FAMILY celebrations were just one of many occasions that fell victim to COVID-19 restrictions.

But, with gatherings of 20 people in a single household now permitted, many families have been making up for lost time.

That was the case for Mildura couple Bill and Margaret Bennett, who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Thursday last week.

Their mailbox was flooded with letters of congratulation from the Queen, Governor-General David Hurley, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Member for Mallee Anne Webster.

Mr Bennett even received a surprise call from his nephew in the Malaysian state of Penang.

But it was being able to celebrate with their family that made the occasion truly special.

"We had an afternoon tea with just the right amount of people," Mrs Bennett said.

"It was a lovely day and our grandchildren were able to come, which was an extra special touch."

While sons Stephen and Malcom were able to attend, the couple's daughter Sally and her family were stuck in Adelaide, unable to cross the Victorian border.

But technology was able to include them in the celebrations.

"We had a FaceTime call with Sally at about 3pm and there were a few glitches, but fortunately they could hear Malcom making his speech and Bill's response," Mrs Bennett said.

"We didn't get much conversation, but we were able to see the Adelaide members of the family, so it was a very nice surprise.

"Of course, it is sad not having Sally here, but we will celebrate properly when we can."

Give and take is what matters THERE is "a lot of give and take" in a long and happy marriage, according to Bill and Margaret Bennett.

When meeting at Merbein's Methodist Church as teenagers, little did they know it would be the very place they would be married.

Mrs Bennett said she remembered the day vividly.

"It was very cold in the morning. It was an 11am wedding, so we had to be up relatively early," she said.

Held in the hall next to the church, the reception was also an early affair.

"A lot of our friends and relatives were keen Merbein football followers, so it would've been over by 2pm so they could all go to the football match," Mr Bennett said with a laugh.

The couple moved between properties in Merbein, one being a house on a fruit block and the other, Mr Bennett's family home, The Gables, where they brought up their three children.

Mrs Bennett said family holidays were some of the more memorable moments.

"After we had the first two children, or even before, we would go on holidays post harvest every year in the school holidays," she said.

"It was to Melbourne or Adelaide, mainly. Although we did go to Ballarat one year and even further, near Sydney and the Blue Mountains."

Continued involvement with the church, mastering their personal hobbies and travelling were also highlights for the couple.

"We've achieved quite a lot in that we've travelled most of Australia," Mr Bennett said.

"It wasn't until we were 70 years of age that we started caravanning, but we did four long trips as well as other intermediate two or three-week trips.

"The favourite spots would be the Gibb River Road, from Broome across to Kununurra and down to where the Bungle Bungles are."

The couple said their ambition was to continue living an active and healthy life.

"We're just thankful that we've been able to have a very good life," Mrs Bennett said.