A group of retirement village residents gathered outside on a patio with fairy lights in the back having a chat

Meet the residents of Keperra Sanctuary

Wednesday, 17 September 2025

Meet the residents that make Keperra Sanctuary such an extraordinary place to retire.

Keperra Sanctuary resident Ken values time over money, which is why he chose to retire at only 53. Since then, Ken’s kept busy with volunteer roles, photography and travel. After sadly losing his wife, Ken says he’s glad he stayed at Keperra, where the sense of community and support is high.

Time is worth more than money

For Ken, retirement wasn’t about slowing down—it was about choosing time over money. After a long career as an accountant, he made the decision to retire early, at just 53 years old. “There’s no point working until you can’t do anything at all,” he says. Like many retirees, Ken found that life after work is anything but idle. “Everyone I know who's retired says they have so many jobs to do they don't know how they'd manage full-time work anyway.”

Since stepping away from the workforce in 1997, Ken has embraced a life filled with variety, purpose and community. His volunteer work reflects his diverse interests. One morning a week, he heads to Wesley Hospital to help maintain a database of surgical samples—a role he finds both engaging and meaningful. “It’s very interesting. I go in one morning a week and find out what other jobs they have for me.”

Ken also found joy in a more whimsical role: driving the miniature train at Roma Street Parklands. “It’s a real train and a lot like the train set that every bloke wishes he had,” he laughs. The train, which carries up to 20 adults and children, winds through the parklands, requiring careful navigation alongside pedestrians. Keperra Sanctuary resident Ken smiling into the camera

Finding solace in travel and community

In 2010, Ken and his wife Jeanette moved to Keperra Sanctuary. It was a difficult time—Jeanette was seriously ill and the move was made out of necessity. Sadly, she passed away three years later. Though he considered leaving, Ken chose to stay and it’s a decision he doesn’t regret. “It’s excellent here and I’m on the resident’s committee now. It’s sociable and easy to make friends.”

The sense of community at Keperra Sanctuary is something Ken values deeply. “If you want to argue with someone, you’d have to try awfully hard,” he says. “Everybody I've encountered has been very friendly and helpful.” With around 280 residents and about 180 regularly active in village life, there’s always someone to chat with or share a drink. Monthly dinners, Friday happy hours and a men’s group that meets for a laugh and a yarn help foster strong social bonds.

Ken’s passion for photography has also found new life. He’s travelled to Europe twice, capturing over 8,000 photos—many of which he’s still sorting through. “I went to France mainly, but also Malta and Italy,” he says. “I go to the same places over and over because I like that you get to know the place well.” Paris and Rome are particular favourites, not just for their beauty but for the simple pleasures they offer. “They’re great places to be in for no other reason than to people-watch, sit in cafés and go to art galleries.”

At 71, Ken feels relatively young among the village’s residents. But age, he says, doesn’t matter once you find your place. “When you have things in common, age is something you don’t think about.”

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