Sheena finds connection and community at Carlyle Gardens Townsville
After working with the same employer for 27 years, Sheena found that retirement brought an unexpected change. Her work had also been a big part of her social life, and once that was gone, living alone in the suburbs began to feel isolating.
“I realised how isolated it was to be in the suburbs,” Sheena said.
She decided to take a tour through Carlyle Gardens Townsville and quickly knew she had found the right place.
“I took a tour through here and just decided this was right. I put my house on the market and within a month I was here.
“I’ve never regretted that, and that was 14 years ago.”
Finding plenty to do
For Sheena, one of the great things about life at Carlyle Gardens is the choice to be as involved as you want to be.
“There’s so much to do. We’ve got patchwork groups, we’ve got painting groups, we’ve got sewing groups, we’ve got timber workshops, we’ve got games, we’ve got cards.
“You can’t do everything, so you’ve got to be selective.”
One activity Sheena has made her own is Rummikub. She runs a group twice a week, bringing residents together for games, conversation and plenty of laughs.
“I run an activity group twice a week for Rummikub, which is a very popular group.
“I had to tweak the rules so it suited everyone, but it’s not competitive. It’s very social and it’s a lot of fun, and people like coming to it.”
A village with a generous spirit
When Sheena first arrived at Carlyle Gardens, she was keen to get involved and soon found an opportunity through fundraising.
“When I came to the village, I was still reasonably young and had a bit of energy, if you like. I got an opportunity to get involved in fundraising.”
One experience in particular showed her just how generous the community could be.
“When Bundaberg got flooded, in a day we raised $10,000 just in this village.
“It is the most generous village.”
A craft market loved by Townsville
That community spirit can also be seen in Carlyle Gardens’ popular craft market.
The idea began when one resident recognised that people needed somewhere to share the crafts they enjoyed making.
“Some years ago, one of our residents recognised that people couldn’t find a home for the crafts they wanted to do, and she came up with the idea that they might form a craft market in the village.
“It started off quite small. I think it’s 10 years now, and people all over Townsville know it’s on.”
Today, Sheena says the market is incredibly popular, showcasing locally made creations from talented residents and craftspeople.
“It is just jam-packed, and it’s all local crafts. It’s not things that have been purchased elsewhere. It’s got to be made.
“We have quilters, we have knitters, we have painters, and we’ve got the best cards made here in this village. Just wonderful.”
Making village life your own
After 14 years at Carlyle Gardens Townsville, Sheena believes one of its greatest strengths is that there is no single way to enjoy retirement.
“Carlyle Gardens is exactly what you make it.
“If you want to stay home and do your own activity, that’s fine. If you want to get out and do lots of things, that’s fine too.
“You look out for each other. It is secure, it is social, it’s an environment that offers something for everyone, and you can’t get that in many places.”