What’s Been Happening Around the Communities – May/June 2024

Hometown Australia residents have been busy over the past couple of months with competitions, events and social activities taking place through the communities. Let’s take a look at the many wonderful things that have taken place!

A Hopping Good Time at Red Gum
Residents at the Red Gum community were treated to an Easter delight over the long weekend! “Red Gum had a great Easter break, we decorated the office and placed out some yummy easter eggs for homeowners to gift to their families. We even hand painted some signs and made our very own Red Gum Easter garden,” said Renee Bettles, Community Manager.

An Easter Delight at Seachange
Residents at Seachange were treated to a beautiful Easter morning tea held by management. With hot cross buns and chocolate eggs galore, 80 residents came down and enjoy a fun filled morning.

A Poppy Assembly Line in Honour of ANZAC Day
A group of talented residents at Nepean Shores were busy throughout the month of April knitting, crocheting, and preparing Poppy’s that were displayed at the ANZAC Day service held at the community. “Throughout the month we shared in many lovely afternoons, cups of tea and laughter as the group busily created a thoughtful display in honour of ANZAC Day,” said Tina Andreanis, Community Manager.

15 Year ANZAC Day Tradition at Red Gum
Residents at Red Gum continued their traditional of over 15 plus years, holding an ANZAC Day service followed by a community breakfast. This year, 104 residents attend the commemorative service followed by a ‘Gun Fire’ breakfast organised by residents from the communities Friends of the Village group. “ANZAC Day has an exceptional meaning to me. I have been attending services with my Dad since I was a young girl. What our residents do here at Red Gum is so special. The sharing of personal stories and sentiment is the best of ceremonies I have been to over the years.  To be able to attend this years’ service with my Dad and fellow staff was a memory for the books,” said Renee Bettles, Community Manager.

Maroochy Shores Memorial Service
There was not a dry eye at the Maroochy Shores ANZAC Day Memorial Service. The social club was busy cooking up a storm to provide breakfast to attendees and the knitting club provided hand crochet poppies for residents to display on their chest. “It was a beautiful and moving ceremony,” said Tamara Jackson, Community Manager.

Valhalla Commemorate ANZAC Day in Registered War Memorial Garden
Residents at Valhalla honoured ANZAC Day with both a dawn service and lunch service in the registered war memorial garden in the community which is managed by residents. After the services residents came together in the community centre to enjoy a breakfast and lunch alongside an ANZAC Day display.

Residents at Glenfern came together in the newly launched clubhouse to celebrate Mother’s Day with a beautiful high tea. Resident, Judith, provided a personalised touch for each guest creating individual, hand painted place cards for each attendee. Residents enjoyed indulging in a delicious high tea filled with laughter, conversation, and good company.

Residents Drive for Winter Blitz
Residents at Nepean Shores have been incredibly busy taking part in this year’s Westcare Winter Blitz. As the temperature drops, winter warmers are in need to share to the communities most vulnerable. Residents have done a wonderful job contributing to the donation of 120 items that have been lovingly made or purchased to the appeal.

The Pink Bin initiative a Huge Success at Heritage!
Heritage resident, Jean, recently saw an article about a local teenager, Keira Knight, and was drawn to her story. Keira and her Mum, Tanya, are the founders of The Pink Bin initiative. After Keira learnt about her Nanna Rita’s childhood growing up in a tent and how the everyday necessity, shampoo was such a privilege, The Pink Bin initiative was born. Sixteen-year-old Keira supplies pink bins to businesses to donate men’s and women’s toiletries that are then distributed to those in need. After learning about the Pink Bin initiative, Jean contacted Keira and had a pink bin delivered to the community. “The community Social Club donated funds to get the ball rolling and the quantity of donations received from residents has been amazing!” said Rhonda, resident at Heritage. Jean has since purchased a pink bin for the community with residents excited to continue to support the wonderful cause. “Jean has worked tirelessly these last few weeks. If we had a community award she would deserve to win it. The world needs more Jeans in it!” concluded Rhonda.