Australia’s first Ryman Healthcare retirement village has celebrated its 8th birthday in style.
Dressed up in flashes of red and green the residents at Weary Dunlop came together to sing, party and share memories of their village community.
Residents dressed in red and green to match the colours in the Weary Dunlop logo.
Deidre Forrester has been Weary Dunlop’s Activity and Lifestyle Coordinator for the past five years and has formed "amazing" friendships with residents during that time.
"Our residents love being pioneers for Ryman in Australia, they’re proud to represent and celebrate Weary Dunlop,’’ Deidre said.
‘"Due to covid we haven’t been able to celebrate our last two birthdays together, so it’s special to have everyone dressed up and together again.
"I’m honoured to be part of their journey and to have built so much trust with each other."
Weary Dunlop Activity and Lifestyle Coordinators Deidre Forrester (left) and Ingrida Jones.
Someone who knows the history of her village more than most is 84-year-old Janice Cornwell, who was the first resident to move into Weary Dunlop in 2014.
"The friendships I’ve made at Weary Dunlop have had such a positive impact on my life. I still find myself being late to things because I spend so long chatting to other residents," Janice said.
"I’m just so happy to still be here and watching the community grow.
"My advice to people thinking of joining a retirement village would be to not leave it too late. Take the initiative while you can, and you’ll be thankful for it."
Janice Cornwell (left) sings along to one of the many songs performed by the Weary Dunlop Singing Group.
The room sang along as they were treated to a concert from the Weary Dunlop Singing Group, with professional musician and village resident Kim Harris playing the piano.
The village is named after Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop who was an Australian surgeon renowned for his leadership and courage while being held prisoner by the Japanese during World War II.
Ryman Healthcare named the village in honour of Dunlop, who passed away in 1993, so his legacy would continue to live through the residents and staff at the village for years to come.
