Community Spirit At Its Best!
Community spirit is the lifeblood of any retirement village. And at Balmoral, our thriving community in the heart of Wantirna South, that spirit has never been stronger.
Yes, the facilities are first class. With indoor swimming pool, championship bowling green, community centre, resident dining, library and croquet lawn. Yes, the villa units and apartments are second-to-none; fully refurbished for each new resident lucky enough to call the village ‘home’. Yes, residents feel secure and safe, and are supported by a fantastic staff team. And yes, the events, activities and functions on offer to residents are endless.
Even more impressive though are the efforts of a dedicated, and until recently, unheralded, group of residents at Balmoral. They are our Balmoral woodwork team. A humble, yet talented, hard-working group who have used the Balmoral Men’s Shed to make wooden therapy equipment for the Glen Waverley Cerebral Palsy centre for over 15 years.
In 2017, the Balmoral Men’s Shed volunteers were interviewed by Jo Hall from Channel 9 News. The story showcased their great volunteer work for children and families impacted by cerebral palsy. Soon after, Carol Carew wrote a lovely piece for the Studfield Wantirna newspaper, noting cheekily “The Balmoral Village Men’s Shed membership fees are a good cup of tea or coffee with the added extra that, if it is your birthday, you supply the cake!”.
The interest continued. Bruce was invited to attend Government House for an awards ceremony celebrating Victorian Volunteers who have given outstanding service and selfless contribution to health, happiness, and resilience within Victorian communities. And this year, the Balmoral Men’s Shed group received a High Commendation in the category of “Outstanding Advocate of People with Disabilities” at the Sir John Monash Awards. These awards celebrate ‘amazing volunteers who give their time to achieve remarkable things’.
The kindness, generosity and selflessness of the Balmoral woodwork team is just one example of community spirit at the village. There are many, many more. It makes for a fantastic place to live and a great community to be part of. Come and experience the Balmoral community spirit for yourself!
To see some of the fantastic woodwork items on display, drop past the Balmoral community centre any time. Our staff and residents will make you welcome.
Balmoral Men’s Shed volunteers were interviewed by Jo Hall from Channel 9 News. Click the PLAY button below to view the story.
