Movie Day
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One stormy Friday, we spontaneously decided to dig out an old DVD player and enjoy an impromptu movie day! Residents enjoyed popcorn and a screening of The Devil Wears Prada in the comfort of the Astra lounge.
Melbourne Cup Lunch
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It was off to the races for our Melbourne Cup lunch! Guests gathered for an afternoon of excitement, laughter, and great company as we celebrated the race that stops the nation. Everyone enjoyed a delicious spread of food and bubbly drinks, while cheering on their favourites and soaking up the lively atmosphere. The room was buzzing with energy, with fabulous fashions on display and plenty of friendly competition in our sweeps. From the stylish outfits to the thrilling race moments, it was a fun-filled afternoon enjoyed by all. Congratulations to Half Yours and all the winners on the day (Nellie, Jo, and Eva took out first place in the $5 & $2 sweeps). We can’t wait to do it all again next year!
Lift Replacement
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The old Astra lift has had it's day and it’s time to usher in a new era in Astra lift history! Over a ten-week period we will be replacing the old lift with a new model, fitted out with a sophisticated interior that compliments the timeless Astra aesthetic. A few of the residents marked the occasion with a photo shoot and video (available to view on our Facebook and Instagram pages) to farewell the old lift.
On Monday, October 21st, it was all hands on deck as our shiny new lift motor soared up to the lift room on top of the building. Campbell Parade turned into a traffic control extravaganza, complete with boom gates and flashing lights. Although the wind delayed the works a little, the job was completed well before schedule. Several residents braved the cold to watch the entire setup from about 7 pm to 11 pm while those in the front units had a VIP view of the show!
A huge thankyou to the crane crew, the army of traffic controllers, and the TKE contractors for making it all happen. Onwards and upwards to the next phase!
Astralympics 2024
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The Astralympics wrapped up with a bang on Friday, August 8th! After two weeks of fierce competition, the medal ceremony went down in the Astra Lounge. The World team started strong, outplaying the Aussie squad in table tennis and rummy tiles. However, Australia clawed their way back, triumphing in carpet bowls, trivia, and snooker. In the end, the World Team snagged the gold, edging out the Aussie team by a mere two points! Huge thanks to all who joined in, with special thanks to Len for his epic organisation skills. The players all agreed that a regular game day is a must-do, so stay tuned for details on the next one!
Vivid Bus Trip
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It was a cold June evening when a group of us rugged up and ventured into the city to see the VIVID lights. The first stop was Hickson Road Reserve where we wandered around and enjoyed the lights of the bridge, Opera house, tall ships and surrounds. A highlight (no pun intended) was the Light Connection exhibit by New Zealand Artist, Angus Muir. The mesmerizing canopy of LED lights enveloped you in a vibrant glow, accompanied by the soothing sounds of nature. It was an enchanting experience to wander through, getting lost in the immersive atmosphere.
The bus then continued onto Kirribilli and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, where Len captured a magnificent shot of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Cinco De Mayo
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The Astra lounge was bursting with colourful decorations and the lively tunes of mariachi music during our Cinco De Mayo celebration (well, Ocho De Mayo in our case). We had a great turnout and some residents really got into the spirit by donning sombreros and ponchos for the occasion. While some residents got into the spirits and enjoyed some delicious margaritas! There was an abundant taco bar for residents to feast on with an array of meats, sides, salsas, tortillas and guac. Overall, it was a fantastic afternoon and everyone left satisfied with full bellies, ready for a siesta!
Special thanks to Alan and Bar 34 for generously providing some margaritas and to everyone who helped out. The event was so successful it will become an annual tradition. Until next year adios!
Kambala Chamber Music Outreach Initiative
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We recently hosted a delightful visit from the students of Kambala School as part of the Kambala Chamber Music Outreach Initiative. The performances, which lasted approximately an hour, showcased two pianists, a flute trio, and a string quartet. These talented girls performed captivating pieces by various composers such as Mozart, Chopin, and even a traditional Ukrainian folk song.
A large number of residents gathered in the lounge to enjoy the concert and share in a lovely afternoon tea. Following the conclusion of the performances the girls were quite happy to join in afternoon tea and get to know the residents. A big thank you to the prefects and teachers who arranged the musical groups, and, of course, to the exceptionally talented ladies for their remarkable performance that brought smiles to everyone present.
