The Hive, a walk into Community for Seniors

15 October 2025

Arriving at The Hive

On a beautiful sunny Melbourne day, I made my way to The Hive, a place I had heard so many wonderful things about.

The Hive Program is a social support program designed for seniors, providing the opportunity to come together, enjoy healthy and nutritious meals, engage in physical exercise, and of course, participate in gardening! It also offers a space for individuals to connect, form new friendships, and build a supportive community.

From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with friendly smiles that instantly made me feel at ease. The garden behind the tall fence felt like a secret garden, patches of lush greenery, different coloured flowers, and various newly planted seeds, slowly sprouting in the Spring sun. You could tell that they were all clearly cared for with love. Sisouphane and Aroon, the Social Program Workers welcomed me and introduced themselves.

Walk through the luscious garden

Sisouphane gave me a tour, showing me around and explaining how the space is organised. She also highlighted the need for better storage and safer footpaths, especially for the older participants who find the mulch path a fall risk.

With news that a new shed is being planned, thanks to a donation made by one of our generous major donors. I could see the excitement in Sisouphane’s eyes that this will bring some much-needed space to The Hive.

Currently, items are stored tightly between two existing sheds and the greenhouse, making the space feel cluttered and unorganised. Adding the third shed to The Hive would help organise the current spaces and allow the Greenhouse to return to its original use, growing plants in a protected and controlled environment, rather than serving as a storage space for tools and other equipment.

The heart of The Hive is its sense of community.

After the tour, we headed to the community centre for lunch where everyone brings their own dish and some more to share. I was so excited to try the different foods, each with its own story and conversations flowed as we shared cultural backgrounds and chatted about where the dishes came from.

Aroon, shared his passion for The Hive describing how it is not just about gardening but about building community, exercising the body, and most importantly exercising the emotions.

Leaving The Hive, I felt truly welcomed and inspired by the sense of connection and care that fills the space, through the people that are present. I can’t wait to visit again, after all, I did promise all the ladies I would come back to try more of their dishes!

Katharine Ullrich

Marketing and Fundraising Officer

“As the Marketing and Fundraising Officer at SMRC, it is important to understand our programs and services but also to connect with the individuals who benefit from them. Visiting these programs and services gives me firsthand insight into the challenges our clients face and the real impact we have, helping me share our mission with authenticity and purpose”