For Jeannette Waters, life couldn’t be more grand.

Having moved into the Yass Apex Village seven-and-a-half years ago, she has found her home away from home and a new family to boot.

“When my husband passed away, I found that taking care of a house on my own and making sure everything was done was impossible,” she said. 

“When this place became vacant I packed up my things and started my new life.

“It’s really the best thing I’ve ever done, and I suspect they will cart me out in a box.” 

The Yass Apex Village is a not-for-profit community organisation that provides 40 self-contained units, giving permanent accommodation for aged persons. 

The village, which is located in the area bordered by Meehan, Rossi and Church Streets, couldn’t be in a more prime location. 

“Town is so close,” she said. “But it’s more than that, it’s the sense of family … We look after one another here. I always feel safe and secure.”

The group started in 1964 when Miss Mary Frances Callaghan died, leaving her estate to the community to provide accommodation for aged persons. 

“Who would have thought the project would have grown to what it is today back when it started?” board secretary, John Heggart said. 

The success could only be attributed to the generosity of the Yass people, Legacy who proved a big financial supporter and many other community groups. 

The homes were the first in Yass to provide accommodation for the aged members in the community.

“It was designed for people that were living off a pension and really didn’t have many options for housing,” he said. 

While the board and trustees provide the maintenance and safe housing, it is the residents that create the community. 

“The residents do 90 per cent of the landscaping work, and happily.”

“We’ve been fortunate over the years in that we have had some top gardeners living in the units. This has saved us a fortune over the years and allowed us to spend money on other improvements.” 

The accommodation is targeted at people over 60 and the village currently has a number of units ready to be occupied. 

For more information contact 0429 685 302.

It’s really the best thing I’ve ever done, and I suspect they will cart me out in a box.” 

Jeannette Waters