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A fulfilling community life

Tuesday, 15 September 2020

After retiring from their farm, Joan and Ron found a wonderful social life and a sense of community and security at Abervale.

After more than 4 decades living on their farm at Teasdale and in a unit closer to town, Joan and Ron Anderson made the move to Abervale. And they’re grateful every day for their decision to join this thriving retirement community. 

‘There’s a sense of belonging in Abervale that we never experienced when we lived on our own.’ 

At Abervale, Joan and Ron have access to facilities including an indoor heated pool, gym, library and a competition standard bowling green. While the resort-style facilities were enticing enough, they say it's the community life that’s been positively life-changing. 

There’s always something happening 

‘We thrive on being involved in the social life at Abervale. And there's always something happening here. We love the mystery lunch outings on the village bus, the fish and chip nights at the community centre, the afternoon happy hour and dancing in the hall. We have so many friends now. There's always someone to have a chat and cuppa with,’ Joan said. 

‘There's a sense of belonging in Abervale that we never experienced when we lived on our own. The community has become a fulfilling aspect of our lives. Knowing we're always surrounded by friends and that we look out for each other has brought us true peace of mind,’ she said. 

For Ron, the bowling green has brought much meaning for him post-retirement. As president of the Abervale bowls committee, Ron has seen first-hand the benefits of discovering new passions. He enjoys coaching newcomers, including a 90-year-old resident proving it’s never too late to master a new skill. 

We would have moved in sooner

When they're not on village excursions, catching up with friends or playing bowls, Ron and Joan find joy in the simple pleasures at Abervale. Joan enjoys visiting fashion groups that bring their pop-up boutiques to the village. Ron and Joan also grow vegetables in Abervale's community vegetable patch, sharing surplus produce with the community. They also proudly tend to their own vast garden. 

‘Farm life was rewarding, but Abervale is on a whole other level since we retired. We have so much space here, a wonderful social life, and a great sense of security. Knowing we can go on holidays without worrying about the house is such a relief,’ Joan said. ‘If I could do only one thing differently, it would have been to move to Abervale sooner.’ 

Learn more about Abervale, VIC.

For more information about the lifestyle and support offered at our retirement villages, call our customer service team on 1800 550 550.

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