Embracing Life at The Range
With the resort-style Clubhouse buzzing, and new residents being welcomed each month, live-in manager Leigh Brown and residents Marilyn Reid and Ted Turnbull talk about their journey to, and life at, The Range Retirement Village in Moe.
Leigh hasn’t followed a traditional path to become The Range’s Village Manager - he is a Gippsland boy, born and bred in Heyfield, who enjoyed a 12 year AFL football career before making a successful transition into coaching at various clubs and levels across Victoria. Leigh’s involvement in the retirement village industry began with voluntary work at a retirement home weekly for two years during his time at North Melbourne. Leigh describes with pride running a ‘men’s club’ where a group would get together over some gentle sports - “they weren’t flying around the room, it was just that the guys didn’t get together very often so it was their opportunity….and for some of them it was just about socialising and spending time together”.
At the Range, Leigh utilises skills honed by coaching - organisation, and building relationships and environments, to bring the best out of people. He says “residents enjoy routine and structure which are very strong in the sporting environment…. In the Village we are organising events, functions and building relationships and an environment that allows residents to enjoy the lifestyle and all that the Village has to offer”. Marilyn Reid beams when talking about the new Clubhouse and the opportunities it will bring for the residents and the Village. Marilyn downsized from a large house on acreage five years ago, and loves the lifestyle at the Village – she swims each morning and participates in The Range’s regular social events when at home; but also chooses to lock up her Villa and travel outside Victoria a number of times a year. She does not miss the responsibility of a large house and garden!
Ted Turnbull downsized recently, and actively chose retirement village life for its social benefits, security and being around like-minded people. Whilst Ted enjoys the social-side of Village life, he hastens to add that he sometimes visits the Clubhouse to sit quietly and read a book! Ted recommends that those in a similar situation consider making the move to Village life earlier, lamenting that his late-wife “would have been in her happiest place and we just never even considered it”.
Leigh tells us that The Range has welcomed many new residents recently, as new and refurbished villas have been eagerly snapped-up by retirees keen to join the community. Leigh, Marilyn and Ted are excited about the opportunities that are now possible for the residents. Whether it be a game of indoor bowls, billiards or a swim in the pool to keep you active or morning tea or a movie to relax, the new Clubhouse has them buzzing.