John Hood, Doug Curran, Helen Dalton, Tom Gannon, Peter Flanagan and Jane Monk at a celebration of the estate this week. Photo: Ginette Guidolin Photography.
Griffith Retirement Estate has celebrated its completion after steadily expanding since it first opened its doors in 2004.
Originally named Trowella, the village provides accommodation for elderly people who aren’t ready for an aged-care home but want to live in a community set-up that offers support, facilities and interaction with other.
“You come to a place like this to live again,” said the estate’s first residents, Keith and Margaret Bryce, who moved in 21 years ago.
“People really blossom when they come here. I’d recommend it to everyone. Just don’t wait until it’s too late. We came soon after we retired so we could enjoy it and all the activities available.”
The estate is owned and operated by family-owned Australian business Gannon Lifestyle Communities, which runs similar establishments in South Australia and Tamworth.
GRE resident and Griffith’s longest-serving waitress, Maria Bianchini, with outgoing centre manager Lyn Mason. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Griffith’s longest-serving waitress, Maria Bianchini, who has worked non-stop for 45 years at various cafes across town, said she wouldn’t trade in her retirement villa for anything.
“What I love is the sense of community here, it’s special,” she said.
The Griffith estate is home to 243 residents and includes 161 independent living units (ILUs) and 30 assisted living apartments (ALAs), as well as a bar, dining area, gym, pool, lawn bowling green and gardens.
Those in the ALAs have their meals prepared for them every day, served in a dining room in which family guests and ILU residents can come to join for a fee when they wish.
The newly completed retirement estate was celebrated by local dignitaries including Murray MP Helen Dalton and Griffith Mayor Doug Curran this week.
Mrs Dalton said in her speech that communities such as Griffith Retirement Estate played a pivotal role in addressing Australia’s housing crisis.
Councillors Jenny Ellis, Tony O’Grady, Scott Groat, Anne Napoli, Christine Stead and Mark Dal Bon also attended the event.
“I really love this concept of having all these units and a communal space,” Cr Dal Bon said.
“This could be something that could be applied for young people, too — to give them affordable housing and a stepping stone to something else, especially with houses so expensive these days. I’m going to talk to a builder about this idea.”
A big crowd celebrated the estate’s milestone: Photo: Ginette Guidolin Photography.
Gannon Lifestyle Communities CEO Jane Monk said her company’s mission was to build communities.
“At Griffith Retirement Estate, we’ve created a space where friendships form, where people feel valued, and where residents thrive. It’s a place where people can live with dignity, security, and, above all, a sense of belonging.”
Chairman of the residents’ committee and Ted Danson-style bar manager Peter Flanagan ended the formal proceedings in style.
“I think because time is getting away, I’ll stop now. Let’s all go to the bar,” he said.
The guests and dignitaries then enjoyed drinks supplied by winery owner Bill Calabria.
More than 250,000 Australians now live in similar-style age-friendly communities.
The Retirement Living Council’s recent Better Housing for Better Health report highlights retirement communities’ positive impacts on residents’ health.
Key findings include:
- Residents in retirement communities are 20 per cent less likely to require hospitalisation after just nine months of living in an estate.
- Retirement communities can reduce Australia’s housing shortage by 18 per cent.
- Residents in these communities are 15 per cent more physically active, 41 per cent happier and five times more socially active than their counterparts in traditional housing.
More information on the Griffith Retirement Estate can be found on its website.
