Retirement Village Resident Interview: Val and Barry O'Meara at Waterford Valley Lakes

Val: "We had a big home and decided to downsize. We first bought an apartment in Port Melbourne on the third floor, which we loved, but you couldn't park the car easily and with the hotels all round you open all hours with the drunks - it was a problem. Barry was also out a lot at night with work and I was nervous. He still works but I am never nervous here."

"We came three years ago when we were 65 and 66. I was a little worried at having people at my door all the time, but it never happens. It is like when I was a kid; you walk down the street and you know everyone but they are not in your house."

"I am very independent and I have ‘ants in my pants' - I can't stand still. I am a nurse and worked in operating theatres for 19 years and was a Director of Nursing for another nine years. We also owned a motel in Benalla for a few years. I am on the Social Committee and we have events every week. Last week, we had the entertainer Brendan Scott and a spit roast meal costing $3."

"On Monday, we had a mannequin parade with 114 people attending; we often have up to 200 coming along. We also have weddings at one end of the scale and 70th and 80th birthdays with big family celebrations at the other end of the scale. Every fortnight, we have a dinner and organise a la carte caterers and have guest speakers like politicians, the police, councillors, plus ANZAC services. It's very social. I call it a ‘Meeting of the Minds.'"

Barry: "This is independent living. You come and go as you please. I still work as a building consultant, mediator and conciliator from here. I give construction advice and act as an expert witness in court cases; I like it. Others do a lot of travel, and often with people from this village. For instance, I know that today there are 36 people from here rendezvousing in Caloundra for lunch. People go away for nine to twelve weeks at a time. It is so easy and it's safe. There are no intruders."

"I am also on the Residents Management Committee; there are seven of us plus Barbara, the Village Manager. We meet once a month. There are also Sub-Committees like Finance, Maintenance, Bowls."

"There is a lot happening and you can be involved and have a say, or not. Given my background, I like to get involved in the maintenance. There is a lot of talent here - 300 people, 300 different experiences. And we like to use it. We have engineers, insurance people, builders, accountants, doctors; one fellow is ex-council. He and I straightened out Vic Roads together on the entrance to here, to make it safer."

"Happy Hour on a Friday night is great. You have all these people together and we all talk about what has been in the newspapers. Sunday is casserole night. You bring your own and then we watch a video. There is something going on morning, noon and night."

"Of the 300 people here, 100 get involved and volunteer, 100 may get involved and 100 keep to themselves. I think they miss out, but that is their business. Each to their own."

For more information on Waterford Valley Lakes please click here.

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• Retirement Village Resident Interview: Ray & Val Kennebury, Meadowvale

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