In one of the last speeches of the NSW Parliament for 2011, Member for Davidson, Jonathan O'Dea acknowledged the 25th Anniversary of the Glenaeon Retirement Village at Belrose.
He also recognised a number of the village residents and highlighted the increasing demand for similar complexes as the so-called baby boomers near retirement and Australia's population generally becomes older.
Glenaeon began in 1986 with just three units and by 1988, had expanded to 33 units. At least six of the residents from that time continue to live at Glenaeon today.
"Other residents include Floris Verzijden, who was taken prisoner of war by the Japanese in World War II; Don Menzies, who flew Spitfires and Hurricanes over England and India during the war; and Anthony Cohan, who flew bombers in 67 raids from England over Europe," Mr O'Dea told parliament.
"Another of the most notable residents is 81 year old Ralph Shubert who recently returned from the Australian Masters Games with gold in the eight kilometre cross country event and the street mile. In the Pan Pacific Masters he returned with five gold medals, a silver and a bronze and a new record for the 5,000 metre track event.
"Another remarkable record is that of now Sales Manager, Heather Potts, who began promoting the village from its very early days.
"Twenty five years in any workplace is a significant milestone," Mr O'Dea told parliament.
"I understand there is great camaraderie and an excellent culture of volunteering amongst residents, as well as an extensive range of activities and entertainment both within and outside the village.
"The Lend Lease owners, management and staff of the Glenaeon Retirement Village should be proud of their 25th anniversary. More than that, they should be congratulated on creating an environment in which residents are happy to stay long term, where an employee remains with the company from its very early days and where residents can enjoy modern comfortable facilities," Mr O'Dea said.
