Ray (pictured fourth right) at lunch with resident friends at the Greenway Views restaurant. Photo: LDK.
Ray Brewer has met and befriended more people in the past three years than in the 50 years before.
From cooking up 100-plus sausages for an ad hoc gathering of his fellow Greenway Views residents to running the monthly bingo, calling him an active community member is an understatement.
Now in his 80s, Ray is a go-getter, but says his environment has allowed him to grab the proverbial retirement bull by the horns.
“We’re very fortunate to live in the Rolls-Royce of aged care,” he says.
“You walk out and see the staff — they’re friendly and treat you with such respect. If you want something done, they get it done. I don’t think you get that everywhere.”
LDK’s Greenway Views village offers “lifestyle for life” through a variety of amenities and activities for both independent and non-independent residents. More than 300 purpose-built apartments provide private and secure living, while over 6000 sqm of communal space facilitates social connection.
Over 80 social activities are held each month, keeping residents engaged. Amenities include a gym, library, village shed, piano bar, theatre and multiple dining and cafe options. Across the road lies the expansive dining, shopping and entertainment of Tuggeranong town centre.
But for Ray, one of the greatest drawcards was LDK’s commitment to keeping couples together for life.
When his wife Heather fell ill, Ray wanted a place where she could be cared for after hospital discharge. One tour settled the matter — Greenway Views by a country mile.
Sadly, Heather didn’t make it, but Ray moved in anyway.
“It was the best decision I ever made,” he says.
“I play mah-jong, canasta and all sorts of things. We go out whenever and wherever we want. There are three cafes and a beautiful restaurant open seven days a week. Really, there are too many things you can do to list. I am busier now than ever. I couldn’t ask for more.”
Ray’s outlook isn’t unique among LDK residents — and it’s no accident.
Greenway Views was the first purpose-built Seniors’ Living village in Canberra for LDK, which stands for Love, Decency & Kindness.
General manager Michelle Bennett says it all comes back to this core philosophy.
“Our motto is ‘one LDK’, and quite simply that means all teams, department to department, village to village, work together to support our residents to live as independently as they want to for as long as possible,” she says.
LDK’s model also draws the wider community into village life.
“That cohort adds about 1500 people a month visiting the village, and we welcome them to our restaurant, events, activities and meeting spaces,” Michelle says.
“Community partners and complementing wellness and support services are an important part of our model.”
The Spring 2025 social calendar includes everything from expert-led seminars to wine dinners and market days.
“And, of course, every September, we partner with Floriade to plant 4000 bulbs across the village,” Michelle adds.
“Getting the community involved maintains the vitality of the village.”
Stage 2 of LDK’s second Canberra village, Amberfield, is nearing completion, bringing the same model enjoyed at Greenway Views to new residents.
Across both villages, residents are at different stages of retirement. Many are fully independent, while others have care needs ranging from low to high. All benefit from 24/7 onsite support.
It’s part of LDK’s “One Move Promise”, guaranteeing one move, one community, for life.
“It’s about ensuring our residents’ care evolves with them,” Michelle says. “They never have to move from their LDK home to get the care they need, the way they want.”
Community, she adds, is at the heart of it all.
“It’s people who build community within the village. That’s important because nobody knows what will happen in life. It means as our residents go through their retirement journey, they never have to worry about the next step, or that they’ll end up alone.”
Greenway Views will host an open day on Thursday, 18 September, followed by Amberfield’s open day on Saturday, 25 October. For more information or to register your interest, visit LDK or call 1300 535 000.
