The Cumberland Catch Up Summer 2025 2026 Newsletter Out Now
Summer 2025-26 was a season to remember at Cumberland View Aged Care. From festive Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations through to Valentine’s Day romance and cultural festivities, our community came together for months filled with laughter, music, and the kind of warmth that makes life here feel truly like home.
A Festive December to Remember
December set the tone for the entire summer. The Cumberland Village Review Christmas Show kicked off the festive season in style, followed by visits from Lorenzo – who sang his heart out to smiles all round – and our much-loved therapy dog Milo, who dropped in for cuddles while we got busy decking the halls.
The community headed out on a magical Christmas lights bus tour through the neighbourhood, and paid a visit to the Grinch himself at Mulgrave Country Club. On the hotter days, cool icy poles and good company were more than enough to make an afternoon memorable.
The highlight of December was undoubtedly our Resident and Family Christmas Party, where the Golden Girls delivered an absolute sensation of a performance. The kitchen team put on a gorgeous festive spread, and the afternoon turned into one long, joyful sing-along filled with dancing, clapping, and the kind of laughter that lingers long after the day is done.
January – Music, Magic and Summer Fun
January arrived with a bang – quite literally – after a New Year’s Eve party with Taylah Trew that kept everyone on their feet. As the summer heat rolled in, our community was well prepared with icy poles, milkshakes, and cold drinks flowing freely.
The activity calendar was packed with something for everyone: Chair Tai Chi with Chris, carpet bowls, sing-alongs with Laurel McKenna, craft group, book club, cooking sessions, and coffee bus trips. A scenic bus ride to the beach had everyone feeling wonderfully refreshed.
January’s standout moment came courtesy of Max the Magician, who had everyone completely baffled and thoroughly entertained. When pressed for the secret behind his tricks, Max simply told us he did it “very well.” Fair enough, Max. It was one of the funniest and most memorable afternoons of the whole summer.
February – Romance, Culture and Celebration
February at Cumberland View Aged Care was filled with music, laughter, and celebration from start to finish. Residents moved to music with Eliza, kept rhythm with Jose on drums, and were serenaded by the wonderful wandering minstrel Barouch, who travelled the halls spreading joy and smiles wherever he went.
Valentine’s Day was a particular highlight – a beautiful afternoon tea, champagne, wedding memory sharing, music from John D (who handed out roses to every resident), and a screening of Sleepless in Seattle to round out a perfectly romantic day.
February also brought vibrant cultural celebrations, with the MCPA Chinese Dancers bringing stunning performances to mark Chinese New Year, and special treats to honour Latvia’s Independence Day. Every celebration is another reason to come together, and at Cumberland View, we never need much convincing to do exactly that.
Celebrating John – 12 Years of Calling Cumberland View Home
This summer, our community gathered to celebrate a very special milestone. John, Cumberland View Aged Care’s longest-residing resident, recently marked 12 warm and wonderful years calling our home his home. Facility Manager Joe and Lifestyle Coordinator Janine presented John with a certificate and gift, while residents filled the room with applause, cheer, and cake.
John’s story is a beautiful reflection of the life that is possible within our community. He starts each day with a cuppa and the view from his apartment, watches ducklings arrive every spring, walks with the morning group, attends the men’s group, and is currently writing his memoirs – recording a lifetime of travel, adventure, and remarkable experiences for family and friends to cherish.
Perhaps most touching of all is John’s role on the new resident welcoming committee, where he quietly and generously helps newcomers feel at home. After 12 years, he knows this community inside and out. Here’s to many more springs of ducklings at the window, lively walks, and new pages added to those memoirs.
Looking Ahead to Autumn
With summer drawing to a close, there is plenty to look forward to. Residents can expect the return of the popular Cumberland View Footy Tipping Competition as the 2026 AFL season kicks off, along with a Vera Lynn Tribute Show, High Tea, St Patrick’s Day celebrations, and the beloved Henny Penny Hatchlings for Easter – where baby chicks hatch and residents help care for them.
The clinical care team continues its commitment to safe, person-centred care through every season, with a focus this autumn on hydration support, skin integrity monitoring, and influenza vaccination readiness.
Life at Cumberland View Aged Care
Summer 2025-26 was a vivid reminder of what makes Cumberland View Aged Care in Wheelers Hill such a special place to live. It is a community where every season brings new reasons to gather, celebrate, and connect.
To learn more about life at Cumberland View arrange a tour, contact us on 03 9795 9154
