Mary embraces new beginning at Currie Park

Mary Wallace is starting over at Currie Park OCAV’s village in Euroa. Her move to the village this year followed a few tough years that Mary doesn’t want to dwell on. She’s more interested in the future and what the next phase of her life at Currie Park has to offer. And so far so good.

Mary, 77, moved into a unit that had recently undergone a bathroom and kitchen renovation and she is thrilled, especially with the new stove.

“I love cooking but I haven’t done any baking for a few years now. I love the new kitchen,” Mary said.

Mary is no stranger to the area or the beauty of the nearby Strathbogie Ranges. She spent decades living in Tatong, about 160km from Euroa and then in Benalla for eight years, before moving to Seaford to care for her ill partner for several years.

She often visited Euroa but didn’t know about OCAV until she found it mentioned in the local paper and cut it out, thinking she might need to call the number one day.

That day came earlier this year and Mary is grateful for the way her application was handled so quickly allowing her to move into her unit in April. She’s still settling in, but is amazed at how welcoming and inclusive many of her village neighbours have been.

“It’s easy to be part of activities and there’s lots happening, but people are also happy to let you be on your own if that’s what you want,” Mary said. “It’s a lovely community.”

“When I arrived my unit had been renovated. I love getting into the garden. People have invited me to things and I have been to the Sunday afternoon DVD event,” Mary said.

“Coming here was a good move. I wanted to be independent in a place that was small and quiet and I am lucky I found Currie Park. I am starting another phase of my life. But it does take a while to settle in and find your feet.”

“The important thing for others to discover is that Currie Park is a place of peace, created by caring people who live and work here, plus the therapeutic outlook from each unit.”