St Patrick's Day
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The Astra lounge was filled with shamrocks and a vibrant green hue in honor of St Patrick’s Day. The residents broke out their finest green attire and gathered for a delicious ploughman’s lunch. Lunch was a lovely mix of sweet and savory foods and some traditional soda bread care of the Bondi markets and Paddy the Baker. Some residents enjoyed a sip or two of Guinness, adding an extra Irish flair to the event. The ambiance was cheerful and airy, accompanied by Irish melodies playing in the background and jovial banter and storytelling shared amongst the guests at the tables. Overall, it was a fantastic afternoon and good craic!
Bus Trip to The Auburn Botanical Gardens
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This month a group of residents ventured to the urban oasis known as the Auburn Botanical Gardens. The tranquil grounds are home to a stunning range of flora and fauna, ponds and lakes and even a waterfall. It was a perfect autumn day for a stroll around the lush gardens and to enjoy a picnic lunch. A highlight of the day was when a mischievous peacock decided to pull a disappearing act after a gate was left open! But fear not, because our very own peacock-whisperer, Noni, channelled her inner country girl and expertly guided the runaway bird back home, much to the amusement of everyone else!
Casino Day
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A group of residents came together in the Astra lounge for an enjoyable afternoon filled with games, socializing, drinks, and charcuterie. The lounge was beautifully themed as a casino for the day, complete with three tables offering Blackjack, Roulette, and other card games. Players received a stack of chips to play with, there were no rules at this casino, or rather the rules were made up (and changed) as we played along. Special mention goes out to Darryl the pro roulette croupier who kept the good times rolling!
The gathering was a delightful occasion with drinks, laughter, and merriment. The event was a huge hit, prompting thoughts of turning it into an annual tradition. Thanks to everyone who joined and contributed to the festive atmosphere.
Insightful Visit from the Director of Seniors Fitness
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This week, we had a visit from Emily, the Director of Seniors Fitness, who delivered a captivating talk on improving well-being through exercise. The talk covered a range of topics including an overview of common health conditions, the benefits of exercise, fall prevention, and a demonstration of some exercises. During the presentation, Emily elaborated on the distinction between physiotherapy and exercise physiology. Physiotherapy is recommended for acute injuries, while exercise physiology focuses on long-term injuries and strength enhancement. Regular exercise was emphasized for faster post-surgery recovery, fall prevention, and overall daily well-being.
Seniors Fitness provides tailored programs either at their Bondi Junction studio or in the convenience of your home. The session was highly informative, leading to increased interest among residents, with some signing up for future sessions. A big thank you to Emily and Seniors Fitness for their enlightening visit to the Astra!
Australia Day
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Crikey! What a flamin’ good day for a BBQ! Some of the Astra residents took advantage of the beautiful summer weather and partook in a shared meal and BBQ to celebrate Australia Day. Everyone chipped in with food and drinks, and the result was a mouth-watering feast. One highlight of the day was when Lore, who hadn't tasted a Lamington in 50 years since her arrival in Australia, finally got to sink her teeth into one.
Bus Trip To The Teahouse At The Crown Towers
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Established in 2020, the Tea House at the Crown is the perfect fusion of a traditional Chinese tea house and an uber-modern lounge bar. After seeing the beautiful pictures online a group of us ventured into the city to check it out. When we arrived at the Crown Towers we headed through the decadent foyer and up to the Tea House. We were seated in one of the coveted “birdcages” but ultimately chose to sit on the balcony and enjoy the views of the harbour and the boats passing by. Although the weather wasn’t the greatest the atmosphere, ambience and views certainly made up for it. We sampled some of the beverages on offer, Alana tried the spicy, tequila-infused “Mango Tango” cocktail and Nellie tried the “Madame Butterfly” and the fiery “Sichuan Boulevardier”, all of which were delicious! The group then headed to 88 Noodle, a restaurant with a tantalizing mix of Shanghai, Singapore, and Thai cuisines. After a hearty meal, it was time to say goodbye to the Crown's glitz and glam and head back to the Astra.
Bus Trip To See The Christmas Lights
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This month's bus trip was a festive one! A group of residents (and Anna) went to see the Christmas displays adorning some of the city’s most famous landmarks. The highlight of the trip was St Mary’s Cathedral, its stunning projections on the building façade accompanied by joy-filled music embodied the holiday spirit perfectly. The trip started at the QVB to see a unique Christmas tree honouring the importance of Aboriginal culture. From the QVB the group made their way to Pitt Street Mall and the David Jones animated window display. This year’s display was inspired by the beloved children’s book “Twelve Dogs of Christmas” by Alison Ritchie. Next up was Martin Place and its 3.4-metre colour-changing tree! Every 15 minutes or so the tree would change colours and play Christmas songs. The last stop in the city was St Mary’s Cathedral where the group took some great photos and got to look inside the Cathedral where real pine trees lined the aisles. The Cathedral grounds were filled with families and friends enjoying the lights and markets.
