Doug and Milly celebrate 70 years of marriage in Woombye

Woombye couple William Douglas (Doug) and Mildred (Milly) Milne will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on April 9, 2025 — a milestone few couples reach. Doug, now 92, was born in Nambour and grew up at Mons, attending the old Mons School. The family’s legacy in the area is recognised through the Milne Park Environment Reserve, named in their honour.

Milly, 88, was born and raised in Gladstone, where she met Doug in 1952 while he was working in the area. They married in Gladstone before relocating to Woombye in 1955, where they have lived ever since.

Doug worked for many years with Maroochy Shire Council and also grew produce to support their growing family. The couple raised three children — Gerald, Karen and Stephen — all of whom attended Woombye State School. That connection has continued through generations, with some of their nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren also attending the same school and still living close by.

Doug and Milly are life members of the Woombye Bowls Club and have witnessed decades of change in the local community they’ve helped shape. Their family will gather this week to celebrate a lifetime of love and dedication.