Stockland launches first intergenerational playgroup at Elara in Marsden Park

Stockland’s masterplanned Elara community in Sydney’s north-west have launched a new kind of mums and bubs group that offers the oldest and youngest residents the opportunity to come together fortnightly for a play and catch up.

The number of participating parents continues to grow significantly, both with Elara residents and the broader community more generally, and the playgroup now sees upwards of 70 participants including children at each session.

Calum Ross, Regional Development Manager for NSW & ACT, Stockland, said that the new intergenerational playgroup is a prime example of the many benefits of living in a Stockland masterplanned community.

“Living in a masterplanned community like Elara creates opportunities like these for young families and over-55s to connect and make friends with new people they would not normally have a chance to meet.

Mr Ross continued: “There are many proven benefits to bringing young people and seniors together. Socialisation of this kind has a positive impact on not only general wellbeing, including one’s mental and physical health, but also helps to break down feelings of isolation and depression.”

“That’s really what we’re all about at Stockland. We want to create highly liveable and connected communities that offer our residents the option to be as social and active as they choose.”

Amanda Schultz, playgroup organiser and resident at Stockland’s Elara, said that she was thrilled when she found out the over-55s at Stockland’s Aspire at Elara would be joining their mums and bubs group.

“It just makes sense to have them join – we all live in the same community.

“I think it really benefits everyone involved to have such a range of age in participants. I know for my kids, I love that my eldest is able to chat with older residents who may have interesting life stories or new insights on the world.

“For the retirees, it’s a chance to socialise with some children and babies which they might not often get a chance to do. I know one of the gentlemen mentioned that he and his wife don’t have any grandkids yet, and another said their grandkids live far away, so I think coming to the playgroup kind of helps fill that void, even if it’s just for a while.”

Lorraine and Raymond Wheeler, residents at Stockland’s over-55’s community Aspire at Elara, said: “I love spending time with the kids but also that I’m able to sit down and have a chat with some of the mums.

“I was able to meet some new friends that live nearby and have conversations with people who are at a different stage of life entirely. It’s actually very refreshing.”

Those interested in joining the playground can visit https://www.stockland.com.au/residential/nsw/elara/news-and-events/elara-parents-group for more information.

ENDS

Notes to the editor:

Background on Stockland’s Aspire at Elara

• Aspire is a purpose-built neighbourhood designed for people over 55, featuring modern, low-maintenance homes, surrounded by high quality community facilities.
• Unlike traditional retirement living, the community is structured under community title, with all costs paid upfront, meaning residents retain all capital gains and complete ownership of their home and land.
• Aspire is for customers who want to downsize from the big family home but are seeking an alternative to moving into an apartment or a traditional retirement living village.
• Once completed, the $65 million Aspire community will include 114 single storey-homes, a luxurious clubhouse for the exclusive use of its residents and their friends, a resort style pool with a covered alfresco dining area as well as a bar, lounge, gym and billiard room.
• Aspire at Elara prices start from $655,000 for a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom standalone home.
• Stockland also has an Aspire community within its Calleya masterplanned community in Perth.

Background on Elara

• Aspire at Elara in the heart of Stockland’s 198-hectare Elara masterplanned community in Marsden Park, well positioned in Sydney’s North-West only 6km from the Schofields Train Station and a 20 minute drive from Blacktown, Norwest Business Park and the Parramatta CBD.
• Stockland’s Elara community is currently home to more than 1,000 people and on completion will include close to 4,000 homes, more than 10,000 residents, a town centre, several playgrounds, a community centre, sports fields, childcare centre and schools.