Leith Park gets tick of approval from Catherine

It has been almost a year since Catherine Brown moved into her new apartment at Leith Park, and what a turning point it has been.

She has moved from a private rental property and into her own home which she says is everything she had thought and hoped it would be.

“The apartment is well appointed, I have delightful neighbours, and the community is kind, lively and interesting,” Catherine said.

She was encouraged to leave her rental home by one of her many sisters, Catherine is the youngest of ten children.

“She put me onto Leith Park because she wanted me to live in a safe and secure environment. I had a look at the website, put myself down on the waiting list, and then came to look at the village and the apartments. The rest is history.”

Catherine was among the first residents to move into stage 1 of the multi-million dollar architecturally designed apartments in Leith Park. Stage 2 is set to open in September, and offers 19 one and two-bedroomed apartments.

“The apartments are beautiful, with lovely, open and bright rooms, and a balcony for growing plants in pots. I am starting to make my apartment into a home,” she said.

For Catherine, one of the godsends has been the staff at Leith Park, and the fact that maintenance is looked after.

“Nothing has been too much trouble,” she said.

The 65-year-old says that although she lives alone, she never feels alone.

“Even in lockdown, there is always someone around to say hello to – from a safe distance, of course.”

“Leith Park is a wonderful place for single older women because of the community and the age-friendly accommodation.

“I don't think I have ever felt as safe as I have here,” she said.

Catherine describes herself as a late bloomer. She undertook a degree in Philosophical Studies/History of ideas in her 40s, and has since completed four TAFE courses. She worked in customer service for different companies where she learned a great deal about dealing with different people.

During lockdown, Catherine has walked to keep fit and to manage her pain. She has dropped 20 kilos and now feels fitter than ever.

“The hills around the village and the suburb ensure I get fit. I don't drive so I walk everywhere…to the shops, to the bus station, in and around the village.”

When she is not walking, she belongs to a knitting group which knits for charity.

“I find knitting relaxing and rewarding. In between knitting for charity I am knitting a couple of scarves for myself. I’m not an accomplished knitter but I’m learning.”

To book a tour or for general inquiries contact Karen Ernest, Residents’ Coordinator: karene@ocav.com.au