Local residents gathered at the Marlo Hotel on Wednesday, July 15, for a special morning tea dedicated to thanking the older members of the Marlo community.
The event was initiated by Rebecca and Jeff McGrath of Marlo Hideaway, who wanted to create an opportunity for the younger generation to show their appreciation for those who helped build and shape the coastal town.
Through their own professional lives, the McGraths explained that they have seen firsthand how older community members can sometimes feel increasingly invisible as they age.
“We thought it’s high time we, as a younger contingent, said thank you to those in our community who have ploughed the field for those who will take over from them,” the organisers said.
“It’s a simple way of saying we appreciate you and value our older members in Marlo.”
The Marlo Hotel hosted the gathering, while several local businesses rallied to support the event by providing sandwiches and traditional scones with jam and cream.
The morning featured a series of speeches from residents representing different eras of the town’s history.
Arthur Ward opened the presentations by providing historical insight into the early roots of Marlo and the efforts of its pioneering families.
Following the historical overview, Heather Macalister spoke about the town in its present day, noting that while Marlo is widely recognised for its scenic natural beauty, the true value of the town lies within its people.
Representing the future of the community, Hannah and Ali Macalister focused their presentation on the younger demographic of the town and its ongoing potential for growth.
Local resident Chris Moore also addressed the gathering.
The overarching theme of the speeches highlighted that the work of building and nurturing the Marlo community remains an active, ongoing effort.
