Robyn and David, both in their 80s, first met at just 16 and have been happily married for 61 years. After leaving behind the hustle and bustle of Sydney for Mudgee, they settled on a 150-acre farm, later ‘downsizing’ to a smaller acreage of 25 acres. While David landed a job in the local area, Robyn retired from a career in nursing to focus on caring for their cattle, chickens, and orchard. While they knew that another downsize would one day be necessary, even purchasing a smaller block of land, they weren’t quite ready to leave farm life behind.

Then, life took an unexpected turn. Robyn suffered a heart attack, and their three sons decided that managing a farm was no longer a safe option for their mother. Determined to find the best next step, the sons did their research and discovered Oak Tree Retirement Village Mudgee.

Curious but hesitant, the family visited the village together. For David, the idea of moving from a sprawling farm to a retirement community was daunting. A well-known local—affectionately dubbed the ‘Mayor of Bocoble’—he wondered how he’d fill his days. “What was I going to do with myself at a retirement village?” he questioned.

Still unsure, they placed a deposit but decided to take some time to think it over. Then, another heart attack struck. That was the deciding factor.

Growing Connections and Community

Any worries about having nothing to do quickly faded. The day after moving in, David met neighbour Phil across the way, and the two struck up an instant friendship. He soon became a regular at the village centre—playing Rummy Q, taking dips in the pool, and joining a group of men for weekly Friday pub visits (with a rotating sober driver, of course!). “Wednesday afternoons are a highlight as many men from the Village gather round the pool table, there is plenty of banter and healthy competition amongst us,” David says.

For Robyn, the garden became a source of joy and connection. A passionate gardener, she found kindred spirits in her neighbours Eileen and Rose. Their shared love of plants and flowers turned into deep friendships. “You tend to mix with like-minded people who share your interests,” she explains.

Their street even earned a nickname—Coronation Street—because the group can often be found tending their front gardens, chatting and laughing.

An avid shopper, Robyn takes advantage of the twice-weekly village bus trips into town. Eileen and Rose often join her, particularly when they have something to celebrate—like Robyn’s recent 80th birthday.

With friends and family welcome at the village, David and Robyn are often visited by their five-year old granddaughter, a hit with their neighbours on the street who don’t have family close-by.

Between time spent with friends, and the activities and events held in the village on a regular basis, there’s plenty of ways to stay active and connected. Robyn says, “There’s always something to do here—if you want to.”

Changing Perceptions

Before moving in, Robyn and David both had doubts, just like many of their friends. Now, they see things differently.

“Some of our friends say, ‘I don’t know how you could live in a place like that.’ And I tell them, “It’s not what you think.”

“You step outside, take a walk around the village, and there’s always someone to chat with. Or you can head up to the village centre. The choice is yours.”

From farm life to village life, Robyn and David found more than just a new home—they found a thriving community, a sense of belonging, and most importantly, good friends.