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Magic Moment: Community spirit lifts Emerald Glades residents 23m into the air

Published: 11/09/2023

Published in Latest News

Author: Lifeview

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Heather is well-known in the Emerald community.

“Lots of people are always asking me about mum and how she’s going,” her daughter says. “They all remember her.”

As the town’s first female motorcycle postie, Heather has indeed been somewhat of a trailblazer, too.

Now residing at Lifeview Emerald Glades, Heather’s room is only metres from the location of her childhood home near the back of the neighbouring St Joseph’s church next-door in the picturesque town.

“Heather spent her childhood days climbing those trees … and her nostalgia for climbing them and a desire to relive that experience became clear to me,” said Emerald Glades social support coordinator Marc Zywaczewski.

Always looking for ways to make residents’ day, Marc decided he wanted to try to grant a wish.

He had an idea but would need support if it were to become a reality.

Turning to the local Facebook community page, Marc issued a plea for anyone who knew somebody that could provide a cherry-picker.

Enter Barrie Lock, owner-operator of Melbourne Travel Towers.

“It instantly resonated with me,” Barrie said after being tagged by an arborist connection on the Facebook page.

“I only live 20 minutes away and it made me very happy to offer somebody a real opportunity at experiencing something they wouldn’t normally get a chance to do.”

Barrie enthusiastically jumped at the chance to donate his services, time and equipment.

Meanwhile, coincidentally, Beryl, another Emerald Glades resident, remarked she had always wanted to be lifted into the air in a cherry-picker.

Marc decided this would be a dual Magic Moment.

Magic Moments are a Lifeview initiative aimed at providing residents a “bucket list” experience to make their day, or indeed their year.

On Tuesday, Barrie arrived in his truck at the churchyard an hour ahead of time to survey the area, determine wind direction, and do all he could to ensure Heather and Beryl’s experience was magical.

“It is something we all should do – help people where we can,” he said as he prepared harnesses and meticulously drove the crane arm into position.

As a crowd of locals gathered, Heather and Beryl arrived, accompanied by members of their family and Lifeview staff.

Photos and videos were taken, a journalist from the local paper arrived, the residents felt like celebrities on the red carpet.

The crowd clapped and cheered as Heather, her daughter and grandchildren were transported 23m into the air, high above the trees that Heather recalled climbing as a child.

In the air for upwards of 20 minutes – Barrie had explained that whenever Heather wanted to descend her daughter only needed to give the signal – clearly there was no hurry. Heather soaked up the scenery and reminisced.

“It was really special,” her daughter said afterwards.

“Just great, I really enjoyed that,” Heather said as she returned to ground level before heading up again for round two.

Beryl said she had often seen work being done at heights over the years and “always wanted the opportunity to go up in one” of the cherry-pickers.

As she was on the way up, Beryl recalled parking her car in the churchyard in years gone by. “(But) I never dreamed I’d be able to go up here," she said.

“Wonderful, just wonderful,” she beamed as the bucket was lowered afterwards.

For Barrie, the day was incredible.

“It really does make your heart beat a little bit faster,” he said.

“It is not every day you can make an impact on somebody’s life … I’m so glad I’ve been able to be here today to help make Beryl and Heather’s day. And their families. It’s been a wonderful experience.”

Marc and Lifeview staff could not thank Barrie enough for his generosity.

“It was wonderful. We are so thankful. His willingness to help bring this Magic Moment to life has been extremely special,” Marc said.