The NSW Seniors Festival, which was held last month, celebrated the role and contributions of older adults to their local communities, with various events across the state celebrating the theme Live Life in Colour.
The centrepiece of the festivities at Garden Village, the Not For Profit operator of retirement living, aged care, home care and disability support, in Port Macquarie, on the NSW mid-North Coast, was a butterfly-inspired mural by award-winning local artist Brad Collins.
The work now graces a busy laneway between the Op Shop, Garden Villages’ Café and Men’s Shed.
The mural honours past residents while celebrating the connection the community shares with nature and place.
“Arts Mid North Coast connected me to Garden Village, and it’s been amazing to collaborate on an initiative that brings generations together through art,” said Brad, who enjoyed the opportunity to interact with residents throughout the creative process.
Auxiliary President and resident Cheryl Pearson welcomed the mural.
“The butterfly mural brings a fresh burst of creativity to the village, it’s wonderful to see this project come to life,” Cheryl said.
Activities included painting miniature Hello Koalas, photo opportunities with the iconic much loved Flying Fife from the famous Hello Koala Sculpture Trail, and adding brushstrokes to the butterfly mural and Monet-inspired Virtual Reality from SilVR Adventures. Live music from local band Ruby Blunt kept everyone entertained and dancing with a sausage sizzle for nearly 100 residents.
Port City Bowling Club contributed generous funding to make the intergenerational program possible.
“This wonderful initiative aligns with our core values of creating stronger community bonds, bringing generations together to create connections and shared learning experiences,” said Operations Manager Katy-Lee Waldron.
The program also received grant funding from the NSW Seniors Festival Grants and Australia Post Community Grants.
As part of an intergenerational partnership, students from Heritage Christian School visited the village. Casey Baldwin. from Intergen Connect, reflected on the day:
“It’s wonderful to see older generations sharing their stories and wisdom with younger ones. Through art, activities, and storytelling, we create connections that last a lifetime,” Casey said.
The event marks the latest milestone in a program that has already earned local and national recognition.
Garden Village, SilVR Adventures and Intergen Connect were honoured to receive a Future of Ageing Award in 2025 for the Virtual Voyagers Virtual Reality Program.
“Winning the award in Sydney was amazing, and we are thrilled to take this program to a new level with creative ageing elements, thanks to involvement from local artists and the Hello Koalas,” said Joanna McNamara, Garden Village Communications and Engagement Manager.