By Taylah Eastwell
The Old Colonists Association of Victoria has come a long way since it was founded to provide housing and care for fallen pioneers, with the association celebrating its 150th birthday next month.
In 1869, almost two hectares of North Fitzroy land were acquired to allow colonists in need a place to live together but separate, with independent cottages adjoined only by connecting gardens and no separating fences in sight.
Now with villages in four locations, including Braeside Park in Berwick, the association provides the elderly with a holistic aged care experience, offering both independent and assisted living before aged care in later years.
In an afternoon of good old fashioned fun on October 12, the association’s Braeside Park village are celebrating the milestone with music, history, dancing and an afternoon tea of scones.
“We have put together a free family friendly afternoon with something for everyone. For us residents, the celebration is about showing the world that older people enjoy having fun and a good party,” Residents Committee Coordinator Mary Tasker said.
The afternoon festivities, which are kicking off at 1pm, will include the burial of a time capsule to be discovered by future residents. The capsule will include a Myki card, the list of the first homes to be attached to the town’s gas supply, photographs and a list of current residents, a $2 coin, a resident’s letter to future residents, and a few other mystery objects.
Jazz and swing bands will promise to have toes tapping before a history exhibition takes place.
“History is important to us. OCAV was founded 150 years ago by George Coppin, one of Victoria’s first colonists. He, together with other wealthy founding families, set up the Association to provide houses and care for other less well-off colonists, and they have been doing it ever since,” Mary said.
77 year-old resident Dorothy Clayton is looking forward to the day and sharing her Braeside life with others.
“It’s a lovely place to live and there are lovely people living around me. It’s the sort of place where you can live your own life, but still know that you are surrounded by supportive people and there is always someone to help you when you need it,” Dorothy said.
Visitors will be able to take tours of independent and assisted living villages and are also invited to take home a ‘souvenir’ of the village’s gardens thanks to the efforts of local gardener Kristy Smyth.
