Villa Maria's Residential Services team organised a hugely successful Progressive Spring Festival last year and decided to do it again in 2009. The aim of the festival is to promote community connection between residents, their families and staff, while creating opportunities for enjoyable activities and friendships to develop.

The festival happened over four days in October with each aged care residence holding a themed function and inviting people from other Villa Maria residences and programs to attend.

Villa O’Neill started off the festivities with ‘All things new’ featuring an animal petting zoo in the courtyard with pigs, chickens, calves, lambs, rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks and goats.

One family member told staff: “I didn’t realise that animals could have such an impact on the happiness of my Dad.”

Staff and volunteers dressed up as ‘feel good fairies’ and offered visitors hand and foot massages, floral foot baths, skin polishes and scalp massages in the calming environment of the Sensory Room.

Next it was off to Villa Maria Berwick with ‘The Circle of Life’ featuring Mandalas – age-old circular designs and symbols that promote reflection and enhance emotional wellbeing. Everyone received a different Mandala design that they personalised using their favourite colours. Staff laminated these vivid pictures so residents could take them home.

The residence featured bright flower and butterfly decorations made by the residents as part of their activities. The residents wore flowers in their hair and gave colourful necklaces as gifts to visitors from other residences. Volunteers cooked a BBQ lunch for everyone.

Marjorie, a Villa Berwick resident said: “I had a lovely time meeting some of the people from the other residences.”

Villa Maria Wantirna had a ‘Mind, Body, Spirit’ theme for their special day. As Wantirna had celebrated 30 years in 2009, with new developments and transitions to come, it featured a four metre interactive wall mural depicting the 30 year history. Residents and visitors received drawing material stickers and cut-outs, designed by Wantirna residents, so they could add their creative input to the mural.

Residents made the colourful streamers and flower cut-outs that decorated the walls while staff dressed up as clowns to add to the fun. Entertainment in the form of Laughter Yoga, a saxophonist, a guitar duo and a belly dancer were a big hit with the large crowd.

Villa Maria Bundoora took its inspiration from the premier event of the Spring Racing Carnival for their ‘Melbourne Cup without the horses’ function.

Julianne Cooper, Lifestyle Coordinator says: We had everything you would have at the Melbourne Cup – lots of food and drinks, a fashion parade and prize for the best dressed, entertainment and lots happening all day.”

“Our residents spent all morning getting ready. Actually, many had even gone on a shopping outing beforehand to buy clothes and things for their outfits.”

Says John, a Bundoora resident: “The Ladies Craft Group prepared for this day for weeks! They made hats for the fashion parade that they wore with pride. There was a lot of fun all around.”

John played his electric keyboard, inspiring some in the audience to get up and dance. Parade College students formed a band and played music, in between serving champagne (non-alcoholic) and other refreshments.

Last but not least, the Bundoora residents and visitors participated in the Fashion Parade and Rita, a Wantirna resident, took out the coveted fashion prize.