13 Jun, 2025
Sonya was one of the many visitors at the Nightingale Marrickville Open Days, held in February 2024. She applied through the ballot process and while hopeful, was aware that many others were holding onto hope too. 177 applicants had registered for the ballot with only 54 micro-apartments available. When her name was drawn out, her feelings were both of joy and also immense relief.
At the time, 60-year-old Sonya was living with her ex-husband and son—an amicable but not ideal situation. “There aren’t many secure housing options for women my age, and I really feel for them,” she says. When she got the call about her new home, she rang her mum. “She just cried and said, ‘You’ve got to take it.’”
Moving into one of Nightingale Marrickville’s apartments which have been designed for simple, sustainable living, meant letting go of a lot—but she has successfully made her space her own.
Sonya who possesses a flair for interior design, found Nightingale Marrickville’s clean lines, warm and inviting colour pallet and creative use of space the perfect canvas to make it her own.
“I know it’s small, but I call it my mansion,” she laughs. “I mean, who else can say they take the elevator down to the laundry? Or have a deck with a path that leads to nowhere? So spacious!”
The Spirit of Giving
Sonya’s gratitude shines through everything she does. She’s one of many generous residents who contribute in their own way to this burgeoning community.
One way she gives back is through small, consistent acts of care—like washing the communal tea towels. But perhaps the most visible expression of her generosity is The Giving Table.
Laurie Colwin, award-winning American writer and food columnist said, “The table is a meeting place, a gathering ground, the source of sustenance and nourishment, festivity, safety, and satisfaction.”
Most of us can attest to this and have memories of gatherings with family or food that have enriched us and made us feel a sense of belonging or community. Here at Nightingale Marrickville, Sonya says something similar, “We’re not just receiving security by living here—we’re part of creating it for others.”
The idea of a Giving Table came from Sonya paying attention to what was happening around her. She found ways to rescue surplus food from stores and redistributing it to those who could benefit from this. Over the years, she’s delivered food to hospitals, elderly neighbours, and people experiencing homelessness. Now, she’s extended that care to Nightingale Marrickville.
Since moving into Nightingale Marrickville, Sonya has set up over 39 Giving Tables, reducing food waste while nourishing the community. Some residents come by for just a sprig of herbs, a potato, or a piece of fruit, while others build entire meals from what’s available. One of the very first community Soup Nights featured a cauliflower soup made entirely from Giving Table contributions—thanks to another resident, Begum.
The impact of the Giving Table goes beyond food. It has become a space for connection—a weekly space to greet and chat to neighbours.
In a busy community where people may rarely cross paths, this has been a way for them to slow down, get to know each other and be surprised by moments of meaningful connection.
It has become a beloved rhythm—a small act with a widening ripple effect.
Sonya is grateful for everyone who’s helped along the way, especially Steve, another resident, who’s always ready to lend a hand. The friendships she’s cultivated here have not only encouraged her but have also given her the confidence to take a leap of faith; she’s recently started her own charity so she can continue this good work of care, connection and community
Thank you to Sonya, and to every resident who, in their own way nourishes this community.