Meet the residents of The Village Williamstown
Meet the lovely people that make The Village Williamstown such a welcoming community.
Get to know Ann, Frank and Judith, who each call The Village Williamstown home. Ann juggles work and volunteering while enjoying the convenience of village life. Frank, the globetrotter, loves his secure and low-maintenance home base. And Judith, a local through and through, cherishes the close-knit friendships she's built over the years.
Ann moved in while she was still working
"The first time I visited my newly renovated apartment, I thought it was the one. It felt like home."
Ann always knew she would move into a retirement village in the future. After shopping around for a few years, she discovered The Village Williamstown. Walking into the sunlight-flooded living room, she felt at home right away.
"I often make my decisions by feeling them out. The first time I visited my newly renovated apartment, I thought it was the one. It felt like home. I was quite prepared to move out of Melbourne, but the village’s location was too good to pass up. I work part-time in Armadale and volunteer weekly. Being able to jump on the train and whiz into the city is really handy," says Ann.
"I plan on reducing my workload over time, but for now, my lifestyle is very busy. Living in the village means everything is looked after for me,’ Ann explains. ‘I don't need to worry about the gardens or house maintenance and I’m surrounded by a community of people who care about the place they live."
"Because I’m so busy, I don't get to participate in as many village events as I would like. When I have more time, I’m looking forward to getting more active. Maybe I’ll join Tai Chi or water aerobics class. Or even use the gym! I do attend the bi-monthly dinners and go to happy hour every Friday night, which is always good fun," Ann chuckles.
Frank is living a carefree retirement life
"Moving here was the best thing I've ever done."
When Frank and his mates aren’t in Bali, Greece, Singapore or Italy, you'll often find them on Frank’s north-facing balcony. With a beer in one hand and nibbles in the other, they reminisce about their latest global adventures. "Some people travel for work and pleasure. I always say that I travel for golf and pleasure," Frank laughs.
Frank moved to The Village Williamstown after getting fed up with the lack of security in his larger home. He had been burgled three times in the past and with his busy schedule of travelling and competing in golfing tournaments, he wanted to be able to leave his home and know it will be safe.
Downsizing into an apartment brought some unexpected bonuses too. "Initially, I looked at purchasing a villa. But I knew the large gardens wouldn't suit my globetrotting lifestyle," says Frank. "Sometimes, I travel for months at a time. The last thing I want is to rely on my children to maintain the garden while I am away. Or to come home to a dehydrated, overgrown lawn."
When he's not travelling, Frank might be working at the village bar shaking up a cocktail or at the hobby shed where he’s re-discovered his love for woodworking. "In my time at the village, I've been able to get to know the other people living here. I've made some great friends," says Frank.
Judith’s enjoying retirement where she grew up
"I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. I feel so at home."
When The Village Williamstown opened its doors more than 20 years ago, Judith jumped at the chance to move in. She has lived solo in her apartment since her husband passed away in 2004, but she rarely feels lonely. People who she thinks of as family surround her every day. "I wouldn't want to live anywhere else, I feel so at home" says Judith.
"I know all of my neighbours very well. Some of them are my closest friends. I feel safe living here. The Village is always well-lit at night and we have fantastic security measures in place. I could go away on holiday and not worry about a thing. The Village feels secluded, but it's only a short walk away from the most beautiful little boutiques and cafés. Every Saturday, a group of us treat ourselves to lunch and wander around the shops. It's a highlight of my week," says Judith.
The rest of the week, Judith keeps herself busy attending the events she plans as part of the social committee. Trips to the theatre, monthly movie nights and of course, happy hour every Friday!
"There’s always so much to do, but you still have as much privacy as you would like," Judith explains. "It really is the best of both worlds."
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.
If you think your family or friends might enjoy this article, please share it with them.
