The years fly by

Friday 22 October was the 10th anniversary of the date the first residents moved into Pearl Retirement Resort in Darwin’s harbourside suburb of Fannie Bay. Those seven first residents were guests of honour at the 10th Birthday Party, remember the adventure of moving in like it was yesterday.

The birthday party was hosted by Southern Cross Care CEO David Moran and Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner, who was closely involved with the conversion of the former Waratah Sports Club site to the Pearl village development. He recalled the names and faces of the first residents and swapped stories with them.

More than 60 guests, mainly Pearl residents, attended and enjoyed the buffet of Chinese food, cheesecakes and salad with home-made punch, and drinks provided by Southern Cross Care. Later in the afternoon came the slicing of the very special birthday cake!

Brian Dienelt, who spoke on behalf of the first residents, showed off a souvenir oyster shucker given to him by Southern Cross Care at a function to announce the Pearl development proposal. He said it was the best he'd ever owned and a deep reminder of that particular function.

The evening was rounded out by The Pearlers, a choral group led by well-known Darwin musical personality Bill Roy who now lives in the Pearl Resort. The group comprises singers, ukulele players and a guitarist. They sing at most Pearl events, and also at local nursing homes and seniors’ events around Darwin. Songs at the birthday party included The Gypsy Rover, Hello Mary Lou, Top Of The World, Marianne and Oh What A Beautiful Morning.