26 Jan, 2026
Green Hills Residential Care Service marked a joyful milestone this week as we celebrated our 2nd Birthday, made even more special as it coincided with our Australia Day festivities.
Gathered in the Backyard, under warm summer skies, Wendy, our Meaningful Engagement Lead, opened the event with a heartfelt Acknowledgment of Country, followed by the singing of our National Anthem. Her words set a beautiful tone for a day centred on connection, memory, and community.
Shannon, Manager of Residential Services, then shared reflections on the powerful sense of connection our new home has fostered over these two years. He reminded us that anniversaries are a time to pause, an opportunity to consider where we began and how far we’ve come. Residents were delighted with stories he told from his own Australian childhood, painting pictures of summers past, local traditions, and the unique spirit of the Aussie way of life. His message invited everyone to think about what Australia means to them personally.
A particularly moving moment followed when Joy Hungerford, our longest residing resident, joined Shannon to unveil a beautifully restored and reframed painting of The Lodge from 1984. As the cloth fell away, the Backyard filled with nostalgia. Residents who once lived in The Lodge reminisced happily with many recalling familiar corridors, old friends, and even the exact rooms they called home. The painting became more than artwork; it became a bridge between past and present.
Chaplain Jeni, then offered a stirring reflection on what truly makes a home. She reminded us that while buildings shelter us, it is our relationships, our shared stories, care, and companionship that create belonging. This is what Green Hills strives to be.
Then came a sweet highlight of the day: Merle stepped forward to cut our 2nd Birthday cake, with many cheers, cameras, and big smiles. It was a simple but special moment that symbolised just how much our community has grown together.
To close the festivities, Wendy lightened the atmosphere with some classic Aussie jokes and trivia, sparking laughter and friendly competition throughout the Backyard. Morning tea followed, complete with Aussie favourite tunes and classic treats, bringing everyone together in a cheerful celebration.
The whole day was a genuine reminder of the community we’ve built, the journeys we honour, and the relationships that continue to make Green Hills Residential Care a true home.