My Halcyon Days - Spring 2019

My Halcyon

FREE

DAYS Spring 2019

Cover story Story Dogs help spin magical tales p.10

Spotlight on: Logan Reserve Acreage charm in the heart of boomtown p.18

Life beginsatHalcyon.com.au

16

Contents 3-9

WHO LIVES AT HALCYON

10-13

COVER STORY

14-15

HALCYON

16-17

PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT

18-19

SPOTLIGHT ON

20-21

DESIGNED FOR LIVING

22-29

IN & AROUND

30-33

Secret shoppers become happy home owners Crafty Chris is sewing the seeds of love Judith and Stan’s unforgettable anniversary Story Dogs help spin magical tales Donor Don gives the gift of life We’re looking forward to the next 15 years Take a look at what’s coming up next from Halcyon

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36

Acreage charm in the heart of boomtown On a winner… the future shapes Halcyon’s new homes Going bananas for fresh produce Culinary Keith has them eating out of his hand The art of pressing your ‘happy buttons’ A dose of Carol’s prose

26

HEALTH & FITNESS

They did it! Halcyon champions step it up Glades adventurers step out of their comfort zone

34-35

A HELPING HAND

36-37

OUT & ABOUT

38-41

SOCIAL SEEN

42-43

HALCYON COMMUNITIES

Bella’s Sanctuary – A bridge to a fresh start in life Kevin and Jenny drop anchor at Vision

Open Days Halcyon Waters Tenori Event Gold and Sunshine Coast Marathons Halcyon Lakeside Awards Night

Cover image: Musgrave Hill State School Student Evy with Alice the Story Dog. Whilst all care has been taken in the preparation of the particulars contained herein, no warranty can be given and interested parties must therefore rely on their enquiries.

Prices and details correct at time of printing. Effective as at September 2019.

Who lives at Halcyon

Spring 2019

Secret shoppers become happy home owners

STUART AND TONI-MAREE EDEN’S move into the 200th home at Halcyon Glades started with an ‘undercover mission’ more than a decade ago.

It was 2008 and the Sunshine Coast couple first stepped inside a Halcyon community as secret shoppers at Halcyon Parks in Caloundra.

As they cast a critical eye over the community they were very impressed and could see themselves living the Halcyon lifestyle.

However, their enthusiasm was tempered by the fact they were building a home in the picturesque Glasshouse Mountains at the time.

Continued on page 5

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Spring 2019

“We looked at each other said ‘we’d love to do this, it’s our sort of lifestyle but maybe down the track’,” Stuart said.

“That experience planted the seed for us.”

With Halcyon always in the back of their minds, the Edens loved the years they spent in their five-bedroom Glasshouse Mountains home with a pool and an amazing view of Mt Tibrogargan.

Inevitably though, the size of the place and its lush garden caught up with them and got in the way of their love of travelling, socialising and dancing.

“We absolutely love the house, but it’s work; all I did was prune because we were so successful in establishing the garden,” Stuart laughed.

“And the house was so big that the work inside was also pretty constant.”

Toni-Maree agreed that it was the ideal time to ‘right-size’ their life.

“We don’t feel old, but we just don’t want the hassle of working around the house and looking after the yard, we just want to enjoy life more,” she said.

“Everyone told us not to leave it too long because you need to enjoy the facilities and if you’re too old and something happens, then you can’t.”

They checked out many other options yet kept coming back to Halcyon; settling on a home design they customised to suit their needs on a unique triangular site at Halcyon Glades.

“In the end we stuck with Halcyon, we really felt the quality was better

Stuart and Toni-Maree enjoying Happy Hour

We don’t feel old, but we just don’t want the hassle of working around the house and looking after the yard, we just want to enjoy life more.

and cost-wise it was reasonable,” Stuart said.

“We’re looking forward to locking up and leaving because we travel a lot and we’ve got a caravan – so the caravan storage was important to us too.

“It’s been a long time coming; we’ve been planning this for 10 years.”

Toni-Maree said Halcyon Glades’ location close to family and friends in northern Brisbane and their weekly rock’n’roll dancing lessons at Caboolture sealed the deal.

“What we love about Glades is that it’s more ‘countryfied’, relaxed and laidback,” she said.

“It’s a great location; everything’s so handy and you’re just minutes from the highway.”

They are looking forward to having more time for fun and meeting their new neighbours and making friends.

“We love variety, we love life, we just love to keep moving,” Toni-Maree said.

