Country fun for residents

Residents at Wahroonga Retirement Village at Biloela, in central Queensland, were treated to their very own ‘country show’ last month, thanks to the efforts of volunteers, residents’ families and the wider Biloela community.

The ‘mini show’ – staged at the retirement village a week before the annual Biloela Show – consisted of a pavilion showcasing art, craft and horticultural displays, a ‘Wahroonga Show Ball’ and a replica Sideshow Alley.

“On the main show day, residents enjoyed entertainment such as duck fishing, knock ‘em down cans, a juggling clown on stilts, miniature ponies, show jumping, wood chopping and bush poetry,’’ Lorna Perrett, Wahroonga manager, said.

“The local high school’s agricultural department also brought down their alpacas for the residents to touch and talk to. We even took two alpacas through the Nursing Home and Dementia Unit to visit residents who were unable to make it outside and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.’’

Diversional therapist, Ros Pearce, who spent months, planning the one off event, paid tribute to the many volunteers who donated their skills, time and equipment.

“Even people who had no prior connection to Wahroonga were very quick to put their hand up to help when we told them what we were planning,’’ she said.

“The community is amazing and without their support we couldn’t have achieved what we did.’’