In the quiet coastal town of Cremorne, Tasmania, retirees have found that community isn’t just about where you live—it’s about who shows up, how you spend your days, and the little rituals that bring people together. 

From morning ocean dips to barefoot bowls and dog walks, locals like Brian, Helen, Becca, and Vicki show how staying socially connected can turn retirement into something rich, joyful, and deeply human. 

The power of informal spaces

When Vicki moved to Cremorne in 2008, the town’s shop quickly became more than just a place to grab milk—it was the heart of the neighbourhood. Locals would pick up their mail, chat side-by-side, and slowly get to know one another in a relaxed, easy way. Friday night dinners hosted by the shop owners turned into a much-loved tradition, helping newcomers feel right at home. 

‘It was such a gentle way to meet people,’ Vicki recalls. ‘You’d be standing there, chatting while collecting your mail. You didn’t feel like a stranger for long.’ 

Even after the shop eventually closed, that spirit of connection didn’t fade. Vicki helped start a local community group that brought people together through events celebrating the town’s history and shared stories. These gatherings reminded everyone that community isn’t something you’re handed—it’s something you create, one friendly moment at a time. 

Bowls, barefoot and beyond

The local bowls club wasn’t always the buzzing hub it is today. Back then, it was a bit of a closed shop—but thanks to community-minded locals like Vicki and Brian, things changed. They rolled up their sleeves, rewrote the rules, and opened the doors to everyone. Thursday night barefoot bowls in summer quickly became a hit—so much so, there’s now a waiting list to join! 

‘It’s fiercely competitive,’ Vicki laughs. ‘But it’s also a brilliant way to meet people and have a laugh.’ 

Whether it’s joining bowls, starting a book club, or hosting a backyard barbecue, getting involved in local groups can be a fun and meaningful way to stay socially active in retirement.  

CODs and cold-water connection

For Helen, Vicki, and Becca, the CODs (Cremorne Ocean Dippers) is more than just a swim crew—they’re a daily dose of laughter, fresh air, and friendship. Every morning at 8am, rain or shine, they meet at the beach for a dip in the ocean—even in winter, when the water drops to a brisk 8 degrees! 

‘For some, CODs might be the only social interaction they have that day,’ Helen says. ‘It’s a chance to laugh, chat, and share the moment.’ 

Vicki joined after her husband passed away. ‘It was a kind of social necessity,’ she explains. ‘You’ve got to show up. It nudges you out of your comfort zone—and that’s a good thing.’ 

And once a year, in summer, the CODs take things up a notch with the Beach Ball. Everyone pulls out vintage ball gowns, old bridesmaid dresses, and op shop tuxedos (or creative alternatives), wades into the sea in full regalia, and then heads off—often to Helen and Brian’s house—to party well into the night. It’s part celebration, part spectacle, and all heart—a reminder that retirement in Cremorne isn’t just about slowing down, but about showing up with creativity, laughter, and a splash of saltwater glamour. 

A morning swim, a walk with a friend, or a chat over coffee—these simple routines can be lifelines, especially during times of change. 

Dogs, walks and unexpected friendships

Dogs have a surprising knack for bringing people together. Brian wasn’t sure about getting a pet at first, but now he says Mea—the Lagotto Romagnolo he shares with Helen—has completely changed his daily routine. 

‘People are just more open when you’ve got a dog,’ he says. ‘They stop to chat, smile, ask questions. If you’re walking alone, that kind of interaction doesn’t happen as much.’ 

Becca agrees. Her rescue dog Tilly helped her connect with locals she might not have met otherwise. And Vicki jokes that Cremorne probably has ‘more dogs per person than any other suburb in Australia!’  

Whether it’s a dog, a regular walking route, or even just a friendly wave, small moments like these can spark meaningful connections.  

When community shows up

One of the most powerful things about community is how it wraps around you when life gets tough. Vicki, who’s faced serious illness and the loss of her husband, remembers how neighbours stepped in—organising lifts to treatment, dropping off meals, and simply being there when she needed it most. 

‘I don’t know how that would’ve worked if I’d still been living in the city,’ she says. ‘It was just fabulous.’  

Whether you’re in a small town or a big city, these stories are a gentle reminder: connection doesn’t just happen. It grows through everyday moments—a shared meal, a morning swim, a dog walk, or an everyday acts of kindness. It’s not just about being surrounded by people — it’s about showing up for each other.  

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Information correct as at 15 September 2025.