General News
30 March, 2025
New shade for village residents
The Ararat Retirement Village Ladies Auxiliary has successfully completed its latest project, installing new blinds on the south-side seating area of Gorrinn Village.
The Ararat Retirement Village Ladies Auxiliary has successfully completed its latest project, installing new blinds on the south-side seating area of Gorrinn Village.
The four blinds, installed by Carey Covers, have transformed what was once an underused outdoor space into a sheltered alcove where residents can enjoy the sun and fresh air without the biting wind.
Ararat Retirement Village Ladies Auxiliary President Helen Boling said all funds raised by the group go back into practical purchases to benefit residents.
“With most of the money we raised, we asked what they wanted, and they want some blinds, so this is what we’ve done.”
“It (the area) will be nicer now that they can sit out and not have the wind coming off. It’s a nice sunny spot, but the wind made it very cold for them, so this will be lovely.”
The funds for the project were raised through the open garden’s day hosted last November.
“We already have our gardens lined up for this year,” Ms Boling said.
“One of this year’s gardens was even inspired by those featured last year. It’s a gorgeous little garden,” she added.
Gorrinn Village Finance Manager Barb Jardine praised the auxiliary’s contribution.
“They are an asset, they always have been. I’ve been here 26 years, and we wouldn’t have a lot of the bells and whistles without the ladies. We are very grateful.”
Ms Jardine emphasised how the new space will benefit residents.
“They haven’t been able to sit out here, it’s been very hard to get them outside even on the nicest of days.”
With the new blinds in place, the area will now serve as an inviting space for a variety of activities.
“Now the leisure and lifestyle girls will be able to run newspaper reading, crafts, and book sessions out here. It’s ideal,” Ms Jardine said.
She also noted that the space will be a welcoming retreat for families.
“When family members come to visit mum or dad, they can come out here and sit in a private little area.”
Ararat Retirement Village Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting another Open Garden Day on November 2nd with local gardens yet to be announced.