Ignite Your Passion in action
Discover how the Ignite Your Passion grants for 181 projects are boosting residents' wellbeing and making a real impact across our villages.
The residents living in our villages are ever so busy – whether they’re getting their hands dirty in the community gardens, exploring their creativity in art classes, knitting away for charity or having a blast playing bowls with friends. We love it when residents are engaged, busy and passionate about what they do and to encourage this active lifestyle, the Ignite Your Passion Program was born.
In 2024, we kicked off the Resident Activity Program, ‘Ignite Your Passion.’ This new initiative gives residents the chance to apply for funding to start or enhance any activity in their village or resort that makes a positive impact.
With an impressive 260 applications received this year, the program has supported 181 projects across 63 villages and resorts, benefiting 14,000 residents. These projects cover 50 different types of activities, each demonstrating significant and lasting benefits. Take a look at some of the impactful activities that have truly made a difference in our communities.
Bowls
The male residents at Ashton Gardens are having a bowl of a time! Each Tuesday for years, 12 to 14 out of the 20 male residents living in the village have been coming together for their favourite indoor event, ‘The Men’s Bowls Morning.’ This session has been an utter favourite among the residents and they couldn’t be happier with the outcome of the grant. With a $1,500 Ignite Your Passion grant and additional support from the Keyton Health and Wellbeing campaign “Growth, Restore, Reboot”, the club just got a fantastic upgrade with a brand new carpet bowls mat, which has made a huge difference.
The new surface has made their weekly games more enjoyable and the residents look forward to their Tuesday mornings even more.
Residents enjoying their new carpet bowls mat
Gardening
At Lakeside Village, resident Keith wanted to make the most of his time by starting a bonsai group. He applied for the Ignite Your Passion grant to turn his idea into reality, wanting to stay active and sharing his love for bonsai with others.
The grant enabled Keith to start the bonsai group and teach fellow residents how to care for these beautiful plants. This project has brought this small, passionate group of residents together. Not only have they gained valuable knowledge about bonsai care, but they've also fostered a sense of community and brought immense joy to everyone involved.
The resident group has gained valuable knowledge about bonsai care
Mandala art
At Henry Kendall Gardens, the grant was used to kick off a Mandala class, which has been a fantastic addition for the residents to engage in. The funds really made a difference, allowing the residents to get everything needed for the Mandala class, an initiative driven by residents. A small but enthusiastic group of residents have jumped into this and the impact has been amazing. Not only have they learned new skills, but they’ve also found great joy and connection through the social interaction these classes offer.
The creative display of the Mandala art that the residents made
Craft
The knitting and craft group at Heathglen village applied for supplies to boost their already thriving program. The resident group is a branch of the Werribee Ladies for Kids which has been running for 20 years and the group has been meeting at the village for the last 10 years.
Since Easter 2023, the residents have been using their crafting skills to raise money for years and have helped raise over $175,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital. The grant has not only allowed them to purchase better quality wool, enhancing their projects but also supported their continued contributions to the broader community. Kudos to the ladies for their amazing fundraising efforts for such a worthy cause.
The knitting and craft group has been using their crafting skills to raise money for 10 years
Golf
The new 2 Stroke Golf Putting activity at Burwood Terrace is making waves, thanks to the Ignite Your Passion grant! Developed by residents Graeme and John, this creative twist on croquet has quickly become a favourite. With the grant, they were able to buy putters, balls and storage equipment, making the game accessible anytime residents want to play. The launch event drew an enthusiastic crowd of 45 people and now around 25 residents are hitting the "holes" each week. The game has been a fantastic way to bring people together, even encouraging those who hadn’t joined in other physical activities before. Graeme and John are also planning to kick off Twilight 2 Stroke Golf Putting with daylight saving in October and the residents are looking forward to the extra social fun it will bring!
The game has been a fantastic way to bring residents together
Painting
At Heathglen, Pat and Paul, two passionate residents, decided to turn their love for painting into something amazing for everyone at the village. They started this new program with the grant which provided the residents with free starter kits full of paints, canvases, easels and brushes.
The resident group was created with just 8 people, but word spread fast and now 11 residents are part of the painting session. The best part? Everyone’s absolutely loving their newfound painting skills. Some of the residents who never thought they’d pick up a paintbrush are now totally hooked and can’t wait for their Monday morning art sessions.
Residents loving their newfound painting skills
Snooker
The snooker and billiards resident group at Brentwood Village has been an active bunch. With two men’s groups, one women’s group and a handful of casual players, this game is an absolute crowd puller.
The Ignite Your Passion grant has added even more fun to their game, letting the group treat themselves to brand new pool cues and sticks. They’ve also put up a special memorial board to honour the past players who were part of this close-knit community.
With about 30 regular players, the snooker and billiards room has become the place where banter is as lively as the games. Strong friendships have formed between the residents and they share a lot of laughter when they get together.
Residents and staff posing with their brand new pool cues and sticks
Music
The dance class at Martha's Point has been a fantastic new addition, all thanks to the Ignite Your Passion grant! What began as a resident-led idea to get everyone moving and grooving has turned into a fun activity.
The grant covered the cost of hiring a dance teacher for a four week series. The classes were a success, with music that drew spectators in to watch. Residents found the dance sessions to be a delightful escape from daily routines and it rekindled fond memories for many. Couples enjoyed the close, shared experience, while single participants appreciated being able to join in without needing a partner. On average, about eight residents attended each session and the overall impact has been fantastic. The program has boosted engagement, wellbeing and community spirit, increased bonds and created a fun, supportive environment.
Residents having fun grooving to some of their favourite songs
Learn more about the Ignite Your Passion program.
For more information about the lifestyle and support offered at our retirement villages, call our customer service team on 1800 550 550 or send us an email here.
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