Once a year, Greg Smith invites couples from the Epping electorate to his office for a morning tea in celebration of marriage. One thing the guests have in common is that they have all achieved the milestone of more than 50 years of marriage, with some couples even passing the 60-year mark.

On Tuesday November 29, Greg with his wife Julianne and his office staff served drinks and food to the couples who attended, and listened to stories of how they met all those years ago. Most said the key to a successful marriage was patience and compromise.

"Reaching more than 50 years of marriage is no small achievement, it’s a fine thing to celebrate and my wife and I look forward to achieving that milestone ourselves in the future," Greg said.

"These couples, or their families, contacted my office to apply for a certificate of congratulations on their wonderful milestone.  I wanted to congratulate them in person as well and I'm pleased so many guests could attend my office today.’’