TUCKED away at the foot of the breathtaking Glass House Mountains, Halcyon Dales in Beerwah is the latest over-50s lifestyle community from Stockland. With a collection of turnkey homes to choose from – imagine thoughtfully designed floorplans with luxury finishes – and an effortless buying process, Halcyon Dales makes the transition to lowmaintenance, resort-style living seamless and stressfree.
To celebrate the highly anticipated foundation release of the first 13 homes, future homeowners
recently gathered for an intimate two-course lunch alongside members of the Stockland Halcyon team. This special event off prospective homeowners the opportunity to secure their place at Halcyon Dales and meet their soonto-be neighbours.
Welcoming guests to the event, Stockland Halcyon’s Project Director, Andrew Astorquia, reflected on the journey leading up to the launch.
“The first release of homes is always a special and momentous occasion,” Andrew shared. “Today marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for this new community – one where we welcome our first buyers into the Halcyon Dales family.”
Halcyon community on the Sunshine Coast.
After years of careful planning and collaboration with designers, councils, and homeowner interest groups, Halcyon Dales officially becomes Stockland’s seventh
“Upon completion, this picturesque community will include 212 sites and be home to more than 400 homeowners,” Andrew said. “With incredible mountain views, a twostorey clubhouse — the first of its kind in a Halcyon community — a covered bowling green, swimming pool, cinema, and even pickleball courts, this is a
place designed for people ready to embrace the lifestyle they’ve always dreamed of.”
Excitement builds for Halcyon Dales
The response to Halcyon Dales has been overwhelmingly positive, with a number of homes already placed on hold following the event.
Stockland Halcyon Sales Professional, Narelle Colquhoun, shared her
excitement about the interest Halcyon Dales has received. “We knew this community would resonate with buyers, but the enthusiasm has truly exceeded expectations,” she said. “The location, the lifestyle, and the simple buying process really set Halcyon Dales
Narelle highlighted the ease of securing a home at Halcyon Dales. “We’ve created a straightforward and transparent purchasing experience,” she explained. “Our turnkey homes come with a nine-month build guarantee, eliminating the stress of building a new home and allowing buyers to plan their move with confi With the fi release of homes now available, Halcyon Dales is shaping up to be a highly sought-aft over-50s community on the Sunshine Coast.
“This is a rare opportunity to be part of something special from the very beginning,” she said. “Our foundation homeowners play such an integral part in shaping the spirit of a community, and from today’s gathering, it’s clear Halcyon Dales is going to be an extraordinary place to live.”
With a warm sense of community already forming, the excitement around Halcyon Dales is only just beginning. To learn more about this lifestyle community and available sites, visit the website. https://www.stockland. com.au/halcyon-
Halcyon Dales clubhouse. Artist’s impression only, subject to change.
A wonderful marriage
Flying high after love at first sight on first day of work
By Bryan Hughes
AFTER I graduated as a pilot officer (engineer) in the RAAF my first posting was to RAAF Base Amberley in 1967 as Assistant Base Radio Officer.
On my first morning at work, I reported to my boss in his full glass-fronted office. It was a bit crowded and as I waited a beautiful blonde WRAAF corporal walked past the glass front looking in (checking out this new “young boss”, she said later).
Our eyes locked.
Two evenings later a few friends and I visited the nearby Walloon pub when three young WRAAFs walked in. One was that same beautiful blonde: Val. A friend indicated he was going to chat her up. “No, you aren’t,” I said “she’s mine”.
And she was: love at first sight. We married in 1969!
Back then, it was not
quite the done thing for an officer to “fraternise” with a junior member especially when the corporal was indirectly in my line of command. Our friends kept it quiet until, one morning, I stunned my boss when I announced that I was now engaged to Val Stark.
As I waited a beautiful blonde WRAAF corporal walked past ... checking out this new ‘young boss’.
After two beats: “Ah,” he said, jaw dropped “you mean Corporal Stark”. Val and I enjoyed 20 great years in the RAAF. One highlight was my posting on a two-year officer
exchange with the RAF, my posting being to RAF Stanbridge in Bedfordshire, UK.
Travelled first class with family (Val and two beautiful very young daughters) on a Qantas 747, including a three-day stopover in Athens, courtesy of the Air Force.
While working away at Stanbridge I received an official letter, stamped with the Buckingham Palace logo. In it was an Invitation:
“The Lord Chamberlain is commanded by Her Majesty to invite Squadron Leader and Mrs B L Hughes to an Afternoon Party in the Garden of Buckingham Palace”. WOW!!!
