The residents of Aveo’s Derwent Waters Retirement Living, on the banks of the picturesque Derwent River at Claremont, are celebrating the grand reopening of their much-loved community centre.
The Club Rooms, the social hub at the heart of the tight-knit community, underwent a major transformation that was unveiled during celebrations held on October 1.
Community Manager Alison Bracken said the former community centre is now a modern, open space with an expansive function room that includes a bar, kitchen, lounge areas and a separate library and gym.
“Residents can’t wait to enjoy all the new features of the transformed Club Rooms with sweeping views of the Derwent River,’’ Alison said.
“The community at Derwent Waters opened in 1987 and is now a treasured home to 173 residents who came from interstate and across Tasmania for the natural beauty and incredible lifestyle offered here.
“The residents are a very social group who enjoy a busy calendar of activities and events most often hosted in the community centre. It’s a genuine community of very active residents whose lives have been enhanced.’’
Long-time resident May Backhouse, moved into Derwent Waters in 1988, and after 36 years is the longest residing resident of any Aveo community in Australia.
“I have no other family living in Tasmania so the community here at Derwent Waters is like a family to me,’’ May said.
“After so many years it really is where I consider ‘home’. I know all my neighbours and the staff have become my friends too. They are always at the end of the phone 24/7 and I have security and friendship.
“I live in a very comfortable two-bedroom villa with magnificent water views that in Sydney would cost me $5 million. I love just sitting here looking out my window as the mighty Derwent River flows past.’’
May has been looking forward to the official unveiling of the new Club Rooms where she loves to “exercise, play cards and Mahjong and gossip’’.
While May says she might be the resident with the longest individual connection to Derwent Waters, there are several others who have generational ties. “I think it’s the best recommendation when family members choose to retire where their parents had once lived,’’ she said.
The community provides 112 villas and 44 apartments with services. Facilities include a restaurant with an onsite chef, hair salon, a bowling green and community vegetable gardens. The indoor pool and its facilities also underwent a recent refurbishment.
Residents, family, staff and Aveo executives including Chief Executive Officer Tony Randello attended the official ribbon cutting and reopening celebrations at the Club Rooms.
To learn more about Derwent Waters Retirement Living, follow the link below.
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