Tony's volunteering spirit
thrives at Kanwal Gardens

For many of our residents, giving back is second nature. After a lifetime spent bringing good to his community, Tony continues to live his purpose at Kanwal Gardens Care Community, on the Central Coast of NSW. 

Getting out into nature has always been central to Tony's enjoyment of life, and his work has brought lasting benefit to the places he calls home - so much so that in 2022 he was awarded Volunteering Central Coast's Volunteer of the Year for his work at Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve.

Incredibly, the work Tony was honoured for followed a stroke in 2016 that left him with communication challenges. 

As soon as he was able during his recovery, Tony walked to the reserve twice a week to help make the area safe for visitors and plant and maintain the native species that are essential to the biodiversity and health of the region.

When he moved to Kanwal Gardens, Tony had some difficulty getting used to life in the Care Community. To support Tony to live a life of meaning, our team spent time getting to know Tony and his family; developing a deep understanding of Tony's life and the things that bring him joy. 

"We knew about Tony's history of volunteering stretching back decades, and his love of nature," says Leonnie, wellbeing manager. "We also knew we had beautiful gardens that could use some help finding their potential, and the two came together naturally."

As well as weeding and tending the gardens, Tony saw the opportunity to add a water feature to the Care Community's surrounds, complete with a statue of Buddha. 

"We're so happy to see Tony rediscovering his purpose," says Leonnie. "Our gardens are blooming thanks to the work Tony has done together with our team". 

For Tony, and our Kanwal Gardens Care Community, the benefits extend far beyond the work itself. 

"Our gardens have become a place for residents to come together," says Leonnie. 

"Residents who may not have been particularly engaged are now joining Tony each day to chat, and to get their hands dirty. It has given them a new purpose - which can be especially important for men, who can lose connections as they age. It's been lovely to see."