They began courting in the 1950s when they used to see each other at the railway station in Berlin – with one travelling one way and the other going in the opposite direction to work. 

There was obviously a strong attraction as their relationship continued to grow, with them attending local dances almost every weekend. 

When they married in Berlin in April 1957 they were living and working in the local area, Heinz doing joinery work and Regine a draftswoman.

When the Berlin wall was being built,  Heinz realised this was not the world he wanted to live in and together they decided they should leave East Germany with their eldest daughter and immigrate. 

That decision brought them, after a six-week sea journey, to Australia, a country they have embraced and called home for the past 56 years.

Heinz worked for Cooma Joinery for 10 years before starting his own business undertaking fine joinery work including stairs and kitchens in Cooma and the local district. 

They were struck with the beauty of Bermagui in the early 1970s and found a block at Wallaga Lake Heights, which they purchased and built on soon thereafter.

They then spent every second weekend and their holidays enjoying the coastal lifestyle. 

They moved there permanently in 1993 and have enjoyed the idyllic lifestyle ever since.

Heinz and Regine really immersed themselves in the Australian way of life and they have made many trips around the country to see as much of it as they could. 

Put simply, they love this sunburnt country and everything it has to offer.

Heinz and Regine have two daughters, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who they adore and love spending time with. 

Their secret to a long and happy marriage would be to work together on all things and to have open communication always. 

They like to keep busy and still deliver food for Meals on Wheels in the Bermagui area.

Congratulations on 60 wonderful years!