The residents at Parkside Lucas are already a tight-knit group, so when an invite came from the Ballarat Croquet Club to give a new sport a try, they all thought ‘why not?’.

On Tuesday 29 November, 43 Parkside Lucas residents and soon-to-be residents attended a come and try day where some ‘born naturals’ were discovered through a casual lesson and game of croquet at the local club.

The other highlight of the day was Ballarat’s own Masterchef Tim Bone who treated residents to his gourmet toasties – full of unusual (and delectable) fillings like noodles, slow-cooked lamb and breakfast eggs.

The fun day out was just a preview to what life is likely to be like at Parkside Lucas once more residents move in and all the resort-style facilities, including pool, bowls green and BBQ area, are up and running.

With 39 residents already settled into their new homes, and many more settlements scheduled for next year, the community will be brimming with social opportunities (and by the sounds of it, sporting prowess) in no time.

For now, the Parkside Lucas residents will continue with their regular catch ups in the temporary club house while the brand new building is finished, and a few may even become Ballarat Croquet Club members in the coming months if the local talent scouts have anything to do with it!

Residents will definitely be inspired to create their own gourmet toastie combinations at home, though – and not just traditional cheese and ham!

If you’re interested in joining an already friendly, new community in picturesque Ballarat, get in touch with Karen 0467 946 339 or email [email protected].