Resident at Leabrook Lodge receives AM

Congratulations to Joan Stone, resident at Aveo Leabrook Lodge in Rostrevor, who has been recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen's Birthday Honours list in 2020. 

A much-loved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, the 92-year-old has been a respected, influential and principled advocate for older Australians for more than 30 years. 

She is recognised as an authority on retirement villages, having contributed to legislative reform, as well as being a fierce defender of the rights of retirement village residents. She has served on numerous boards in various capacities, including the Aged Rights Advocacy Service, the SA Retirement Villages Residents Association and the Policy Council of the Council on the Ageing South Australia. 

Joan is also one of Aveo Leabrook Lodge's original residents, having first moved to the community in 1991 during the first stage of development. She was  one of the founding members of the community's original residents' commitee, where she advocated in the interest of residents.

When asked about how she enjoys life in the community, Joan says it is important to enjoy activities both inside and outside the community.

"I have always enjoyed living in the community by balancing my activities outside as well as in the community. Social life in the community is mixed, and I think it is most important not to depend on internal activities entirely."

"For anyone looking to live a happy and fulfilling life, keep busy in the way that suits your physical and mental abilities."

Click below to learn more about Joan's community, Aveo Leabrook Lodge.