Making kindness a way of life
World Kindness Day is a beautiful reminder that small acts of kindness can have a big impact. The residents and staff in our villages show kindness every day.
As Maya Angelou once said, “My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness.”
Being kind doesn’t take much — a smile, a thoughtful gesture, a warm message or a compassionate word can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
The residents and staff in our villages live this philosophy every day. Their dedication to kindness fosters an environment of warmth and support. Read on to learn about their acts of kindness in their village and the broader community.
Kindness through charity
Kindness shows up in all kinds of ways, with residents in our villages pitching in wherever they can to make a difference. At Brentwood Village, a few residents volunteer to drive the village buggy, giving rides to neighbours who may need help getting around. While another group of residents run food drives for Coast Shelter, a charity that supports locals in need on the Central Coast, NSW — their latest effort brought in heaps of food plus $1,400 in cash. There's also the Wesley Aunties and Uncles toy drive, which spreads holiday cheer to kids who could use a little extra joy. Hermione, a resident at the village who’s been organising the toy drive for eight years and running a breakfast club at a nearby high school, says, “Volunteering has given me a real sense of purpose.”
Volunteering has given me a real sense of purpose.
The knitting and craft group of residents at Heathglen shows their act of kindness by dedicating their time and effort to a great cause
Over at Heathglen village, the knitting and craft group shows their act of kindness by dedicating their time and effort to a great cause. They’re part of the Werribee Ladies for Kids, an initiative that’s been going strong for 20 years. Since Easter 2023, they’ve raised funds and have collected over $175,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Kindness through connection
Kindness often grows from real connections and that’s exactly what you see at Martha's Point retirement village. During the COVID-19 lockdowns residents Helen, Jo and Jen committed to swimming in the ocean for 30 days to boost their mental and physical health. What started as a small act soon drew the attention of locals and before long, the group grew to over 50 people, now known as the Sea Wolves.
The Sea Wolves come together to form a circle in the cold waters and let out a collective howl at South Beach in Victoria, which has become a powerful ritual of joy, hope and healing
Every morning, they wade into the cold water at South Beach, form a circle and let out a collective howl. It’s become a powerful ritual of joy, hope and healing. For Helen, it was her saving grace after losing her partner, while Jo found connection with other mothers who have experienced loss. “The beauty of Sea Wolves is it doesn’t matter who you are. You’re part of the mother-sea family,” Jo shares. Through their daily dips, they show that kindness and connection can be a source of strength during life’s ups and downs.
Kindness through help and support
When residents Bruce and Dorothy Murray moved to Lakeside Retirement Village, they were inspired to start a welfare group that provides support to fellow residents recovering from illness or injury. As one volunteer shares, “You should always be good to people. Getting sick is tough, so anything we can do to help is worthwhile.”
Michaela and her mum, Roz, who is a resident found comfort and support from the staff and community after the unexpected passing of Len, Roz’s husband
This spirit of kindness and support extends to Annesley Bowral too where Michaela and her mum, Roz, who is a resident, experienced it firsthand. After the unexpected passing of Len, Roz’s husband, Michaela said, “I feel so lucky Mum moved to Annesley before Dad passed. The staff and residents embraced us, boosting our wellbeing and happiness.” Whether it’s lending a helping hand or offering comfort during difficult times, the presence of caring people makes life's challenges easier to manage.
Kindness from our staff
The dedication of the staff in our villages plays a vital role in creating a supportive and connected community. Village manager Wayne Adams recognised the need for male residents at Lakeside Retirement Village to support one another, so he launched the Bro 2 Bro men’s group. This initiative fosters weekly gatherings that combine casual fun with meaningful conversations. As Wayne puts it, “You have to be able to reach out and get support when you need it.”
At Menzies Malvern, village support officer Harry emphasises the qualities that are key to his role: “To be in this job, you need to talk with the residents, be patient, listen to them and make it fun. A lot of residents come to me with technological problems, like printers or phones. I think the word got around that I can help with these issues, so I get residents coming to me all the time to help them and I'm always happy to do that.”
Village manager Leanne Zannoni works towards creating a comfortable and supportive environment for residents
Leading with heart, award-winning senior village manager Leanne Zannoni embodies this approach. “For me, leading with heart means prioritising trust and transparency, especially when dealing with complex issues or addressing resident concerns. This role is incredibly rewarding as you work to create a comfortable and supportive environment for residents. By implementing programs, activities and services designed to elevate residents' quality of life, you directly contribute to improving their living conditions and daily experiences.”
Every act of kindness creates a ripple effect, so keep spreading the joy. Tag — you’re it!
For more information about the lifestyle and support offered at our retirement villages, call our customer service team on 1800 550 550 or click here to send us an enquiry.
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