses – and still haven’t. Nowadays I just enjoy watching them on the TV.”
The newlyweds spent their early married years on a 160-acre dairy farm at Framlingham, milking about 60 cows in a walk-through dairy.
Only when the cows were dried off could they afford to take a short holiday away from the farm.
“We had some lovely trips,” Phyllis said.
“We raised four children on the farm; Glenda, Wendy, Kerrie and Sharyn. Don used to call us the petticoat government.
“But living in a house full of women did have some perks; he never had to wash the dishes!”
Phyllis, who celebrated her 90th birthday last October, found time in between raising children to volunteer with countless organisations including the CWA, Red Cross (volunteering at its Op Shop in Warrnambool) and was also on the parent’s club at the Framlingham Primary School.
“We were certainly busy as the children grew but we were all happy and healthy,” she said.
Phyllis’ health took a turn when, at the age of 37, she was diagnosed with leukemia.
“Don’s brother was a doctor at the time and I remember him telling us that my age was my biggest asset,” she said.
“And he was probably right. We just got on with things, I had a husband and children who needed me and I was determined to get home to them.”
Phyllis underwent chemotherapy at the Alfred Hospital in Prahran, making the weekly journey to Melbourne for around 18 months.
“It was certainly a tough time for us all but we got through it,” she said.
“Our youngest was about to start school and our eldest daughter was off to high school so I had things to do at home.
“These days we’re very fortunate to have a cancer centre right here in Warrnambool.”
Don and Phyllis moved to their current home in Dennington almost 20 years ago and are now content to enjoy a quieter life surrounded by family and friends.
“Apart from having a cleaner come in once a week, we’re still pretty independent,” Phyllis said.
“I still love to cook our meals and enjoy crocheting in front of the TV.”
They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary (and Don’s 95th birthday) at a special lunch at City Memorial earlier this week.
