Alana Richards
Life at Wyndham Grange is all about community, and there is plenty on offer for residents just a step out of their villa.
Social Club president Lynn Slade works with a democratically elected committee of nine to ensure village projects are on the go, events run smoothly – and most importantly – there is plenty of socialising and fun to be had by Wyndham Grange residents.
“We have a licensed bar, run by residents all with the correct RSA qualifications, and our Happy Hours on Friday and Sunday evenings are popular,” Lynn says. “Residents can hire the bar and dining area for private functions, and even use the kitchen to get creative.
“We also have a resident-run coffee shop and the funds raised from these activities are put back into village projects for residents to enjoy.”
The recent Doggy Day event had smiles and tails wagging all round as residents enjoyed a hot dog lunch complete with puppachinos, pupcakes and bone bickies for dessert. The four-legged family members showed off their tricks and prizes were given for the biggest, smallest and cutest canines, with the ‘dog looking most like its owner’ segment generating a few giggles.
“It was a close call for the smallest dog category, but after a measure from the judges, Jack was announced the winner,” Lynn says. “It was lots of fun and we even had residents borrowing dogs from neighbours or family so they could get involved.”
Werribee Obedience Dog Club had an area set up for the guests of honour and Shelley The Pet Stylist was kept busy with pooch pampering.
Lynn says there is a collaborative approach to village projects and the committee is always keen to get everyone involved.
“We consult residents on ideas and together decide what we’re going to do next,” she says. “Our next exciting project is to create a new barbecue area for residents to enjoy.”
One of these projects was the new dance floor. A dinner dance recently made good use of this new feature and was such a hit with residents, Lynn says it’s now going to be an annual event.
“We had a live band and it was such a fabulous night, we are adding it to our calendar of events so we can do it every year.”
The calendar is a busy one, with plenty of activities each month. There’s the Simply Singing choir, a Girls’ Talk high tea, R U OK men’s group, movie nights and a range of seasonal activities and outings to join.
As well as the Clubhouse, facilities include an indoor pool, gym, bowling green, beauty salon, workshop, vegie garden, study, arts and crafts room, library, billiard and games room and there’s a village bus.
The facilities are impressive, but it’s community spirit that sits at the heart of Wyndham Grange and the past year has only highlighted this.
“It was just wonderful to see how everyone pulled together during COVID,” Lynn says. “We had socially-distanced drinks and coffee, played Celebrity Heads across driveways and marked Anzac Day with the driveway salute.
“I think we were even more social during this time because we all wanted to check on people and make sure they were doing OK.”
NOTE: There are six villas currently available with prices ranging from $390,000-$399,000. Display villas are open, so if you would like to arrange a tour, just contact the friendly team.
Wyndham Grange Village by RCA Villages, 83 Kulin Drive, Tarneit. Inquiries: 1800 123 131 or www.wyndhamgrange.com.au
