Echuca Community for the Aged residents Bernice McCluskey and Dos Hanson catch up.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
As the Echuca Community for the Aged celebrates 20 years of Cunningham Downs, one resident took time to reflect on her time as part of the retirement village.
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When Bernice McCluskey and her husband moved in to Cunningham Downs in 2008, two years after its doors officially opened, the village was just beginning to take shape.
Today, it has expanded to over 99 units while continuing to provide the same level of care and service that residents have appreciated over the years.
Mrs McCluskey enjoyed her time in the village, as it allowed her the same freedoms she had before moving into the village.
The activities the ECA hosted also kept her active while living in Cunningham Downs.
“When I lived in the independent living units it was just like living at home, you could come and go as you pleased,” she said.
“There was always having someone around and I always had something to do ... I was always busy attending the different activities that they provide for you, it really is a lovely place to live.”
During her time at Cunningham Downs, Mrs McCluskey could be found taking part in different activities or catching up with fellow residents she had made friends with over the years and in her early years, she even volunteered at the ECA nursing home.
She said that as she faced the challenges of ageing, she was well supported while living in the village.
“The staff are great, there is always someone around when you need,” she said.
Bernice McCluskey and her husband moved in to Cunningham Downs in 2008, two years after its doors officially opened.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
“[I enjoyed] having things done for me that started to become a bit difficult at home.
“It was also very handy to have the town bus service available. It’s helpful when you stop driving, you can still get into town as needed.”
After a decade at Cunningham Downs, Mrs McCluskey and her husband transitioned to the ECA nursing home in 2019.
She has since adjusted to life in the nursing home but continues to fondly remember her time in Cunningham Downs.
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