Virtual events thrill Ryman residents

AFL legend Mike Brady filled the homes of Ryman residents and friends of its villages with a footy fever buzz when he took to the virtual stage during an exclusive Ryman event.

Mike’s stellar show was among a slew of virtual Ryman events held during Victoria's COVID-19 lockdown in recent weeks.

The iconic Australian performer, responsible for footy anthems ‘Up there Cazaly’ and ‘One day in September,’ epitomised the old adage ‘the show must go on’ when he belted out hit after hit and answered questions during the special virtual show.

Ryman Healthcare Victorian Sales and Community Relations manager Debra Richardson said the noteworthy event, which offered AFL fans a virtual meet and greet with Mike, was an opportunity to reach out to the Ryman community during lockdown.

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“Mike Brady is truly an icon of both the AFL and musical worlds in Australia,” Debra said.

“While lockdown has put an end to many things, it is our hope that Ryman events like the very special performance by Mike, give our residents and those considering a move to a village, a boost during lockdown.”

Mike revealed to the Ryman audience he was penciled in to perform at his 17^th AFL grand final.

“Where or when it will be, I don’t know, because it’s a moving feast,” he said.

“Wherever it is, I am always proud to be part of it.

“Emotionally it is always a great thrill to be part of it, from the first time I did it 42 years ago until now.”

Debra Richardson (top left), Ryman Aberfeldie sales advisor Amanda Brocklebank and Mike Brady during the virtual event.

Following his performance a draw was held with one lucky attendee winning a signed Geelong Cats AFL jersey and other AFL jerseys given to attendees.

But Ryman's program of online events didn't just cater for footy fans.

Green thumbed residents and prospects participated in a virtual flower arranging lesson run by Ryman and florists from Flox Botanical.

Allie from Flox Botanical leads the floral arrangement lesson.

Prior to the lesson attendees received a stunning array of flowers, greenery and a vase to use as they followed the informative lesson.

Other popular virtual events organised by Ryman include weekly Triple-A functional fitness classes, virtual quizzes, ‘Coffee with a Cop’ meetings and ‘Day in the Life’ presentations led by Nellie Melba Retirement Village residents.

Debra said Ryman’s pivot to online offerings during COVID-19 was an example of the company’s pioneering spirit.

Ryman Healthcare Operations Activities and Lifestyle coordinator Chelsea Richdale runs a virtual Triple A class.

“Offering outstanding opportunities to help our residents and the broader community stay engaged and entertained is at the heart of what we do - COVID-19 has simply changed the way we do it,” she said.

“There is no doubt that covid is a challenging time for us all, but it is a privilege to rise to this challenge and provide great experiences for those who call our villages home.”

During lockdown Ryman is also supporting residents with measures including weekly Happy Hour in a Bag deliveries of treats and welfare calls.

Nellie Melba Registered Nurse Anna Maharjan receives her vaccination.

Ryman villages are also helping to lead the charge in vaccination rates, with Ryman among the first three aged care providers in Australia to receive accreditation to run their own COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

More than 98 per cent of Ryman staff and 95 per cent of residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine.