Good Shepherd Retirement Village dedicates new community centre

Good Shepherd Retirement Village reached a significant milestone on 31 May with the dedication of its newly renovated community centre in Ringwood, Victoria. Sharon Ghalayini, the village’s current manager, shared the exciting news about this transformative project that has been six months in the making.

What was once a partly modified old residential unit that had served as a makeshift community centre for 15 years has been completely transformed into a stunning space for residents to enjoy. The renovation focused on creating a bright, welcoming environment by removing brickwork and installing additional windows to flood the space with natural lighting.

The new facility features a modern kitchen equipped with every convenience for residents’ use. One particularly popular addition has been the refrigerator with ice facility, which Sharon notes has already become a favourite gathering spot where residents can be found relaxing with glasses of iced water.

The design incorporates a calming green colour theme that creates an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquillity. Beautiful plants throughout the space enhance the peaceful environment, while residents have contributed their own touch by establishing a herb garden at the front entrance, which promises to be spectacular come springtime.

The dedication ceremony held special significance, featuring a reading from Ecclesiastes 4:12, and Pastor Peter Ghalayini delivered a meaningful talk. The choice of this biblical passage was inspired by the theme of the 2026 LCA Aged Care, Retirement Living and Community Services Networking Forum held in Melbourne, where Victorian Acting Bishop Brett Kennett spoke about ‘the three cords that can’t be broken’. This theme perfectly captured the vision for the community centre as a place where residents can support one another, strengthened by their shared faith and fellowship.

This community centre renovation represents just one of many improvements Sharon Ghalayini has championed during her ten and a half years as village manager. As she prepares to retire in six weeks, Sharon reflects proudly on the numerous changes and upgrades she has implemented throughout the village. The new manager, Joanne Augstahns, starting on 13 July, will inherit a community that has been thoughtfully enhanced and strengthened under Sharon’s dedicated leadership.

The dedication of this beautiful new space marks not just the completion of a renovation project but the creation of a heart for community life at Good Shepherd Retirement Village, where residents can gather, connect and thrive together.