Forest Grove Retirement Living in Brisbane's South-West has celebrated its 40th anniversary in style, with a sold-out black-tie gala and resident art exhibition. The vibrant event was the final chapter in a trilogy of celebrations honouring the village's rich history and community spirit.
Curated by resident and artist Trevor Webb, the exhibition showcased over 100 pieces of artwork created by residents at the community from watercolours and acrylics to sculpture and photography.
Trevor, a former chef who moved to Forest Grove in 2018, began painting after retirement alongside his wife. "I needed something to do," he said. "She was learning acrylics and oils, so I joined in."
"We tried something special for the exhibition, creating a theatre space with a continuous showreel of photos from the village's early days to celebrate the community’s 40-year history. We're lucky to have the auditorium here; it's a great space," Trevor said.
The Friday evening gala was a highly anticipated event, with tickets selling out well in advance. Saturday's open day welcomed families and visitors to admire and purchase artwork. Among the guests celebrating the milestone were Margie Nightingale, MP for Inala, and Councillor Steve Griffiths, representing Moorooka Ward.
Teresa Hauff, a long-time resident and key organiser, played a central role in bringing the anniversary events to life. "Planning began late last year, and we launched our history book written and produced by Forest Grove resident, historian and author Vicki Mynott, ‘Retirement Living in Durack 1985 – 2025’ in mid-July,” Teresa said. “We celebrated with a free afternoon tea and book signing, and the first print sold out.”
“This was followed at the end of July by a soirée planned and curated by resident Noelyn Manuel and her team and featured resident waiters in gold waistcoats, exquisite finger food created by our own chefs, a ceremonial cake cutting, music and dancing.”
“The Art Exhibition was the final piece, in a combined effort by many people, and it's been great to see it all come together.”
Teresa moved to Forest Grove in 2016 with her husband, whose health needs prompted the move. "He passed in 2019, but this place has been very special for me," she shared. "I was looking for a community and I've found it here."
Teresa enjoys community events with the Residents Club and says it takes teamwork to produce these kinds of events, with many people quietly contributing in various ways. "Being part of a community means getting involved and getting you out and about, it's a reason to get up in the morning."
Chelsea Challenor, Community Manager at Forest Grove, praised the residents and the collaborative spirit behind the celebrations. "It's been incredible to see the energy and passion that residents have poured into these events to celebrate the community. The Forest Grove team has been proud to support the Residents Club every step of the way - it's been a joy to watch."
The 40th anniversary celebrations, driven by residents at Forest Grove, are an excellent example of a community thriving in retirement. By discovering new artistic passions or continuing to contribute to the community, Trevor, Teresa, and the residents of Forest Grove demonstrate that purpose, creativity, and connection are essential and cherished aspects of life.
To learn more about Forest Grove Retirement Living, click the link below.
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