Festive trimmings combined with an Aussie-inspired menu made for a wonderful mid-winter Christmas in icy Tasmania recently. 

Residents at the 33 one- and two-bedroom units at Uniting AgeWell Wesley Court gathered in the beautifully decorated community hall at the Launceston site to enjoy a tradition beloved by those living in the southern hemisphere. 

One of the residents, Ian O’ Sullivan, dressed up as a summery Santa, was among those who thoroughly enjoyed all the banter and laughter as glasses of mulled wine were raised to toast the festive Christmas in July lunch. 

Wallaby Kofta skewers, slow cooked Kakadu lamb, turkey marinated in native bush spices, pavlovas and cheesecake were some of the items on the menu.  Entertainment was provided by a choir from Optimal Support Services who sang a medley of Christmas carols. 

Residents paid tribute to Retirement Living Community Manager Jane Legard, dressed as a character from the wild west complete with cowboy hat and inflatable horse, who they describe as the beating heart of the community.  Jane organised the lunch, as she does so many other events.  

“She’s a real treasure,” says retired Launceston Examiner printer Ian, who moved into his unit after being worried about falling in his double-storey Newnham family home.  

The retirement village is next door to Uniting AgeWell Newnham Community Kings Meadows providing a continuum of care should residents need extra care. Amenities on the site include manicured gardens and a vegetable garden with raised beds where you can plant seasonal produce all year round. 

Ian also loves all the friendship and camaraderie at the retirement village, especially the BBQ and pizza shared gatherings. “I also enjoy Happy Hour on Friday which often starts at 3pm” he laughs. 

Jane loves being hands-on in supporting residents in a slew of retirement villages in northern Tasmania. 

“Retirement living is really the best of both worlds,” Jane says.  “You get the support of living in a retirement village where the gardening and maintenance is done for you, and it is safe and secure.  There’s also the camaraderie of spending time with residents at a similar stage of their lives. It’s a win-win situation.”