TriCare Retirement Communities are wonderfully diverse, and everyone has a story to tell. It is a privilege for staff who get to hear from residents first-hand – in fact, the tales are so rich that they deserve a bigger audience. We hope these blogs provide insight into the amazing lives of our remarkable residents. In this resident story, we will meet Robert van Beest, a Stafford Lakes Retirement Community resident.
Robert and his wife Pieta have lived at Stafford Lakes Retirement Community for seven years. But retirement for Robert has never meant slowing down, and his involvement in his village and the wider community see him rewrite the rules of retirement.
Robert has taken on the roles of resident barista and cinema operator for his village, ensuring his neighbours are always adequately caffeinated from the café and entertained in the movie theatre. As an integral member of the Social Coordination Group, he assists in organising many events for the Stafford Lakes Retirement Community, including birthday celebrations, barbecues, movie nights, card games, visiting food trucks, morning teas and lunches, and special celebrations and occasions such as ANZAC Day, Australia Day, Christmas and Mother’s Day.
Going above and beyond for his community is simply an inherent characteristic of Robert, coupled with the desire to keep busy, and you have a model neighbour and friend. Last year, no doubt with the help of many fellow Stafford Lakes residents, Robert collected and donated over 4500 bottles to Containers for Change, raising $450 that was and is still being used to fund activities for residents. Not to mention helping to save the planet.
Robert’s community participation doesn’t stop there, as he also likes to keep busy in the wider community. Since 2010 Robert has volunteered as a Justice of the Peace each week at local shopping centres, hospitals, courts, and for after-hours call-outs where he has the opportunity to meet all kinds of people. But his real passion and fulfilment come from his role as President of the Arana Contract Bridge Club, where he manages the day-to-day running of the club, the finances, and the facilities. With a former retail management career, Robert can utilise his people and finance management skills and help the club flourish.
Even in retirement, it seems Stafford Lakes resident Robert van Beest never has a day off, but we have a feeling that’s just how he likes it. Robert is a very valued member of the Stafford Lakes Retirement Community, rewriting the rules of retirement.
To find out more about Stafford Lakes Retirement Community book a private tour by clicking the link below.
