Leith Park and Liscombe House plans an action-packed afternoon for Happy 150 celebrations

An afternoon of music, food, and plenty of exercise is on the cards for Sunday 20 October at Leith Park retirement village in St Helena to mark the Old Colonists’ Association of Victoria’s 150th anniversary.

“There is something for everyone to have a go at, from turning their hand at a potter’s wheel through to having a go at our wonderful seniors’ exercise park, or finding out more about what goes on in a Men’s Shed,” Karen Ernest, Leith Park’s residents’ coordinator said.

“For residents and staff alike, the 150th celebration afternoon is about showing off our wonderful village and inviting people to learn more about our extraordinary history and what actually happens in happy, fun retirement community,” she added.

The celebrations include a history exhibition, a garden trail, face painting for children, as well as a traditional afternoon tea with scones and all the trimmings and a BBQ.

The history exhibition – Beyond the Gate – will tell the story of how and why the Old Colonists’ Association of Victoria was founded 150 years ago by George Coppin, one of Victoria’s first colonists.

“He, together with other wealthy founding families, set up the Association to provide houses and care for other less well-off colonists, and they have been doing it ever since,” Karen said.

“It is a remarkable story, and the Association is needed now more than ever because of the dire need for safe, affordable housing for older people in Victoria,” she added.

“We are thrilled that local schools are involved in the celebrations, with St Helena Secondary College, Loyola, Eltham Secondary College, and Parade providing ‘pop up’ musical entertainment throughout the village,” Karen said.

A drawcard is the invitation to try out the recently opened Seniors’ Exercise Park – a playground especially tailored for older people.

“It is one of three in Victoria, and the first to be included in a retirement village. Residents will also be on hand to demonstrate simple strength and balance exercises that can easily be done at home, Karen said.

The Leith Park celebration is free but bookings are essential for the house tours.

The celebration is on:

Sunday 20 October
1pm – 3.30pm
Leith Park, 339 St Helena Road, St Helena

Entrance is free.

Parking during the afternoon will be at St Helena’s Secondary College with two buses picking up and dropping visitors back.

More information on https://aboundcommunities.org.au/news-events/leith-park-liscombe-house-events/