THE Benfer family has had plenty to celebrate, not only the extraordinary 60th wedding anniversary of Albert and Alison Benfer, but also a stack of official congratulations from some of the highest offices in the country.
But for the Benfers, the heart of the celebration was family.
Their daughters say the family’s closeness is one of the strongest threads running through their parents’ marriage.
One of their longest running traditions is Friday night drinks, a weekly ritual where everyone has a chance to reconnect.
“Dad pretends he’s not fussed,” their daughter Jane said.
“But he’s always the first to ask, ‘Who’s coming tonight?’ ”
When asked about the secret to six decades together, Alison said it was a balance of independence and togetherness.
They travelled widely, raised four children and built a life deeply rooted in the Redlands.
“Having the family around has helped a hell of a lot,” Alison said.
“It keeps you grounded.”
All four children now live back on their Redlands family property.
Alison has a simple message to impart.
“Stay with your partners. Enjoy life. See the world,” she said.
