Finding friendship and community at Wondall Gardens
When Marion Larkin moved into Wondall Gardens Retirement Village at Manly West a little over five years ago, she admits she was initially quite shy.
“I think it was one of the best moves that I’ve made,” Marion said.
“I was a bit shy first off, and I just wanted to stay in my little home. But eventually I started meeting people.”
Finding her place at Wondall Gardens
Those connections have since become an important part of Marion’s life at Wondall Gardens — including her friendship with fellow resident Norma.
“My friend Norma, who I would not be able to work without — our aim here is to try and get people out of their homes, into functions and doing things,” Marion said.
For Marion, becoming involved in village activities has been a way to help other residents connect, socialise and enjoy being part of the wider community.
Bringing the community together
One of the biggest examples of that community spirit is the village’s annual Biggest Morning Tea, which has been raising funds for Cancer Council since 2001.
When Marion and Norma became involved, they decided they wanted to build on what was already happening.
“When Norma and I got together, we decided that we would up the ante a little bit,” Marion said.
“We have a market for a week before, and then we decided, okay, well now let’s do better than this. We need donations from the MPs, the Bunnings sort of thing, and then we did the big auction.”
From there, Marion says the event has simply continued to grow.
“We sell cakes, jams, pickles — you name it. But a lot of work is done by a lot of people,” she said.
“Everything on the day goes to cancer. There’s just so many people that turn up, and it’s so nice to just go out and buy a cake.”
It is an event that brings residents together for a good cause, while also creating another opportunity for people across the village to connect.
Friendships that make a difference
But for Marion, the greatest part of life at Wondall Gardens is not any single event. It is the friendships she has made along the way.
“I’d say the biggest highlight of my moving to Wondall Gardens was the amount of friends that I’ve made. I’ve made some really close friends.”
And it is knowing that support is never far away.
“You know that if you need something, no matter what it is, there’s always someone at the end of the phone that could come and help, which is lovely.”