Kiama’s John and Noeleene Unwin marked a major milestone on June 16.
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On this date in 1951, Noeleene Russell married John Unwin in a quiet wedding ceremony in Sydney.
Together, they have three daughters, two sons, 20 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, who are spread out all across Australia.
Their commitment to their family, their strong and long-held belief of the importance of being generous towards others and the wider community, has kept them young at heart and strongly connected to others.
Their commitment to their family, their strong and long-held belief of the importance of being generous towards others and the wider community, has kept them young at heart and strongly connected to others.
Noeleene, after retiring from her work at Shellharbour Private Hospital has given back to the community through her volunteer work with the CWA in Kiama, where she has been a member for over 20 years, holding the office of Secretary for some of this time. She has also served 10 years as the Treasurer for Kiama Red Cross as well as supporting the valuable work of the Kiama Hospital Auxiliary.
Noeleene is a very talented biscuit and cake maker and many street stalls and fundraisers have benefited from her skills and generosity.
John is the oldest member of Kiama Lions and has received Lions life membership in 2015, as well as being the recipient of many other prestigious Lion awards.
He joined Lions in 1992, and from the outset never wanted to be in the limelight, so much of his time has been volunteering behind the scene, in activities such as Driver Reviver, driving residents of Blue Haven to medical appointments and other community based activities.
For over twenty years, alongside another Lions member, he maintained the Lions Park in Collins Street, which has added much the streetscape of that part of town.
John is a founding member of the Kiama Woodwork Group and his beautiful turned and carved wooden pieces have been shown in many Sydney Royal Easter Shows and local Agricultural Shows. Many people all around the world now have article made of Australian timbers lovingly crafted by John.
John’s other passions include his garden and his trusty dog, Tiny. He can often be found in the front yard tending his flowers or out the back in the veggie garden, where sadly Tiny continues to assist with the odd bit of gardening!
Both John and Noeleene are fiercely independent and remain in the family home, where the lawns are always mowed and the housework is always done. They have a wide circle of friends, valuing this interaction and cherishing these friendships.