Dot and Doug enjoy Magic Moment rikshaw ride through Emerald

A surprise rikshaw Magic Moment for Dot and Doug brought back wonderful memories for the Emerald Glades couple last Wednesday.

The long-time locals beamed as they rolled through town on the rikshaw and into Emerald Station Reserve.

There they were surprised by family members with a special picnic lunch.

The ride triggered fond memories of their time in England, riding a self-converted motorised tandem bike through the countryside.

That was the inspiration behind Lifeview Emerald Glades' Social Support Coordinator Marc Zywaczewski organising the outing.

“The tandem got a bit heavy (later on) with the two of us on it, so I got a small motor, 25cc, which I stuck on the back wheel, and that took us around for a long time,” Doug recalled.

Dot agreed, saying the tandem bike suited her perfectly – especially after Doug added the motor.

“When we got really moving, I could put my feet up on the crossbar,” she said.

"Doug found one day that I was sitting there with my legs up and he was doing all the work!

“And I thought that was very good.”

Lifeview Magic Moments

The Lifeview Magic Moments program provides surprise “bucket list” experiences for residents throughout the year.

“I just thought it would be a great idea to reminisce and experience that feeling again,” Marc said

“I wanted them to enjoy the picnic and have their loved ones with them, and I thought, ‘what better way to finish off the moment?’”

Marc credited Emerald’s community spirit for bringing the idea to life, with a post on a local social media page rallying support.

“It’s such a great feeling up here – it’s like a country town, and everyone just chips in and helps out,” he said.

Doug and Dot's beaming smiles as they began the journey home were impossible to miss.

The VentureVibe team shared the love, offering additional rides to other Lifeview residents.