A feast for retirees’ eyes

An intergenerational event brought the old and young together to “share fun, friendship and good food”. 

Fine dining under the stars with a live musical performance was enjoyed by more than 25 Queensland Biloela retirees during a special night of festivities yesterday.

The dining experience for Wahroonga Retirement Village residents was brought to fruition by several Year 12 hospitality students from Biloela High School studying a Certificate II in Hospitality.

Guests were encouraged to dress to the nines and bring out their best bling and sparkles. Local performers ‘Sing Australia’ provided entertainment and tables were decorated and lit by candlelight.

Dorothy Blair, 80, has lived in Biloela for more than 50 years and was particularly excited about the event. She has a background in the arts and ran concerts in town for many years.

The Wahroonga Retirement Village resident was brought up in Scotland and enjoyed leisure pursuits including singing and tap, ballet and highland dancing styles.

Pictured is Wahroonga Residents Dorothy Blair (left) and Mavis Schultz.

“My husband worked in the mines and I used to put on concerts for charity,” she said.

“There was a lack of concerts when I came to town so I raised the funds to put on shows and charged a $5 entry fee and we’d have a good night out.

“We had concerts with different themes including songs from Scotland and English, American and Australian songs featuring tunes from the roaring ‘20s to keep everyone in town amused and happy.”

Wahroonga Retirement Village manager, Lorna Perrett, last week said staff, residents and the students were all geared up for the culinary feast.

“It has given the residents something to talk about and to do something we all take for granted.

“This is an opportunity for those who are frail to go outside, enjoy a meal and do something they loved in the past and having someone wait on them will make them feel special.”