Martha's Point tree lined road amongst well maintained gardens and lawns

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Meet the inspiring residents of Martha's Point that make the retirement village an extraordinary place to retire.

Discover a deep community connection among the residents at Martha's Point who support each other through tough times, share good times and be there whenever you need them.

Community connection with the Sea Wolves

18 November, 2022

One group of residents from Martha’s Point have created a different kind of support group called Sea Wolves offering warmth and healing in the cold waters of Port Phillip Bay.

A pact between friends becomes a community movement

During the uncertain days of COVID-19 lockdowns, Helen, Jo and Jen made a pact to swim in the ocean for 30 days straight. Their aim was to improve their mental and physical health. Little did they know the healing magic their early morning swims would bring to their broader community.

At first, locals watched the friends as they took to the cold waters. But they soon joined in and now there are more than 50 Sea Wolves from all walks of life. From celebrations of joy to honouring grief and loss, their daily ritual offers peace and togetherness in times of fear and uncertainty.

Five women stand in knee-deep water, all wearing bathing suits. Some wear colourful floral swimming caps. They’re smiling and holding hands.

An unexpected source of healing

With chatter and laughter, the ‘wolfies’ walk together into the freezing waters of Mount Martha’s South Beach. Forming a circle and holding hands, they count down and break into a chorus of wolf howls that carry across the water. It’s a powerful release of energy, hope, joy and sorrow. And the brisk morning dip has become an unexpected source of healing and bonding for this diverse group of friends.

After her partner passed away, Helen says the Sea Wolves ritual became her saving grace. Jo says she’s found much-needed solace and connection with other mothers who, like her, have experienced the grief of losing a child.

From pure elation to joy and sorrow, the Sea Wolves are there for each other both in and out of the water. As Jo says, ‘The beauty of Sea Wolves is it doesn’t matter who you are. You’re part of the mother-sea family.’

Two women float on their backs in the cold waters of Port Phillip Bay. They’re wearing bathing suits and colourful floral swimming caps.

A daily ritual becomes a saving grace for Martha’s Point residents and the wider community

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