Two lives, one friendship and a weekly rhythm at Balwyn Evergreen
- Jul 23
- 2 min read
MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
Date: July 2026
Balwyn Evergreen, a community centre dedicated to ensuring that older individuals stay active, healthy and socially connected, is celebrating International Day of Friendship (July 30), by sharing the story of two women whose connection has grown through movement, laughter and Monday lunches.
Jill Sculley and Suzanne Morrison, both 79, met through Balwyn Evergreen Centre, and now see each other several times a week during the centre’s programs, enjoying the Tai Chi and Exercise to Music classes and various day trips together.
What began as a friendly connection at Balwyn Evergreen Centre, has become a genuine and invaluable friendship.
Their lives, in many ways, seem to have quietly dovetailed.
Both value independent travel, both have grandchildren, both enjoy keeping active and both say their friendship has given them something deeply important at this stage of life, someone they can talk to openly.
Jill, whose husband Gerald died 12 years ago, said her friendship with Suzanne has brought warmth, ease and companionship into her week.
“Suzanne and I have a lot in common, and our lives seem to fit together in many ways,” Jill says
“We do exercise classes together, we have lunch on Mondays, and we catch up outside the Balwyn Evergreen Centre too. It is lovely to have someone you can talk to, laugh with and feel completely relaxed around.”
Suzanne, who has been married for 56 years and has two children and five grandchildren, said the friendship has become an important part of her life.
“Friendship matters because it gives you connection,” Suzanne says.
“You can be yourself, have a laugh and enjoy each other’s company. Jill is a good listener, she has had a colourful life and we can confide in each other when something is worrying us.”
Balwyn Evergreen Centre CEO, Tina Hogarth-Clarke, said Jill and Suzanne’s story reflected the quiet power of community connection.
“Friendships such as Jill and Suzanne’s are exactly why places like Balwyn Evergreen Centre matter,” Tina says.
“Staying active is important, however, so is having somewhere to belong. For many older people, a class, outing or shared lunch can be the beginning of a friendship that brings confidence, joy and comfort into everyday life.”
Tina said International Day of Friendship was a timely reminder that meaningful connection can support wellbeing at every age.
“Friendship does not have to be complicated,” Tina says.
“It can begin with a conversation before a class, a seat beside someone on a bus trip or a Monday lunch that becomes part of your routine. What matters is that people feel seen, valued and connected.”
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