It was a birthday bash that will linger long in the memory.
Weary Dunlop celebrated five years since its official opening in magnificent fashion on August 22, beginning with a breath-taking performance by Melba Opera Trust scholars before residents enjoyed cocktails, canapes and birthday cake in the village centre.
Young opera stars Cleo Lee-McGowan, Adam McMillan, Stephen Marsh and Samuel Piper brought the house down with a 45-minute performance, finishing the show fittingly with a rousing rendition of ‘Home, Sweet Home’ – a Dame Nellie Melba favourite.
Samuel is the inaugural recipient of Melba Opera Trust’s Ryman Healthcare scholarship, and was performing at Weary Dunlop for the first time.
The performance set the scene for a glamourous evening, with many residents dressed to the nines as they toasted the village’s birthday.
“Everyone just looked fabulous,” Village Manager Kym Faulkner said.
“With the wonderful performance from the Melba singers and cocktails, it really felt like a night at the opera.”
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Kym paid tribute to all the staff and residents who put in a huge effort to make the event such a success.
“It’s a true reflection of how much this village has grown into a really close, tightknit community in the five years since it opened and continues to embrace new residents into the Weary Dunlop family.
“It’s just gone from strength to strength, so it was wonderful to be able to celebrate such a big milestone from when Ryman commenced in Australia in true style.”
