Packing up decades of memories is daunting, so it’s tempting to keep putting it off. However, new residents buying into the latest release at Woolooware Shores by Anglicare will be able to sit back with a cuppa while someone else does all the hard work.
The multi-award-winning waterfront community in the heart of Sydney’s Sutherland Shire is marking its 20th anniversary with a gift that gives new residents peace of mind at an overwhelming time.
For two decades, Woolooware Shores has been reshaping seniors living by focusing on making life easier. Now, it’s the last chance to secure a brand-new waterfront residence at the established seniors living community.
Select residents purchasing a new home in the final release will be offered a personalised downsizing package worth up to $20,000*.
Liza Fox, Village General Manager at Woolooware Shores, says the 20-year milestone was one to commemorate with a grand gesture.
“It's a great opportunity to really celebrate our community, and the beautiful place that it is to live,” Liza says.
“This is a full circle moment and a very exciting time for our village. We’re recognising how far we've come, but we’re also celebrating our future.”
Liza adds that it simply made sense to offer new residents help with moving and downsizing costs.
“We spend a lot of time listening to our residents and many have told us that the process of downsizing is almost the last hurdle to get over when making that decision to move into a community like ours,” she says.
“And there can be a lot of grief associated with packing up a life. If we can come alongside people and give them the support to be able to do that, it makes the transition a lot easier.”
The downsizing package includes a private assessment by a consultant from personal organisers including Messy No More, who will project manage the move from start to finish.
When Wendy Ryan decided to leave her four-bedroom family home and move into a two-bedroom residence at Woolooware Shores, the thought of sifting through more than 30 years of belongings seemed insurmountable. Fortunately, the founder of Messy No More, Marnie Zammit, and her team stepped in.
“When Woolooware Shores introduced me to Marnie, she spent about an hour and a half going right through the house. They asked, ‘Do you want to take this? or ‘Do you want to get rid of it?’ If you hesitate, they ask if it has sentimental value, and it just makes you think again,” explains Wendy, a mother of three and grandmother to seven.
“I wasn't forced to get rid of anything I didn't want to get rid of. But I was also quite mindful of seeing other people's retirement apartments where the furniture from a four-bedroom house is squashed into a two-bedroom unit. I was determined my place wasn't going to be like that.”
Wendy’s house had once been home to a family of five, but as an empty nester, she recognised it was time to trade in the extra space for a more manageable lifestyle.
“It was the biggest and most difficult thing I've ever had to do by myself. The other times we moved, I had my husband with me. This time it was just me,” Wendy says.
“I'd been saying to my daughter, for a couple of years, I think the time has come to move. But I just kept throwing my hands in the air and thinking it was all too difficult.”
With a professional background in senior care and a flair for decluttering, Marnie is perfectly suited to the mammoth task of helping people move out of their longtime family homes and into retirement villages.
“I've been doing this a pretty long time, and most of the people I meet say they really wanted to move a while ago, but the thought of doing it is so daunting and so emotional that they don't know where to start,” she says.
“My company is incredibly tailored. My team is so emotionally supportive of our clients, and we do one-on-one work. We take care of it all, from ensuring any medical requirements are met, right through to making sure they've got a cup of tea.”
The organisers visit clients at their existing home, take photos and make a list of belongings. They measure the new apartment and create a plan to ensure that everything remaining after the decluttering will fit in the new space, is easy to reach, and poses no trip hazards.
And the “fiddly” parts to moving house are also sorted out, from disconnecting washing machines, Foxtel and the internet, to organising council clean ups and making charity deliveries.
Once at Woolooware Shores, residents have access to an ever-changing calendar of activities, plus a gym, a heated indoor pool, communal gardens, a cinema, a hair salon, and a beautician. There is the option of bringing in nursing and allied health services, personal care, assistance with shopping, meal support, housework, getting to appointments, and pastoral care.
“What I love about Woolooware Shores is the beautifully designed common spaces, which we see as an extension of the residents’ beautiful apartments,” Liza says.
“There are a variety of sizes and fit-outs to suit all occasions and events, and they're available for residents to book.”
Liza adds that the Woolooware Shores hospitality team is also on hand to help residents cater for special gatherings.
“People love to entertain, but it can be quite overwhelming the older you get. There’s also our cafe and we’ll soon be opening our new restaurant, Heirloom. Ultimately, it’s about having those lifestyle facilities within walking distance, so it feels like an extension of your home without having to maintain a big family house anymore. That way, the time you've got is your time to spend however you'd like.”
Since moving into Woolooware Shores in September, Wendy has already taken advantage of what the village has to offer.
“I love it here. Because of the help with moving in, I was settled in enough to have my family here for Christmas. We enjoyed the day out on the balcony,” she says.
“I’d say to people, as soon as you feel you need to move, get on and do it. Don’t waste your time.”
With only a limited number of brand-new waterfront residences remaining, now is the time to experience Woolooware Shores for yourself.
Join us at our upcoming Open Day on March 21st to explore the waterfront community, view the brand-new residences and learn more about the limited-time anniversary gift valued at $20,000* available to select new residents.
* Woolooware Shores by Anglicare is offering eligible new residents up to $20,000 (incl. GST) towards downsizing support services when moving into Woolooware Shores. The offer is available to new residents who deposit in Stage 8 between 5 February and 21 March, 2026. To qualify, residents must meet eligibility criteria detailed in the terms and conditions.