On the way back to the Astra, Nick the bus driver, took the group through Avoca Street in Bondi where almost every house was lit up and included some great holiday displays.
This trip was a sleigh-full of magical memories!
Christmas Party
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Tis the season to be jolly! And jolly we were at the annual Bondi Astra Christmas party! The night kicked off with drinks in the lounge then the residents and guests settled into the Bondi Tratt for a hearty Christmas feast. The Tratt once again delivered a beautiful meal with all the trimmings and plenty of libations, which enhanced the already festive atmosphere. After dinner, the residents and guests headed back to the Astra lounge for dessert, more drinks and speeches. The lucky door prize raffle was awarded to a bunch of lucky residents, with the first winner being Cleo who scored a fabulous bottle of bubbly. Once the formalities were out of the way the music was turned up and the residents (and staff!) danced the night away.
It was a fantastic night with lots of merriment, good cheer and a fun time had by all! Thanks to everyone who was involved and to the Bondi Tratt for another wonderful Christmas dinner.
Farewell Anna
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After seven years, Anna has decided to finish her studies and pursue a career in graphic design, sadly this means she will no longer be working at the Astra ☹
Anna has been an integral part of the Astra over the years and has made a lasting impact on residents and staff alike. Her creativity and ingenuity have been showcased at the many events and activities she has organised, Anna has been instrumental in implementing regular events/activities such as the Astra book club and technology workshops.
Her kind nature has touched the residents and is reflected in their smiles as they have grown to cherish her over the years.
Although it is goodbye, it’s more “see you later” as Anna hopes to still attend the monthly book club meetings and will be joining us at the Christmas party! From the staff and residents, we wish Anna all the best in all your future endeavors and will miss you greatly!
Melbourne Cup
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This year’s Melbourne Cup was a huge success…Once we found the correct channel on the TV! It was a lovely afternoon which included fancy frocks and fascinators, a sumptuous feast and drinks flowing. The atmosphere was filled with lots of conversations and laughter while the Astra lounge was adorned with colourful decorations. Congratulations to the cup winner Without a Fight and all the sweeps winners at the Astra!
Fire Drill
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Three strapping Bondi firemen came to the Astra to observe our annual fire drill! Flora held a short information session before the drill to talk through our procedure, and to answer any questions residents might have. The main things to remember are: 1, in the event of a fire alarm sounding, exit the building as quickly as possible by the fire stairs (do not use the lift). 2, don’t stop to pick up possessions on your way out. 3, meet at the fire assembly points so that village management/the fire response team know you are safely out. The drill went smoothly and our fireies stayed just long enough to make sure everything was under control. Flora got her workout for the day running up and down the fire stairs to check on residents who are less mobile! Stay safe everybody.
Open Day
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We did manage to get a bit of sun at our long-awaited open day, and Bondi Beach was looking beautiful despite the inclement weather. It was exciting as we opened our doors again for the first time since the pandemic hit and welcomed prospective residents into the building for an open day. We also welcomed Craig Bennett, President of the Retirement Village Residents Association, to speak to us about retirement living. There were plenty of opportunities for prospective residents to speak to current residents and staff, as well as Craig and members of the Strata Committee. We had some presentations from Craig and Sam, Director of Bondi Beach Astra, which discussed moving into a retirement village. The lunch break gave us another opportunity to mingle, while eating some delicious food put on by the village. After lunch, Flora (Village Manager), Penny (OC Chair) and Rob (Residents’ Representative) gave short talks about the Astra specifically, and there were opportunities for guests to ask questions about the village. Thank you to everyone who gave up their time to come down and see our fabulous heritage listed building and meet our friendly residents. We loved meeting you and hope you will stop by again soon.
Welcome to Our New Residents
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Welcome to Ron, our newest resident! We have been blessed with three new residents moving in over the past couple of months (Deborah, Sonya and Ron), and we are so happy that they are all here. Ron moved to the Astra from Woolwich, and he loves his new environment. He and several of his family members have told us how delighted they are with his move here. They are impressed with his apartment, its spaciousness and location, its accessibility to services and transport, and with the communal environment in the building. Ron already loves to join in with all the social events that we put on, and it is an absolute pleasure to have him in our community. What a fabulous village we have, and what wonderful residents 😊