For Toowoomba gardener Harley Brady, a part-time role at Retire Australia’s Drayton Villas Retirement Village, came with an unexpected perk: being able to spend more time with his grandfather, Brian Brady, who lives in the village.
What started as a job tending the gardens has become a unique opportunity to strengthen their family bond.
“It’s pretty cool,” Harley says. “I get to see him more often, and we catch up at village events. Sometimes I finish work and go straight to his place for a visit — it’s great to see what he gets up to.”
Harley joined the Drayton team in July 2024 after a phone call from his grandfather. “He heard the previous gardener was leaving and asked if I’d be interested,” Harley recalls. “I said yes, and he got in touch with Michael, the Village Manager. That’s how it all started.”
Brian had already been singing Harley’s praises to the team. “When I started, they pretty much knew everything about me,” Harley laughs. “My grandfather was happy his hard work paid off.”
A gardener by trade, Harley runs his own business and works part-time at Drayton. “It’s the best workplace I’ve been at. Everyone was lovely from the start — it’s family-oriented and people really look out for each other,” he says.
He also finds joy in small moments. “Residents are always thankful, even for simple tasks. What’s simple for us can be a big thing for them.”
And knowing he’s helping care for the place his grandfather calls home makes the work even more rewarding. “It’s nice to know I’m making things better for a family member, on top of my regular duties.”
Working at Drayton has also deepened Harley and Brian’s relationship. “I get to spend more time with him than I used to. Sometimes I visit him at happy hour – it’s great to be involved in that!” Harley says.
Brian, who has lived at Drayton Villas for several years, describes the experience as rewarding. “It’s lovely to see him around the place and know he’s helping to keep the gardens looking so good,” he says.