By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
FOUR generations of the Webster family gathered in Main Street on Tuesday for an important event for their family and community.
The turning of the first sod was held last week at Main Street Village, a modern new retirement complex located between Main Street and McGregor Road in Pakenham.
An historic Federation oak is the landmark of the new village, which was planted in 1901 by Norman Paterson Webster.
The sod was turned by Norman Webster’s daughter Caroline Lewis and granddaughter Bronwyn Broadbent.
His great grandchildren and great great grandchildren also attended.
Julie Campbell, Marketing and Community Engagement Manager at Retirement Communities Australia, said the event had a strong focus on maintaining links in the local area.
“It was a wonderful experience to see the continuity of the family and I think it was really meaningful for them,” she said.
“We’re a family-run business and we know that a successful community will be built on successful relationships.”
The event was kept small due to safety concerns at the site with only RCA staff and members of the Webster family present.
Following the turning of the sod, more than 100 people gathered at the Pakenham Hall for presentations by Andrew Philip, managing director of Retirement Communities Australia and operations manager Pat Hems.
Prospective residents took a virtual tour of the new retirement village using Google Cardboard technology.
“We were really pleased to be able to provide them with the opportunity to see what the community centre will look like,” Ms Campbell said.
“It was interesting to see that demographic engaging in technology in that way.
“They were really enjoying it.”
She also said that the company took “quite a few” reservations at the morning tea.
