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For over three decades, sisters Clare Cavasin, 86, and Bruna Stephensen, 94, have called the village home. Two of the first residents of The Lakes Retirement Village, located in the heart of Innisfail, have shared their hopes for its future as they celebrate more than 30 years of community connection and friendship.
Overlooking the beautiful Warrina Lakes Recreational Gardens, the village has evolved from a brand-new development to a thriving and supportive community. It has been operated by Ozcare since 1 December 2023. The village was built in 1992 by the Johnstone Shire Council and operated by Warrina Innisfail from 2005.
“I was in my 50s, caring for my elderly parents, and moving into a new home was a fresh start, but we were like a family from the beginning,” said Clare, who worked as a hospital cleaner for 27 years and vividly recalls the excitement of the village’s opening.
Bruna, who relocated to the village after losing her husband, remembers transitioning from a large home to find her place in village life. “This was the first retirement village in Innisfail, and I wanted to be closer to town, and although it was a big change, it turned out to be the right move,” she said. In the early days, Clare said the residents built strong friendships, always looking out for one another. “If someone didn’t open their door, we checked on them,” she said.
Among the many friendships formed, one that stood out to her was Myra Jones, an army nurse who served in a top-secret WWII base on the Tablelands. “She had fascinating stories and was remarkable,” Clare said.
In her honour, the village raises a flag on a dedicated flagpole each day. Over the years, the village has grown and changed, but Ozcare’s Head of Retirement Living, Anna Gorgijeski, said the experiences of long-term residents like Clare and Bruna make The Lakes such a special place. “The stories of these women remind us why community matters so much,” Ms Gorgijeski said. “At Ozcare, we’re committed to ensuring The Lakes remains a safe, welcoming and well-maintained home for all residents, now and into the future.” She also highlighted the village’s ideal location, offering residents independence and peace of mind.
“The Lakes Retirement Village is in a fantastic location, with Innisfail CBD, the hospital and Ozcare Innisfail Aged Care Facility all close by,” Ms Gorgijeski said. “This ensures residents have easy access to essential services, shops and medical care while still enjoying the privacy and community feel of village life.”
The Lakes Retirement Village has always embraced a lively social atmosphere, with annual Melbourne Cup celebrations, Christmas events, and milestone birthday gatherings. Even during COVID-19, the sense of community remained strong, with residents gathering at the end of their driveways for socially distanced check-ins.
“As people age, not everyone can be as social, and we respect their privacy, but the connections remain,” Bruna said.
Their advice is simple for those considering retirement village life: “Don’t leave it too late to downsize. Many people hesitate, but there are great providers like Ozcare that help make the transition easier,” Clare said. While the village has weathered challenges, including flooding and cyclones, its residents’ resilience has remained unwavering.
“Bruna and I helped the Red Cross find accommodation for people after cyclones. We set up at the TAFE and assisted stranded backpackers,” Clare recalled. She said they hope to expand in the future to meet the growing demand. “More people are interested in moving into retirement villages, and as the population ages, we hope Ozcare will consider expanding,” Clare said.
Ms Gorgijeski said Ozcare was focused on improving high-quality independent living options for older Australians, while also ensuring the right support was in place so residents could enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle.
“The Lakes Retirement Village remains a testament to the power of community, resilience, and friendship. Clare and Bruna’s stories highlight what makes the village special – a place where you feel supported through every stage of life.”