Ms Ward moved to the aged care facility 20 years ago from Brisbane after her sister recommended it.

"I haven't had a moments worry, I just love it here," she said.

Ms Ward made friends easily at the village.

She immersed herself in activities including leading a craft group.

"I encouraged people to come and be part of it and it pleased me to that I could encourage someone to get involved," she said.

Ms Ward describes herself as a "bit of an organiser" but said that talent could also be a weakness too.

"I would get involved in too many thing...I found I sometimes said yes too often," she said.

Ms Ward has learnt in the village that "producing a positive attitude and a loving, caring attitude wins people over".

CEO of Garden Village Craig Wearne said the village had come a long way since it was started in 1979 by Keith Westerweller.

"Keith had a vision to create a secure environment for widows to reside in central Port Macquarie," Mr Wearne said.

Since then it has grown exponentially.

"Garden Village has 290 residents and an aged care service of 142," he said.

In November 2018 a vertical-style retirement living development, with 52 apartments as well as communal areas, gym, cafe and basement car parking expanded the Garden Village community.

Recently, the federal government committed five million dollars towards a cyber hub and a health and wellness centre at Garden Village.

And it seems there is always something to do at the village from Zumba, carpet bowls to bible study.

"We have a community centre, a vibrant and active auxiliary which has just hit $100 000 in fundraising, a Men's Shed, two cafes and a restaurant" Mr Wearne said.

"We are a vibrant community that looks after one another and that is just part of our DNA.

"We want to ensure our residents are living the best life they can."

Garden Village's 40^th anniversary celebrations will be held on Friday, September 6 from 1.00pm-5.00pm.

Residents and their families, staff and guests will take a trip down memory lane and enjoy afternoon tea, entertainment, a craft showcase, outdoor games and the unveiling of the Garden Village hall of fame.

Everybody is invited.