Sarah Claydon residents marked the 50-year anniversary of IRT Group with a garden party extravaganza on the lawns of the Milton facility.
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Food on the barbecue sizzled and staff were busy serving drinks while songs from yesteryear could be heard above the constant buzz of residents' conversation and laughter.
Among the residents, seated under the marquee, was the charismatic Val Williams. Val moved from Brisbane to the Sarah Claydon Retirement Village about 10 years ago after her daughter Jan Guest encouraged to "sell the house".
She took the option and lived in a self-contained villa for eight-and-a-half years. Unfortunately Val got twisted in her bed sheet and had a fall, breaking an ankle and her lower leg.
"It was of my own admission," she said.
"It doesn't stop me from doing anything now."
After her fall, Val transitioned to the aged care facility. She said she sees her daughter every second day and her granddaughter also lives nearby in Ulladulla. She has cherished the friendships and care.
"Once you go she will boss us around," her friend Joan quipped to The Times.
Aside from the celebrations, Val was looking forward to another upcoming event.
On Sunday, the Milton Ulladulla Vintage and Classic Car Club will hold its Sarah Claydon Day. It's the club's biggest community day of the year and evokes feelings of nostalgia.
"It's when they pick up us oldies and take us out," Val said.
The Sarah Claydon garden party was one of more than 50 celebrations held across NSW, ACT and Queensland to mark the anniversary.
IRT Group CEO Patrick Reid said the anniversary was a significant achievement and that it was a privilege to lead an organisation with a legacy of helping people to age well with dignity.
"It's rare that an Australian organisation celebrates its 50th anniversary confident it is still doing what it set out to do when it was founded. We are as determined today as Dr Diment and his friends were 50 years ago to provide the best possible care for older Australians delivered with compassion and respect," Mr Reid said.