29/04/2026
There was a little less conversation, a little more connection at Mercy Place Colac last Friday. Staff and residents were All Shook Up when local favourite, and star on the rise, Charlie Gaylard arrived to perform his Elvis tribute act to mark the start of Global Intergenerational Week.
Charlie’s visit reflects the impact of the Intergenerational Program led by Lifestyle Coordinator Mandy Dawes and the Mercy Place Colac lifestyle team. The program runs throughout the year and includes kindergarten visits with residents in the Memory Support Unit, primary school activity sessions and secondary school music performances.
Residents regularly welcome children from Nido Early School, Colac West Primary School and students from Trinity College, building familiarity and connection through planned, meaningful visits.
Charlie first visited the home as a Trinity College music student and has stayed connected ever since. Proof that some performances deserve a return engagement.
The program and its impact in the local community were recently featured in the Colac Herald. Photos by Clint Gibbs.