Family fun a highlight of Braeside Park’s festivities

Families across Casey celebrated an afternoon of music, dancing and history as they marked the Old Colonists’Association of Victoria’s 150th anniversary at Braeside Park.

Around 150 visitors basked in glorious sunshine on Saturday 13 October, enjoying the sounds of six piece jazz band The Astor Swing Band, sitting down to a traditional afternoon tea of scones and jam, or buying up large on home made jams and marmalades made by Marie, one of Braeside Park’s residents.

The 150th celebrations were formally launched by Mayor Amanda Stapledon who afterwards explored the village with OCAV’s CEO Phillip Wohlers and President Kevin Neville.

Cr Stapledon applauded the organisation for its tireless work in housing and supporting older Victorians, many of whom had experienced homelessness before coming into Braeside Park.

“Everyone needs a home, which is much more than a roof over one’s head. A home is about a sense of community, of being able to close the door and yet know there is support when you need it,” she said.

She told guests that what stood out for her at Braeside Park were the historic links between the village and the City of Casey.

“For a start, Lord Casey, after whom the City of Casey was named was patron of the project to build Braeside Park,” she said. “But the Casey connection was made long before the village or even the City were thought of: the link began through his wife, Lady Maie Casey who was elected Life Governor of the Association in 1926.”

Cr Stapledon also highlighted the link with former Berwick Mayor Cyril Molyneux who guided many new projects in Casey including Wilson Botanic Park and the Old Cheese Factory.

“He too became a Life Governor of the Old Colonists’ Association of Victoria in 1981,” she said.

She and other guests spent time engrossed in Beyond the Gate, an exhibition which gave a snapshot of the history of the Association’s founding years and Braeside Park, before moving onto explore the village’s gardens and going on a house tour through two homes – Lorraine Foster’s independent unit and Mona Burke-Kennedy’s assisted living apartment – and onto the edible garden which is cared for by resident May Hedin.

Daniel, who came from Reservoir specifically to see the assisted living apartments, said he loved the layout of the village, and how easy it was to get around.

“It has been a treat to be a part of the celebrations and to see retirement living at its best,” he said.