Turning an unloved piece of dirt into an asset loved by the community
Is there anything in your retirement village that could be put to better use?
When David Phillips (left) joined the team at RetireAustralia’s Noyea Riverside retirement village near Brisbane as a gardener, he noticed an unused patch of lawn.
He saw an opportunity to create connection, laughter, and a little friendly competition and went in search of Village Manager Darren Adams (pictured right) and Administration Assistant Angie Boyle.
David knows the power of tradition. At RetireAustralia’s Belrose Country Club in Sydney, croquet has long been part of village life, weaving camaraderie and fun into the community fabric.
Inspired by that spirit, David quietly began maintaining Noyea’s lawn and offering coaching sessions during his lunch breaks with support from Darren and encouragement from Angie.
The croquet lawn came to life and recently, Noyea Riverside hosted its first croquet championship. The event was a resounding success, complete with trophies, cheers, and plenty of laughter.
“Some residents had only one coaching session but still won games — it was like watching your kid ride a bike for the first time,” David said, smiling.
For David, croquet is more than a game. It’s a celebration of resilience, joy, and community.
“Many residents have health challenges, but they show up, stay active, and enjoy life. It’s inspiring,” he adds.
Village Manager Darren agrees.
“David’s initiative has transformed an unused space into the heart of our community. Croquet has brought residents together in a way that’s fun, inclusive, and truly uplifting,” he said.
Now, croquet is a cherished tradition at Noyea Riverside -a simple pastime that has become a powerful connector.
It’s proof that village life thrives on shared experiences, where something as humble as a mallet and ball can spark belonging and joy.
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