Meet the residents of Elliot Gardens
Meet the lovely people of Elliot Gardens who bring a spirit of community that makes the village special.
The residents of Elliot Gardens take pride in the meaningful connections they build here. From finding a close-knit community of neighbours who genuinely look out for one another, forming lasting friendships to continuing to pursue lifelong passions — this village is full of heart.
Ross brought his love for art to the village
"I am playing a sport in the village and doing a lot of other activities, music and so forth. Once again, I am witnessing the powerful positive effects art classes can have on a community."
Since retiring a few years ago and moving with his wife to Elliot Gardens, Ross has brought his passion for art to the village, along with his technical skills.
Art unites people
“Of all the mental health nursing I’ve done through the years in all different settings— hospitals, jails and drugs and alcohol services — art therapy is the one area where all the divisions between people come down,” he says. “You’re not a nurse and they’re not a patient or a client; everybody is just there together to enjoy being part of the class and it becomes very freeing. A lot of people said it was the only place where they felt accepted, where they felt at ease and were able to do what they enjoyed.”
Ross believed it’s important to set up a space that encourages laughter. “I make sure there’s good music playing in the background and there’s a lot of joking, so people find it very relaxing. It makes a difference.”
Discovering the artist in everyone
His popular art classes are changing lives in the village too, as curious residents are discovering they have unexpected abilities. “I love it that 99% of the people I’ve taught here have come to me and said, “Look, I am a bit interested but I have no skill— I’ve never painted, never drawn. I don’t know anything about it.” And their follow up comment is, “I don’t think I am going to be any good at it.” And Ross says to them, “By the time you’ve finished learning, you will be. You’ll be doing lovely paintings, because it’s just about learning the process and anyone can do it.”
He begins with an introduction to acrylic paints and brush techniques. ”I start off teaching simple scenes— sunset over water, with a few clouds and a bit of land, something very simple in washes. By following the process, anyone can do washes. Then, once people become familiar with the materials, I invite them to try something they are really interested in. They start to bring their own projects along and I support them. I enjoy it. It’s a lot of fun.”
Ross' winning Art Trail piece, Toby and Benny, a rendering of his beloved Burmese cats
Art and retirement living: The perfect blend
Retirement living has been a wonderful new chapter in Ross’ life. He is as busy as ever but having much more fun.
‘My wife and I have a lovely relationship. We’ve always been best friends, we are just enjoying spending that time with each other and not having to rush off to work all the time. Now I am playing a sport in the village and doing a lot of other activities, music and so forth. Once again, I am witnessing the powerful positive effects art classes can have on a community. It’s the same principal as my work in mental health, ‘he says.
Tony and Janne's seaside love story
"We’re both very involved in the village. Eating out is one of our specialties, as is travelling — especially overseas."
Who says romance is only for the young? Tony and Janne’s story is the kind of story that challenges everything you think you know about love and timing. The supportive and close-knit community in the village played a special role in their connection.
The social connections
Tony had lived in Elliot Gardens for a while and was going through a tough time, caring for his wife Sue as she battled a serious illness. The supportive community in the village offered him a warm embrace and kindness during this time as well as after he lost his wife.
Janne was one of the fellow residents who had lived there for five years. They’d chatted a few times at gym classes in the village, nothing too serious — just the usual friendly conversation. But one day, during a gym-goer’s Christmas breakfast, Tony decided to take a chance.
“I asked her what she was doing afterwards. I said if you feel like it, come over for a drink on Christmas Eve and it evolved very happily from there.” Little did they know, that casual invitation would lead to a blossoming romance.
Merging villas and lives
A year into their relationship, Tony and Janne went on a holiday to Kangaroo Island. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the island, Tony couldn’t help but feel that this was the moment. He popped the question and of course, Janne said yes. Back at the village, everyone was thrilled for the couple. It felt like the whole community was rooting for them, sharing in the joy of their new chapter together.
After their wedding, Janne sold her villa and moved into Tony’s spacious villa. "We sorted the furniture pretty quickly," Tony laughs, but admits there was one little challenge — Janne’s love for clothes.
The units and villas at Elliot Gardens are designed to epitomise modern coastal living
Warm and welcoming community
Tony fondly remembers how the Elliot Gardens community stood by him during the end of his first wife’s illness. Now, they’re returning that support as a couple, participating in various activities and enjoying life together.
"We’re both very involved in the village. Eating out is one of our specialties, as is travelling — especially overseas. And Jack, our Lhasa Apso, was my dog, but he’s made it very clear that he’s Janne’s dog now," says Tony.
Residents enjoying the undercover alfresco dining alongside the beautiful lake
Resort living in retirement
Tony and Janne’s villa in Elliot Gardens is located in a gorgeous spot just a 15-minute drive from Goolwa and a stone’s throw away from Coorong National Park. But it’s not just the location that makes the village so special.
"It’s laid back but lively at the same time. With over 20 sporting and social activities, there’s always plenty to do," Tony says.
For Tony and Janne, Elliot Gardens isn’t just a place to live —‘It’s very social and has a strong sense of community. Residents join in for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, film nights and organised trips. "There's something for everyone," he adds.
For Tony and Janne, finding love again and the support and warmth of a caring community has been life-changing. Their story reminds us that romance knows no age limits, and true love can be found at any stage of life.
