The sense of community provided in a retirement village cannot be overestimated.

RSL Lifecare’s Rowland Village, which sits on over 20ha at Galston, the semi-rural town 36km northwest of Sydney’s CBD, told Villages.com.au its events and activities that create new friendships, a sense of camaraderie and plenty of fun and laughter.

The Community Hall: Primarily used for the monthly Residents Meetings, the monthly Manager’s Morning Tea, Pilates classes, monthly Residents afternoon tea, birthday parties, indoor bowls, and Friday night BBQ. Last year due to the weather, the Christmas Carols were held in the airconditioned Community Hall.

The BBQ Area: Affectionately known as the ‘Billabong’, it is located adjacent to a nine-hole golf course. It is used for functions for the Residents particularly to commemorate ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. The Annual New Year’s Eve party and St. Patrick’s Day functions to name a few are also held at the Billabong. Residents can book the area for private functions such as birthday parties.

The Billiard Room: Specifically built for the Residents. There is a weekly competition, and residents can use the Billard Room to entertain family and friends.

Golf Course: Golf day in the Village is every Thursday at 9am and residents and friends can be seen using the course on other days. It also provides a great opportunity as a driving range.

The Dugout Café: An area for Residents to catch-up over a coffee or sandwich. Soon to be open from Monday to Friday, the café offers light meals such as sandwiches, wraps, quiches, pies, and sausage roles. A selection of cakes, muffins, tea, and coffee are also on the menu which will be expanded to include hot meals.  Currently the hot meals are provided by the kitchen staff serving the Residential Service which is co-located on site.

Car Spaces: Not all Villas and units have car spaces or garages. Most garages are located very close to the villas and units or in the case of Rowland Court (The Court) under the units in the Basement. For those Residents whose properties do not have a garage there are car spaces strategically placed around the site to allow easy access. 

Our Craft Workshop: The workshop, near the extensive veggie and flower garden, is open on a Wednesday. It encourages both men and women residents to join. Many of the tools and machinery have been donated or is on loan from the residents.

The Function Room: Holds a monthly film afternoon, is where a selection of board games is enjoyed by residents and their families and can be booked for birthday or events.

Hairdresser: A dedicated hair salon, opposite the library. The hairdresser is on site Mondays and Wednesdays and is very popular with both the men and women of the village. Popular bookings are essential.

Podiatrist: A visiting podiatrist attends the village weekly. Referrals are accepted as are Private Clients. Bookings essential.

Our Library: Has an extensive range of books of all genres. Located opposite the Hair Salon, it has easy access from the entrance of Rowland Court.

Swimming Pool and Spa: Surrounded by palms and a variety of beautiful trees, the swimming pool is very popular in the warmer months and is used daily by residents.  Weekends are full of laughter and screams and squeals from grandchildren. A lovely environment for the family.

Medical Services: A Medical Practice and Dental Surgery is located close by in Galston, Round Corner, Dural and Hornsby have several practices to choose from.

RSL LifeCare at Home: In-home care is based at Rowland Village. It services residents in the village and residents located outside the Village. Residents must have an ACAT Assessment before services can commence unless they are Private Clients, who choose to pay for their services. All packages from Level1-4 are offered.

Weekly Group Activities

Happy Hour: Held in the Community Hall at 6pm prior to the BBQ. Residents bring their own choice of beverage.

Residents Afternoon Tea: Held on the first Saturday of the month in the Community Hall. The cost is $3 with all funds raised going to a Charity.

Ladies Prayer Group: Every Monday from 2.30pm-3.30pm.

Exercise Classes:

Group Exercise Class is held in the Community Hall every Wednesday at 11am. $11 to participate.

Pilates (chair Pilates) is in the Community Hall every Friday at 11am. $10 to participate.

Bingo: Fridays at 1.30pm

Trivia: Thursdays at 1.30pm

Movie Afternoon: Last Thursday of the month.

Art and Morning Tea: Thursdays from 10am-12pm. The art class is taught by one of the residents and is at no cost to the residents participating.

Meditation Group: Fridays at 10.00am. The class is held by one of the residents and is at no cost to the residents participating.

Church Services: are held at particular times of the year. For example, they are holding a combined Churches Easter Communion with Rev Bill Rosier a Village Resident.

Social Outings: the Village is fortunate to have their own bus. Monthly outings are organised by the Social Committee. Last month, there was a lunch at Canoelands Orchard in Wiseman’s Ferry and this month, the lunch will be at The Cottage in Dural.

Village Bus, Shopping Trips: the Rowland Village bus schedule works on a three-day roster. Tuesday, they visit Cherrybrook and Round Corner Dural, Wednesdays they are off to Hornsby, Westfield Shopping Centre, and transport some Residents to doctor’s appointments close by. Friday is the last trip of the week, to Castle Hill and the local Community Centre.