On the day, while walking fairly aimlessly in the Gardens, a voice said hello from behind.
We turned and found ourselves facing an Air Chief Marshall of the RAF, rings on his sleeve up to his elbows. I was being addressed by a “living god”! We chatted pleasantly for several minutes when “God”
THE WRITE STUFF - Do you have a life story that deserves to be told? Perhaps it’s a tale of triumph or blunder, the happiest moment or a time of profound sorrow. Whatever it is, we’d love to hear it. We’re inviting readers to share their personal stories for publication. We’re not looking for a perfect story, just honest writing so give it a go and send us 400-450 words with a title, your name, age and town: editorial@gcnews.com.au
asked if we would care to be presented. “Sorry sir,” I asked “What do you mean?” The reply: “why, to be presented to Her Majesty”.
Overawed, we politely said yes.
When the party goers were divided to allow HM to proceed down the now open pathway, we were instructed to stand several yards in from the crowd. A little later, HM arrived at our spot. A pleasant chat, she moved on, I saluted.
There were many other happy events in our life together, including a oneyear house exchange in very rural France, 100km north of Bordeaux. That’s another story.
Dedicated to my wonderful wife, Valmai, passed away from cancer, 27 May 2023
Grief and loneliness universal: regardless of health or wealth
A UNIQUE study, led by Monash University, has found that when a woman’s or man’s spouse dies, their loneliness and grief persist regardless of whether they are isolated or supported socially, are self-reliant or healthy.
The study, published in the journal Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, and led by world-leading loneliness expert Dr Rosanne Freak-Poli from Monash University, identifi almost 750 women and men who had lost a spouse from a large longitudinal data set and assessed their loneliness from three years before to three years after spousal loss.
by participants of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in
This study revealed that little can protect a person against the grief of the death of a spouse.
“We found that loneliness related to spousal bereavement occurred regardless of low social isolation or high social support,” Dr Freak-Poli said.
“Additionally, the impact of spousal loss on increasing loneliness is felt uniformly, regardless of gender, wealth, health.”
The research team analysed 19 surveys, completed each year
While the study found that there were a few sub populations with some protection against loneliness during spousalloss, the effects were minimal.
Co-researcher, Dr Achamyeleh Teshale from Monash University’s School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, said that their study demonstrated that high self-efficacy, good health and quality of life did not protect individuals from experiencing loneliness following spousal loss.
“Men living in major cities tend to start off less socially isolated than those in regional or remote areas.
But interestingly, when they go through bereavement, they’re less likely to see improvements in social isolation compared to their regional counterparts,” said
According to Dr FreakPoli, interventions to increase social interaction and support are unlikely to benefit people experiencing spousal bereavementrelated loneliness.
“What is needed is personalised help with a focus on creating new social connections and routines to form a sense of identity as an individual rather than as a couple,” she said. Co-researcher, Dr Htet Lin Htun, said that many countries were now turning to social prescribing, where healthcare providers recommend activities like cooking classes or walking groups instead of just relying on medication.
“It’s all about a patientcentred approach, where individuals help design their own plans. Dr Htun said.
“For people dealing with the long-term effects of bereavement, this could be a game-changer—helping them rebuild routines and find connection through activities tailored to their needs.”
Bringing our clients closer
Community Spaces for Creating Connections
Contributed by RangeCare
FINDING connections with like minded people in your community is something that many people struggle with, especially later in life. An active social life plays an important role in overall well-being and local community care provider RangeCare is committed to providing a wide variety social support services. Creating safe spaces where people can meet new people, make lasting connections and learn new skills is one of the main driving forces behind RangeCare’s continual development of programs designed to support both physical and mental health and overall wellbeing. One of the most popular programs available to the local community are the Social Centres. Located in Flaxton, Nambour, Maleny and Gympie these centres offer the opportunity for individuals to meet and form connections with others while also providing
ones. Each Social Centre has an experienced team dedicated to creating a welcoming and engaging environment for all who attend. Social Centre visitors are transported to and from their home to attend the centre, are treated to a delicious morning tea
encouraged to participate in a range of fun games, crafts and activities. If you would like to learn more about the Social Support Programs offered by RangeCare or find out how to organise a trial at your local Social Centre call 07 5445 7044 or visit www. rangecare.com.au.
