Two residents from Koorootang Court sitting on a couch in front of two blue artworks smiling at each other

Meet the residents of Koorootang Court

Thursday, 07 August 2025

Meet the amazing people that make Koorootang Court such an extraordinary place to retire.

Discover the inspiring life story of Leon and Natalie, who arrived in Australia in 1967 from the UK. Their journey spans decades of hard work, family milestone and adventurous pursuits — all culminating in a peaceful retirement at Koorootang Court on the Mornington Peninsula.

From Ten Pound Poms to Aussie icons: The life journey of Leon and Natalie

Leon and Natalie arrived in Australia from the UK in January 1967, accompanied by their young son and baby daughter. Leaving behind the frosty English winter, they landed in the sweltering heat of an Australian summer — still dressed in their winter coats and feeling completely overwhelmed.

Their first impressions were vivid. "When we came here first, we experienced the intense heat, the unfamiliar weatherboard homes and a landscape that felt more like the Wild West than the suburbs of Melbourne," they recall. Thankfully, Leon had secured a job in the printing industry and just four months later, the couple built their first home in Mooroolbark, a then-emerging suburb. It was here the couple discovered a shared love for badminton.

Leon’s printing career, though successful and innovative, was cut short due to eyesight issues. With their children starting school, Leon recalls, "I pivoted to insurance sales before moving to Doncaster and partnering with another family to run a milk bar. I eventually returned to insurance, where I remained until retirement."

Koorootang Court retirement village residents Natalie and Leon sitting in armchairs in their retirement home

Natalie and Leon at their home in Koorootang Court

A new chapter: Downsizing for a better lifestyle

Once their children had grown up, Leon and Natalie downsized to Rowville and discovered a new passion. Natalie says, "Leon even learned to cut stones, turning the hobby into a joyful craft. Our love for adventure led us to sell everything and travel around Australia for a year in a caravan, combining fossicking with badminton and forging lifelong friendships."

After their travels, they settled in Ferntree Gully. They continued playing competitive badminton until Leon’s health prompted retirement. The couple then moved into Mornington Residential Park, eventually building a mobile home and living there for 25 years.

But when their garden became too much to manage, the couple decided to move to Koorootang Court retirement village. Now a couple of years in, they’ve found peace and connection in a welcoming community, supported by attentive staff and surrounded by friendly neighbours. Their current garden is small but perfect — just right for this chapter of life.

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