It’s not easy selling your family home at the best of times. Add to that a move from the Gold Coast to Melbourne to start a new life where you only know a handful of people, AFL is a foreign sport, there are four seasons in a day and it’s difficult to adjust to daylight saving.
But 85-year-old Ann Bresnan did all this nine months ago to be nearer to her daughter Amanda and is thriving.
She attributes it to moving into Uniting AgeWell’s Amarco Retirement Living Apartments in Kingsville. Since then, she’s made a group of good friends, has joined the art and craft classes, plays bingo and loves happy hour and pizza night. Most afternoons Ann goes to the club room where she can catch up with other residents. It’s a perfect setting for friendship with like-minded people in similar stages of their lives.
One of the good friends she’s made is Elaine, who is in a similar situation. Both are new to Melbourne, both came to be with their only child – their daughters. Neither have grandchildren and both are widowed. Ann’s late husband, John, died in December 2023 and after 54 years’ of marriage, she is grateful to be surrounded by people who understand how she feels.
Ann also joined the social connections program through Uniting AgeWell and is thoroughly enjoying going on bus excursions to explore Melbourne.
She has a lovely view from her light, airy two-bedroomed apartment with its enclosed balcony and slowly but surely, Melbourne is working its magic on her. She’s even enjoying the icy winters and crisp autumn air which she says is a welcome relief from the humidity in Queensland.
Best of all Ann parks her car in the basement and is a ten-minute drive from Amanda and her husband, Simon who live in Newport. “I’ve seen more of my daughter in the last nine months than I have for years,” Ann says. “It’s wonderful.”
Ann reckons one sure sign she’s in the right place, is that her cat, Juno, who flew down to Melbourne with her, approves of the apartment. “Juno feels right at home,” she says.
One of the reasons Ann loves Amarco is the feeling of security and support with a concierge on duty and its connection to Uniting AgeWell Kingsville Community next door. “I may need to move into the aged care facility there one day – who knows? But it’s comforting to know there’s 24-hour care so close by.”
Over the years, Ann has grown used to change. She worked as a secretary and started off using a manual typewriter, then an electric one and finally used a computer at their family business, which she absolutely loved.
But some things are more difficult to adjust to. “I love rugby league, I’m a Brisbane Broncos supporter. I’m starting to get used to AFL though I wouldn’t say I’m a fan just yet,” she laughs. “I’ve discovered everyone needs to have a team! My daughter follows Melbourne, so they’re my team now too. But I’m surrounded by Western Bulldogs fans here in Amarco, so it should be interesting!”
Ann, who grew up in Auckland before moving to Sydney and then to the Gold Coast, absolutely loves horse racing. Her father was a jockey, so Ann is certainly in the right city to enjoy the Melbourne Cup and all the excitement that comes with it.
Discover the perfect blend of security and convenience at Amarco Retirement Living Apartments in Kingsville. Our thoughtfully designed apartments start from just $365,000 and include a private basement car space. Embrace a vibrant, worry-free lifestyle in a welcoming community tailored to your needs.
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