Residents from Ingenia Gardens Taree wanted to go the extra mile during the pandemic to make sure their neighbours and interstate peers were okay during this difficult time.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Australia has one of the highest rates of depression amongst older people in the world, with one in 10 Australians over the age of 55 living with depression, with this risk on the rise as people continue to isolate.
Maddie Simmonds, president of the Ingenia Gardens Taree social club rallied together with other Taree residents to reach out to the Victorian communities and remind them that they were being thought of, by sending a letter on behalf of the community.
"It's just a small gesture, but I know it means a lot to everyone on both sides," Ms Simmonds said.
"We wanted to check in on those in Victoria because we know the second wave of COVID-19 has been so tough, but we're all in this together.
We wanted to check in on those in Victoria because we know the second wave of COVID-19 has been so tough, but we're all in this together.
- Maddie Simmonds
"They're part of our extended Ingenia family and we want them to know that if they need someone, even just to write to or contact, we at Taree are here for them and we care about them."
Ingenia Gardens Geelong resident Evelyn Barden said after another chilly Victorian winter and increased social isolation restrictions, it was heartening to receive a letter from another Ingenia Gardens community.
"It was quite surprising and lovely to receive the letter and it's just nice to know that other communities are thinking of us - especially when Victoria has been suffering more than other states," Mrs Barden said.
"It does make you feel more connected and a lot of people have found these restrictions really distressing; for me, this just gave me something to smile about.
