Celebrating the people who bring our Centres to life

Meet the incredible clients who make the magic in our Centres.

Our Activity Centres are home to extraordinary people, each with their own stories, talents and personalities. We love celebrating the wonderful individuals who bring our community to life each day by sharing more of the moments, memories and passions that make each person unique.

From heartwarming childhood tales to creative hobbies and friendly competition, these stories remind us why our Centres feel like a family. We hope you enjoy getting to know our clients as much as we love celebrating them.

Sylvia - Finds joy in creativity

Syliva has absolutely fallen in love with her days at our Activity Centre, thanks to her newfound love of decoupaging. What started as a simple craft has grown into a creative passion she now shares with her great‑granddaughter, who is a wonderful helper carefully peeling the layers off serviettes beside Sylvia.

Over the Christmas break, Sylvia spent quiet time perfecting her technique, creating a whole collection of decorated jars she proudly brought in to show everyone. "Swapping iPad scrolling for creativity has been wonderful for my mind," Sylvia says. With so many new project ideas already forming, we can’t wait to see what Sylvia makes next.

Arne - Competitive Swedish spirit

Arne grew up in Sweden and hearing his native language again has brought him real joy. A recent favourite moment was when Paige sat with him and used new technology to chat in Swedish, complete with a few pronunciation mishaps that had them both laughing. “She’s trying her best!” Arne said with a grin.

He’s also known for his love of physical games at the Centre. Whether it’s putt‑putt golf or a heated round of Balloon Tennis, Arne is always “playing to win". It’s the mix of friendly competition, shared laughter and small moments, like a mispronounced Swedish word, that Arne says make the Centre such a special place for him.

Jane - A life of adventure

Born in England and raised in Perth, Jane’s adventurous spirit led her to a career as an Air Hostess with Trans Australia Airlines (TAA), flying across the country during what she fondly remembers as “a wonderful era of travel”.

At the Centre, Jane’s known for her sharp mind and love of trivia, and she’s something of a legend when it comes to tongue twisters. Ask Jane to say 'Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers' and she’ll deliver it flawlessly. Living alone, Jane admits she sometimes “gets over her own company,” which makes her time at the Centre, including the bus ride, the activities and especially the people, the highlight of her week.

Michael - A lifelong love of the water

If there was a seaside nearby, young Michael was in it. Especially at Brighton Beach in England. Michael taught himself to swim with a little “encouragement” from his mates, while his Dad stayed dry on the shore, happily fishing.

That love of the water followed him into the English Army, where he became Swim Captain while stationed in Germany. He taught diving, maintained the pool and swam with the team, collecting memories of both peaceful laps and “absolutely freezing” water. Looking back, Michael says he “wouldn’t change a thing”.

Audrey - Travel, family and new friendships

Originally from Beaufort near Ballarat, Audrey was 16 when she began working as a secretary at a sawmill. Audrey became a mum at 24. She and her husband were true adventurers, travelling all over Australia with Darwin and Adelaide topping her list of favourites. They joined an angling club, spending countless days camping and fishing along the Murray River. When Audrey wasn’t fishing, she was cheering on Collingwood: “I’m a massive fan!”

After moving closer to family three and a half years ago, Audrey joined the Centre looking for company. She says she found so much more. “It’s been brilliant,” Audrey says. With trivia, craft, chats and new friendships, her Centre days have become the highlight of her week.

Joan - Creativity, laughter and community

Joan may have been born in Victoria, but after moving to the Central Coast more than 50 years ago, she’s proudly a NSW local. Joan spent three years working as a machinist before raising her son, and today she finds joy in arts and crafts, especially diamond art which involves placing tiny rhinestones (or diamonds) onto a coded adhesive canvas with the aid of a pen. Most of all, Joan enjoys the company of friends at the Activity Centre.

She loves the focus and patience diamond art requires, and Joan's recently completed hummingbird piece, now framed and hanging at the Centre, makes her smile every time she sees it. But she says it’s the laughter and connection with “the girls” that keeps her coming back.

Jay - A life at sea and on the road

Jay’s life has been an adventure from the very beginning. Born in Perth, he spent part of his childhood in India, where his father worked as an engineer. Jay returned to Australia during the Second World War aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth to attend boarding school at Wesley College. Quite the journey for a young boy.

Though Jay tried accountancy, the outdoors always called to him. Jay bought a Bedford bus and founded Pittwater Bus Lines, running services from Avalon to Palm Beach and even operating a ferry across the Swan River for schoolchildren. But his greatest love was the ocean. He built boats, sailed Sydney Harbour and, at just 20, braved 70‑foot seas on a voyage to New Zealand - a story that made the Sydney Morning Herald.

Betty - On stage and in the spotlight

Betty’s life has always been about movement, music and magic. She began dancing at four and left school at 14 to pursue ballet and musical theatre full‑time. By 17, she was touring Australia and New Zealand with The Great Levante’s show as a solo dancer and as the magician’s assistant, famous for her disappearing act.

Naturally flexible, she later transitioned into contortionism, performing with Adinie and appearing in Bobby Limb’s stage show. She even earned a coveted spot at Sydney’s famous Tivoli Theatre. The stage gave her adventure, purpose and love - it’s where she met her husband, who was a child‑prodigy pianist. Together, they raised two children while she continued performing. “I wouldn’t trade those days in the spotlight for anything,” Betty says.

These stories are just a glimpse into the remarkable lives, memories and personalities that fill our Activity Centres each week. Every conversation, every laugh and every shared moment reminds us how lucky we are to be part of such a vibrant, caring and friendly community. 

Thank you to our clients for sharing their memories, their humour and their hearts with us. We’re honoured to be a part of their stories.