Residents at St Vincent’s Care Arundel stepped back in time recently as the aged care home transformed into a vibrant rock and roll showcase, complete with classic tunes and a gleaming display of vintage cars.
Ten classic and antique vehicles rolled into the facility, courtesy of the Gold Coast Antique and Classic Auto Club, delighting residents with a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Staff dressed in retro rock and roll outfits, while local performer Gina Mitchell brought the era to life with a set of classic hits.
The event was the brainchild of staff member Donna Robertson, who organised the day after discovering several residents were vintage car enthusiasts. It also served as a belated 92nd birthday celebration for resident and former car racer Lionel Golder, who once owned and raced a Jaguar, MG and Mini Cooper.
“It’s fabulous to see all these amazing old cars — it really takes me back to my younger years. I used to go cruising and even went to the Bathurst 500 back in the late ’50s. It brings back some wonderful memories.”
Lionel Golder
Fellow residents Hans Benzin and Beverly Cooms also shared fond recollections. For Hans, the event stirred memories of his father restoring Mercedes vehicles in Germany, while Beverly was reminded of family road trips in their classic Holden.
“We used to put a mattress on the floor for the boys on long trips — there were no seat belts then,” Beverly recalled with a laugh. “It was the golden years when Holden was king!”
Facility Manager David MacDonald said the event reflected St Vincent’s person-centred approach to care.
“Caring for our residents takes many forms,” he said. “We take the time to understand their history and what brings them joy — and for some, that’s vintage cars and rock and roll.”
Gold Coast Antique and Classic Auto Club president Richard Brown said members relished the chance to share their passion with others.
“It’s lovely to put a smile on the faces of aged care residents,” he said. “Many remember these cars from their own lives. What started as a request for one or two cars quickly grew into ten, and it’s been fantastic.”
With its roaring engines and rocking tunes, the event proved such a hit that there’s already talk of making the Rock and Roll Vintage Car Day an annual tradition at St Vincent’s Care Arundel.
