Residents of Ingenia Lifestyle's over 55 village, Latitude One, are not letting social distancing get in the way of their community spirit.
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With the Federal Government advising those aged 70 and above to self-isolate amid the COVID-19 pandemic due to the high risk of contracting the virus, the Anna Bay residents have continued to stay social by switching up their regular happy hour to "don't-mix-and-mingle" drinks at the end of their driveways.
Latitude One resident Jackie Hallam had the idea to start the "don't-mix-and-mingle" and said it was just one initiative happening in the community which enabled residents to interact with their friends and neighbours while still practicing social distancing.
"The idea came to me after hearing about the call for Australians to stand on their driveway for Anzac Day," Ms Hallam said.
"I thought we could use this driveway idea for our weekly social catch-ups - we would still be at home and 1.5 metres or more apart from each other, maintaining a safe social distance.
"The drinks started just in my street and then the Ingenia team helped spread the word - now most of the community is getting involved.
"We are hoping to expand the concept by including other activities like basic exercise and stretching during the regular catch-ups."
Latitude One community manager Brendan Upcroft said although self-isolation can be challenging at times, the residents were taking it in their stride using the opportunity to connect through digital channels and other creative measures - like the driveway drinks.
"It has been wonderful to see the positive attitude of the community during this time, every day I am surprised to see the new creative and different ways our community is connecting," Mr Upcroft said.
"On top of the initiatives the residents are introducing, Ingenia has provided a variety of resources to help our residents use technology to stay productive, social and active from the comfort of their own home."
The Latitude One residents are not the only Port neighbourhood finding creative ways to stay connected.
Residents of the Horizons Residential Estate in Salamander Bay were last month pictured having a sit down chat at the end of their driveways.
Does your neighbourhood catch up like this? We'd love to see. Send your neighbourhood chat snaps to the Examiner through its Facebook page or to emwatts@portstephensexaminer.com.au.
