Residents at Whiddon Maclean have taken part in the much-loved annual Whiddon Gingerbread House Competition, earning 1st place for their creative Gingerbread Village Display!
As you can see from the attached photos, residents had an absolute blast crafting not just gingerbread houses but entire villages! This fun and festive activity invited Whiddon residents to embrace the Christmas spirit, working together to design edible masterpieces for the chance to win prizes.
Drawing inspiration from Maclean’s rich Scottish heritage, the residents incorporated elements of the town’s history into their display, such as the iconic tartan power poles.
The Gingerbread House Competition is a celebration of Christmas, creativity, and togetherness. Over half our residents participated, with many more enjoying the display. It brings joy to our community, highlighted by a visit from the Maclean & District Pipe Band, who admired our creation.
Launched to foster connection and joy post-COVID, the Whiddon Gingerbread Competition has since become a cherished tradition. It continues to bring festive cheer and a sense of togetherness to the Whiddon community year after year.
Key story information
- Each year residents from Whiddon’s 23 Residential Aged Care Homes across regional and rural NSW & Southeast QLD participants in the annual decorating competition.
- Residents were invited to share in the Christmas spirit and come together to build their own edible Gingerbread house and village displays for the chance to win prizes.
- Residents and employees worked together to plan and decorate their villages, enjoying lots of laughs along the way… with many lollies and gingerbread sampled!
- Judging is based on resident participants, a theme or story that represents their home, area and resident and the overall Christmas magic of the homes display!
- Judges included Whiddon’s Group Food Services Manager & General Manager – Whiddon Experience and Retirement Living.
- Since it’s commencement to bring residents closer together post-COVID, the competition has become a beloved tradition and dazzled within the Whiddon community, bringing Christmas cheer and joy to residents.
- Entries closed on the 16th of December with winners announced on 18th December.
- Importantly, the festive activity brings together residents and teams to enjoy in plenty of fun and laughter, emphasising the benefits of connection and relationship-based care.
- MyLife is Whiddon’s award-winning model of care that puts relationships at the heart of great care, it forms the essence of Whiddon’s car philosophy and fosters the building strong relationships with residents and clients through activities such as the annual gingerbread house competition.