SENIORS and students came together to celebrate creativity and connection at Garden Village during the NSW Seniors Festival – Live Life in Colour.
Heritage Christian School students brought youthful energy to the event as part of an intergenerational partnership.
A butterfly-inspired mural was created, supported by local artist Brad Collins.
The mural honours past residents while celebrating the connection the community shares with nature and place.
“Arts Mid North Coast connected me to Garden Village, and it’s been amazing to collaborate on an initiative that brings generations together,” said Brad.
Auxiliary President and resident Cheryl Pearson welcomed the new mural.
“It’s 20 years since Robyn Carrol painted the butterfly series that hangs in the community hall,” she said.
Activities included painting miniature Hello Koalas, photo opportunities with “Flying Fife” from the Hello Koala Sculpture Trail, adding brushstrokes to the butterfly mural, and Monet inspired Virtual Reality from SilVR Adventures.
Live music from local band Ruby Blunt kept everyone entertained during the sausage sizzle for nearly 100 residents.
Port City Bowling Club contributed significant funding to make the intergenerational program possible.
“This wonderful initiative aligns with our core values of creating stronger community bonds, bringing generations together to create connections and shared learning experiences,” said Operations Manager Katy-Lee Waldron.
The program received support from NSW Seniors Festival Grants, Port City Bowling Club and Australia Post Community Grants.
Casey Baldwin from Intergen Connect reflected on the day: “It’s wonderful to see older generations sharing their stories and wisdom with younger ones.
“Through art, activities, and storytelling, we create connections that last a lifetime.”
Garden Village, SilVR Adventures and Intergen Connect received a Future of Ageing Award in 2025 for the Virtual Voyagers Virtual Reality Program.
“Winning the award in Sydney was amazing, and we are thrilled to take this program to a new level with creative ageing at its heart, thanks to involvement from local artists and Hello Koalas,” said Joanna McNamara, Garden Village Communications and Engagement Manager.
By Pauline CAIN
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