Brain health research needed for Dementia patients
ACCORDING to 2025
figures released today, the prevalence of dementia is projected to double within the next 30 years without significant intervention, highlighting the urgent need for a national conversation on dementia and brain health.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said there are an estimated
433,300 Australians living with dementia in 2025 and it is increasingly being understood as the public health, disability and aged care challenge facing Australia.
“Dementia Australia’s research clearly shows that there has been a sustained and profoundly concerning lack of awareness and understanding about
dementia in the community – with many Australians mistakenly believing dementia is a normal part of ageing,” Professor Buchanan said.
“Dementia Australia is calling for critical investment from the Federal Government to support a national conversation on brain health, combined with more targeted and effective
supports for people impacted by dementia.
“Taking this dual approach will ensure we are working towards reducing the impact of all forms of dementia.” In 2025 there are an estimated 433,300 Australians living with dementia. Without a significant intervention, the number of people with dementia is expected to
increase to an estimated 812,500 by 2054. In 2025 there are an estimated 29,000 people living with younger onset dementia, expected to increase to an estimated 41,000 people by 2054. For more details about 2025 dementia prevalence data local to you go to dementia.org.au/ about-dementia/dementiafacts-and-figures
Pink lady celebrations.
Essential support for carers
By Glasshouse Country Care
CARING for a loved one comes with many challenges and requires a great deal of time and energy. Carers often ignore their own needs and feel they can’t ask for help, leading to guilt, overwhelm and exhaustion.
It is vital to take time for yourself to avoid carer burnout.
It can be hard to let go and let someone else help, but taking a break is
beneficial for both you and your loved one, and for your relationship. That’s where respite services come in – offering essential support to families and caregivers.
Respite care allows carers the opportunity to take a break, recharge, and tend to their own health and wellbeing with peace of mind, knowing their loved one is in capable hands. Respite services also encourage social engagement and offer a change in routine for those
being cared for.
Glasshouse Country Care understand the challenges of caregiving and are here to help.
Their flexi-respite services can be provided in the home or out in the community, and are designed to provide both caregivers and their loved ones with the support they need.
If you would like more information about flexirespite services please contact Glasshouse Country Care on 5494 6948.
It’s time for a new vision of aged care
By Mark & Sylvie’s Home Care
THE Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and the COVID-19 pandemic have starkly revealed the cracks in our aged care system. It’s clear: we need a fundamental shift in how we support older Australians. We can no longer accept a fragmented system that leaves our elders confused and struggling to access the care they deserve. The upcoming rightsbased aged care act is a step forward, but true change lies in empowering seniors to live fulfi independent lives at home.
linked. From assistance with everyday tasks like shopping and cleaning to integrated medical support, older Australians need comprehensive care that meets their diverse needs.
Dr. Floyd Gomes, driven by this very vision, established Mark & Sylvie’s Home Care. He understands that health and home care are inextricably
Mark & Sylvie’s Home Care bridges this gap, offering government-funded home care packages designed to do just that. This venture is a deeply
personal one for Dr. Gomes, named in honour of his parents, Mark and Sylvie, who instilled in him a strong sense of family and community. “This company is named in honour and remembrance of them,” he shares. “Through Mark & Sylvie’s Home Care, we will enable elderly people to live fuller, safer lives at home. We aspire to deliver services at a standard that my parents would be proud of and would have wanted for themselves.” The time for action is now. Don’t wait for the new legislation to take ect. If you or a loved one needs support, contact Mark & Sylvie’s Home Care today. Let us help you navigate the complexities of aged care and create a personalised plan that empowers you to live life to the fullest. Learn more at www.mshomecare.com.au
Retirees paying extra super tax
THOUSANDS of retirees are unnecessarily paying more tax due to a lack of basic advice on switching their super into the tax-free retirement phase.
The Super Members Council (SMC) found that around 700,000 Australians over 65 who aren’t working full-time still have their super in an accumulation
(savings-phase) account, costing them an average of $650 in extra tax per year. Altogether, these accounts hold $90 billion.
A retiree with $100,000 in an accumulation account could pay up to $4,500 in extra super tax over their retirement, while someone with $200,000 could pay up to $9,000.
Many retirees fail to act due to disengagement or uncertainty. Research shows six in ten Australians with low balances (under $100,000) keep inactive accounts because they don’t know what to do.
Super Members Council CEO Misha Schubert said reforms under the federal government’s Delivering
Better Financial Outcomes package are critical to ensuring retirees can access affordable, high-quality financial advice.
“Not knowing enough about super can lead to poor decisions, like leaving accounts inactive or withdrawing funds without proper planning,” Ms Schubert said.
