Uniting Hawkins Place has celebrated its first birthday by unveiling an engraved memorial that recognises the extraordinary contribution its original residents have made towards building a new and vibrant seniors’ community in Leichhardt.
More than 50 residents of the Norton St village gathered to celebrate the milestone which included lunch, speeches and a live jazz band.
Residents also shared their excitement about the expansion of their community with the arrival of soon-to-be residents at the new McRae-McMahon Place on Marion St.
Hawkins Place resident Tony Stephens said it was a fantastic to come together with others from the village to celebrate the day.
“I was reluctant to move in here at first but did so for my beautiful wife, Anne,” he said.
“Something beautiful has gone on here and I think that people from different walks of life have come together in some way. I have noticed what I think is an increasing move to some sort of fellowship.”
Anna Hamblin, who will move into the new McRae-McMahon Place when it is completed, said the event was nothing like she was expecting.
“It’s a very welcoming community. We already live in Leichhardt and love it. We used to live in a big house in England and had to do everything ourselves and then we moved over here,” Mrs Hamblin said.
“It will be nice to have someone you can refer to when something needs doing. I’m also looking forward to meeting people from different walks of life. Despite the fact that people are retired, I think that this will be mentally stimulating and I’m looking forward to moving into our new home.”
Uniting’s McRae-McMahon Place is a 65-apartment complex, spread across two buildings and designed to help maintain the independence of residents while allowing them to leave the cares of keeping up the family home behind.
The village, to be completed mid-year, has landscaped ground floor gardens and a water feature, creating an inner-city sanctuary, as well as indoor pool and communal facilities that include a kitchen, two dining areas, and two multi-functional areas.
Hawkins Place Village Manager, Nancy Ghazaleh, said it was great to see residents connecting and celebrating together.
“I want to give a big thank you to all the residents who have made Hawkins Place such a wonderful, welcoming community. We’re looking forward to welcoming new residents.”
