Catholic Healthcare’s Aquinas Court Retirement Village in Springwood, New South Wales, celebrated 25 years of service this month with a special on site blessing on the 5th of July, bringing together Catholic Healthcare managers, residents, friends and family to mark the occasion.

Julia Abrahams, Catholic Healthcare’s General Manager of Legal and Mission, and Dominic Arcamone, Catholic Healthcare’s Mission Manager, made the journey to the Blue Mountains to be in attendance.

Joining them were special guests from local parishes, and distinguished village residents- some of whom have been residing in Aquinas Court for nearly two decades. Jean Yarker, a long-time resident, will celebrate her 20th year at Aquinas Court in the coming months. 

“My experience in the village and the Blue Mountains has been amazing. Now, after 20 years here - I wouldn’t live anywhere else,” Jean says.

Fellow resident Elizabeth Lonergan, who is also Chairperson of the Retirement Committee at the village, says the community of residents are often brought together through social gatherings, mutual interest activities and frequent day-trips.

“We’re really well-cared for here,” says Elizabeth, earnestly. “It’s a peaceful community, and we’ve got a connection to the space, and each other. You just wouldn’t live anywhere else.”