Turning personal loss into impact at Wondall Gardens

At BlueCare Wondall Gardens Retirement Village, raising money for cancer support has become a shared commitment. It's one that brings residents together each year for a week of markets and a much-loved Biggest Morning Tea.

Helping to lead the effort is resident Marion Larkin, who works alongside fellow residents to coordinate the annual fundraiser, which has raised nearly $70,000 for the Cancer Council since 2001.

Last year alone, the event raised an incredible $18,000.

“It’s just lovely to think we can do something that helps so many people,” Marion said.

For Marion, and many others in the village, the cause is deeply personal.

“I lost my sister to cancer,” she said. “I’ve also got a nephew who has beaten it so far, and another sister who has too. And that’s just immediate family. So many of us at this stage in our lives have had family or friends affected. Cancer touches a lot of lives.”

What began more than two decades ago as a small idea between Marion and her close friend and neighbour Norma has grown into a much-anticipated annual effort involving residents across the village.

“Norma and I got our heads together years ago and started roaming the op shops. That’s how it all began.” Marion said. “It just snowballed from there.”

The markets started this week and run until next Tuesday, offering everything from household goods to plants, jams and chutneys, all at affordable prices thanks to generous donations from the community.

“For the markets, we’ve got everything you could possibly want in the home,” Marion said. “By the end of it, you feel exhausted, but then you think — that was a really good week.”

The fundraising will finish with a Biggest Morning Tea next Friday 8 May enjoyed by residents at the village, featuring raffles, auctions and stalls, supported by local businesses and residents.

Marion helps coordinate outreach to local organisations such as Bunnings and support from local MPs to secure donations and prizes, while her own family also plays a hands-on role.

“My family and village residents bake cakes and help me carry things,” she said. “I couldn’t do it on my own.”

She is quick to emphasise the contribution of others.

“It’s not just me, it’s a whole-of-village effort,” Marion said. “We have a trusty group of people who help regularly, and others who come along when they can. We always say, if you can help, that’s great, but if not, that’s fine.”

Natasha Hurst, BlueCare Retirement Living Wondall Gardens Village Manager said Marion’s contribution had a lasting impact on the community.

"Marion’s efforts, along with those of the Resident and Social Committee, are reflected throughout the village, bringing residents together through care and generosity and fostering a strong sense of belonging and connection," Mrs Hurst said.

"The joy and friendships formed through these events are truly lasting, and it is a wonderful privilege to be part of such a caring and charitable community."

The efforts of Wondall Gardens residents have also been recognised more broadly, with Marion and Norma invited to represent the village at Government House’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea this year on 14 May.

“We really didn’t expect to be invited by the Governor last year, let alone again this year,” Marion said. “It really is an honour.”

Beyond fundraising, Marion also helps coordinate an intergenerational program with Moreton Bay College next door, where school students visit the village to spend time with residents and share conversations across generations. The connections formed are deeply meaningful on both sides.

“One visit some of the girls ended up in tears, happy tears," Marion said. "Their teacher said they were so moved by the connections we’d made and the stories we shared with each other. Even though we are generations apart we too were young women just like them. They walked away seeing life a little differently.”

After more than two decades, the fundraiser continues to reflect the shared spirit of the village.

“It’s about doing something for the greater good, together with like-minded people in the community,” Marion said.