It was a three tier celebration at Maroba aged care home in Waratah today – marking 70 years since the organisation was founded.
The first board meeting was held in July 1954 at the Islington Baptist Church and soon after the group purchased a home in Baruda St Mayfield naming it the Maroba Rest Home for Elderly Ladies.
“It started on the dream of one man,” said Maroba CEO Viv Allanson OAM.
That man was Viv Cork who worked as an Ostler at The Store in Newcastle.
Mr Cork wanted to bring change to the aged care system to provide his friends and neighbours with dignity in their older years.
“It was founded on love and it continues on love,” said Viv Allanson.
A far cry from it’s humble beginnings, the purpose built facility on Edith Street at Waratah, has 6 wings and is home to 180 residents.
More than half the residents gathered in the lodge today enjoying a high tea celebration complete with a glass of champagne and pots of tea.
In a testament to the organisation’s strong ties to the community, the mis-matched tea settings were donated by locals after a successful callout on social media.
“The generosity of the Hunter and Newcastle communities has just been amazing,” said Viv Allanson.
“People had a little dig around in their gran’s china cabinets and bought in some of the most beautiful china – so today every setting has their own beautiful piece of china.”
The platinum anniversary celebrations will continue throughout the year; staff will be celebrated at the Newcastle Club in September, before a family barbeque day at the Maroba gardens in November.
