4 Nov, 2026
More than 50 clients, family members, staff, volunteers and community partners gathered under clear blue skies recently to celebrate a remarkable milestone: 25 years of Magnolia Cottage, Fresh Hope Communities’ day respite and social support service in North Nowra.
What began modestly in the back of a church, almost by accident, has grown into a vital community service supporting people living with memory loss and their carers. Today, Magnolia Cottage provides day respite and social support in a welcoming, home-like environment where dignity, connection and belonging remain at its core.
The anniversary celebration reflected exactly what Magnolia Cottage has become over the past quarter of a century: a place where people can come to connect, participate and enjoy the company of others. Guests enjoyed delicious refreshments, while a special “25” anniversary cake, created by Clelland Lodge’s Hospitality Services Manager, Harmony Maringisanwa, served as a centrepiece for the occasion.
Games including the ever-popular “Duck Derby” brought plenty of hilarity and fun to the occasion, with Sir Quacks-A-Lot and Quackie Minogue claiming victory across two rounds. Entertainment was provided by Billy O, a familiar favourite among Magnolia Cottage clients, whose performance had guests singing along and dancing in the sunshine.
For Keira McEvoy, Respite Manager at Magnolia Cottage, the celebration was a powerful reminder of the service’s enduring impact. “Seeing Magnolia Cottage filled with clients, families, volunteers and local friends was a beautiful reminder of what this service means to our community. For 25 years, Magnolia has been a place where people feel welcomed, valued and connected, and today was a wonderful celebration of those relationships.”
Representatives from Clelland Lodge, including Residential Manager Denise Leroy and members of the residential care team, presented Magnolia Cottage with a handcrafted artwork titled “Tree of Connection”. Created using fingerprints from residents connected to Magnolia Cottage over the years, the canvas symbolises the deep roots of care, history and relationships that have grown across the service’s 25-year journey.
In presenting the gift, Denise reflected on the significance of the tree. “We loved the idea of a tree because it really represents what you’ve built here over the last quarter of a century. You have grown these deep, strong roots of care and history that keep everything grounded. And then all the branches and leaves are the people, the staff, the residents and the families who bring this place to life every day.”
The event was attended by churches of Christ NSW & ACT chaplains, representatives from Fresh Hope Communities, the local Primary Health Network, current and former clients, family members, volunteers and friends of the service.
As celebrations drew to a close, Nick Jones, General Manager Residential Services at Fresh Hope Communities, joined Keira in planting a Magnolia tree outside. The tree will serve as a lasting symbol of the service’s past, present and future, and of the many lives impacted through its work.
“My heartfelt congratulations and thanks on behalf of the Board of Fresh Hope Communities, the Executive Leadership Team and the Residential Care team to Keira and all of our amazing team here at Magnolia Cottage and our wonderful volunteers. Without them, none of this could happen,” Nick shared.
The planting was a fitting conclusion, recognising 25 years of continuity of care and compassionate support for people experiencing memory loss, many of whom have found friendship, purpose and connection through Magnolia Cottage’s programs. It also highlighted the vital role community-based social support services play in helping people remain connected to their local communities and maintain their independence for longer.
As guests departed, each received a Magnolia seed-paper plant as a keepsake, a small reminder of a service whose roots run deep in North Nowra and whose impact continues to grow.
Congratulations to all who have contributed to this special place over the past 25 years and who have made Magnolia Cottage what it is today, and our gratitude to all who made this celebration possible.