John’s Story: Finding Connection Through Community
A story of connection, belonging and community at Crows Nest Centre.
If you’ve ever joined a game of Mahjong or Carpet Bowls, or dropped into the ‘What’s in the News?’ discussion group at Crows Nest Community Centre, you may have met John Bailey.
For 40 years, John taught in secondary schools and TAFE across New South Wales, including seven years teaching English overseas. He retired at 68, bringing a different pace of life. Like many older Australians, he gradually lost the everyday connections and interactions that work and hobbies naturally provide.
It wasn’t until he happened to walk past the Centre and spotted a flyer inviting people to play Canasta that things began to change. What started as a simple visit soon became an important part of his weekly routine.
“From the beginning, I thought there is value in coming here,” he says.
Today, John regularly attends a range of group activities, including playing Mahjong, Carpet Bowls, and engaging with the ‘What’s in the News?’ discussion group, which he believes plays an important role in keeping older minds active.
“It’s really important for keeping your brain going,” he says.
The Centre’s monthly cinema outings have also become a favourite. Before joining, going to the movies had gradually become something he no longer did, but now it’s another opportunity to enjoy shared experiences with others.
The connections he has built at the Centre have extended well beyond its walls. Twice a month, he meets with a small group he first met through the Centre to go for walks, play cards, and spend time together. They support one another through life’s ups and downs.
“One of us gets sick, the others visit them in hospital,” he says. “It’s sort of a friendship.”
These relationships have given John something many older people can struggle to find: a sense of belonging. “Sometimes you think, when you get old, you’re invisible,” he reflects. “It’s easy to feel like you’ve been forgotten.”
At Crows Nest Community Centre, he says, that couldn’t be further from the truth. “You’re looked after here very well. The people who work here are really caring.”
Although he continues to live independently, knowing he has a welcoming community that he belongs to has enriched his life in immeasurable ways. “I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t come here,” he says. “If there wasn’t a centre here, my life would be a lot poorer in terms of mixing with people and being active.”
He believes the Centre provides something invaluable for older people living in the local community. “In my stage of life and in my situation, what is offered here is ideal,” he says. “If this place wasn’t here, I think a lot of older people in North Sydney would lose something that’s really valuable.”
His advice to others who may be considering joining is simple: “I’d strongly advise them to come and try it out to see if what’s offered here is suitable for them.”
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