The grand opening of the brand-new Hobby Shed at Southern Cross Care Queensland’s Caloundra Rise Retirement Village was a hit, with over 100 residents, staff, and special guests joining the celebration.
The event featured a BBQ, a ceremonial chainsaw ribbon cutting, and speeches that highlighted the importance of community and connection.
A place to connect and create
The Hobby Shed is more than just a workspace – it’s a vibrant hub where residents can come together, share hobbies, and build lasting friendships. From woodworking and painting to gardening and bird-watching, hobby clubs provide residents with a chance to bond over common interests, stay engaged, and feel a sense of purpose.
Building friendships and skills
For the Woodies club, the shed is the perfect place to work on projects and socialise. Scott Grimley, a member, emphasised the importance of staying connected. “It’s all about coming together as a community, having a chat, and enjoying a cuppa. That’s what makes this space so special,” he said.
Margi Parry, who leads the Aspects of Art group, shared how much joy it brings her to share her love for art with others. “The more you give from your heart to a community, the more you get back,” she said.
A true community effort
The grand opening was a chance to thank everyone who helped bring the Hobby Shed to life, including the team at Southern Cross Care Queensland. Chef Jules from the Caloundra Rise Bistro cooked up an impressive 16kg of sausages for the BBQ, and everyone enjoyed lively conversations and lots of laughs.
A space for creativity and fun
Retirement Village Manager, Mandy Julian, summed it up perfectly: “This shed is the perfect addition to our village, offering a place for creativity, friendship, and fun. It’s amazing what our residents have achieved together.”