Currie Park established in Euroa

Currie Park in Euroa was the fourth village established by the Old Colonists’ Association of Victoria in 1978 providing homes for the older citizens in Euroa. It was heralded as a model for other country towns wanting to provide similar services.

When announcing expansion plans, Bob Slater, General Manager of OCAV, said that the rapid ageing of the Australian population had led to an increase in demand for the services of the Association.

He told the Euroa Gazette: “There are many commercial retirement villages in Voctira, but ours are different.”

Designed by Leith and Bartlett Architects, the initial village was made up of 20 self-contained units which were soon occupied after being built. Each comprised a living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and laundry.

Great care was made in the design to acknowledge the interests of residents: many were eager gardeners and so each unit came with a small garden tool shed. Later, a workshop and carports were added.

The gardens were designed to weave in and out of paths between the units; fruit trees flourished; and roses were in abundance. Over time, a small ornamental lake and bridge was added.

The units were built with support from the Commonwealth Government.

According to the Euroa Gazette in 1978: “The area is maintained on a daily basis by a maintenance man- supervisor, with a senior manager from the Association visiting the village each fortnight to ensure continuous contact with the cottage resident.”

Today little has changed. There is a maintenance team and village supervisor, and regular three monthly visits from the senior management.

In recent years, many of the original cottages have had a makeover with new kitchens and bathrooms with funding through the Ian Rollo Currie Foundation.