(Image L-R): Forest Lakes Village social committee members Beryl Forrester, Lyn Farrell and Marlene Stevens.
Masonic Care WA Forest Lakes Village commenced construction in 2002, with the first three independent living units becoming occupied in January 2003. Today the village comprises 121 independent living units with 175 residents. The village is predominately made up of two-bedroom plus study and single carport units, with an additional toilet and shower located in the laundry.
Masonic Care WA CEO, Marie-Louise MacDonald said “the village offered residents a range of facilities, including a work shop, vegetable gardens, caravan parking, a clubhouse with library, computer facilities, media and games room, commercial kitchen, dining area, coffee nook, heated indoor pool and a gymnasium. A podiatrist, beautician and hairdresser are also regular visitors to the village.
“Forest Lakes Village benefits from a superb location, as it is within dose proximity to Thornlie Square and Forest Lakes Forum, as well as nearby Forest Lakes Medical Centre,” Ms MacDonald said.
“If you don’t feel like cooking or doing the dishes, local restaurants and takeaways are a short stroll from the village or a quick drive away. Fiona Stanley Hospital is approximately 12km away. The village social committee works together to ensure there is a vast array of activities for residents to be engaged in.”
Forest Lakes Village Social Coordinator, Lyn Farrell said all the events were well attended and the committee received plenty of positive feedback. “We like to create an environment where there is plenty of choice in activities to attract people with different interests” she said. “We have no rules; we just have fun. All you need to do is bring your sense of humour”.
Weekly activities range from indoor bowls, fitness classes, canasta. sewing and craft, singing, scrabble, mah-jong, water aerobics and sundowners. Annual events such as Australia Day play a big part in the resident’s calendar. “This year the committee has organised a true Aussie feast of tasting plates, including burgers with chips and pavlova.” Ms Farrell said. “Regular dinners, quiz nights, outings and other events help promote a great sense of community and support for others in the village. While not all residents wish to be involved in the village activities it is always nice to know that they are available if you would like to join in.”
Masonic Care Customer Relations Manager, Kathy Steinbacher said refurbished homes within the village generally sold fast. “We have been working closely with our refurbishment team to ensure all our units are finished to the highest standard and those that have a complete renovation are meeting the expectations of current retirees with modem colours and fitouts,” she said. “These are proving extremely popular and they are not lasting long once on the market”.