“We thought long and hard about it and we think this is where we are meant to be.” ■

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Spring 2019

Crafty Chris is sewing the seeds of love CHRIS CARTER has never forgotten how kindness touched her life when she needed it most.

“I was a single mum for a number of years and I had absolutely nothing,” the Halcyon Greens home owner recalled.

“I had a wonderful bunch of ladies that I worked with who could see that I didn’t have any food for the family when I ate Vita Brits for lunch every day for a week.

“They would take up a collection for me, and every now and then they would buy me a food parcel. I’ve never forgotten their generosity.”

That kindness and a humbling visit to a Cambodian orphanage several years ago with husband Ray strengthened her resolve to ‘pay it forward’ when she could.

In 2016, Chris’s love of sewing brought her in touch with In Stitches, a Brisbane group that makes clothing and toys for kids in foster or crisis care in Queensland.

These items are donated to Care Kits for Kids Qld which puts together care packs for kids aged up to 16. As a result, these children receive a backpack full of new clothes, books, personal care items and education resources as they go into foster care.

To me, that’s what community is about; we’re one big family and we’re supporting people around us who are less fortunate than us.

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To date, Chris has made more than 600 items of clothing including pyjamas, shorts, shirts, dresses, skirts and jumpsuits.

“We have no idea the impact that a new outfit can have on a child who has either lived in poverty or dreadful circumstances,” she said.

“I like to think that every outfit that I make has some love in it.

Spring 2019

Who lives at Halcyon

“I ask myself ‘would I make this for my child and would my child wear this’?

“I’m fulfilling my passion to sew and I’m feeling good about myself because I’m doing something for somebody else.

“I’m paying it forward for those girls who used to feed me.”

Since moving to Halcyon Greens last year, Chris has helped to establish the community’s craft group which meets each Friday in the Pavilion.

Not surprisingly she’s recruited fellow members to the foster kids’ cause and their sewing wizardry can produce eight pairs of children’s pyjamas in a matter of hours.

“Our biggest challenge is making clothes for the older kids because they want to look trendy, so you have to be aware of the latest fashion,” she said.

Chris said she was so pleased to find herself surrounded by kindred spirits at Halcyon Greens with many fellow home owners wanting to donate items and help however they can.

“We have so much, and this is the time in our lives when we can help out,” she said.

“To me, that’s what community is about; we’re one big family and we’re supporting people around us who are less fortunate than us.

“And that’s what I love about this place so much; there’s so many like-minded people who think it’s now our opportunity to give back.”

Earlier this year the craft group sold and raffled their beautiful handiwork to raise more than $1,100 for Queensland-based domestic violence support organisation, DVConnect.

How can I help? Chris accepts donations of: Fabric, lace, zips, buttons, elastic, wool New or good second-hand clothing

They hope to raise even more funds for various charities close to home owners’ hearts in the months and years to come.

Sheets and towels (new or used in good condition)

Chris expects she will be sewing for the next 30 years given the extent of her personal collection of fabric which fills her walk-in linen closet and a wardrobe.

Soap, shampoo and conditioner

“I will not rest until my fabric stash is gone,” she laughed. ■

Toothbrushes and toothpaste Face washers Good quality books for children and teens You can find In Stitches Brisbane and Care Kits for Kids Qld on Facebook.

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Spring 2019

Who lives at Halcyon

Judith and Stan’s unforgettable anniversary THERE’S NEVER BEEN a 60th wedding anniversary celebration quite like this one.

The guests waded through water to reach the venue, the boat didn’t leave the wharf and the bride renewed her wedding vows in bare feet.

“It was better than our wedding day,” laughed Halcyon Landing home owner Judith Smith.

It was meant to be a scenic cruise and anniversary lunch with their dearest friends on the Maroochy River. But it turned out to be something rather different and also quite wonderful for Judith and her husband Stan, who moved to Halcyon Landing in 2012.

Judith said a flooding king tide on the big day made reaching the boat a little tricky for the party of 25 people.

“We got down to the river and we couldn’t get straight onto the boat because the water was up over the wharf and had crossed half the road,” she said.

The day’s glitches had made their celebration a hilarious and unforgettable experience for all.

The Smiths’ anniversary celebrations continued to go off course with the captain declaring the river’s fast-running current too dangerous for cruising, so the boat had to stay put.

It didn’t bother the happy couple who surprised their dedicated guests by announcing they were renewing the wedding vows they made all those years ago.

They were helped by fellow home owners John Quaill, who acted as MC, Janet Quaill who took the photos, and marriage celebrant Denise Wilkowski who presided over the vows.

“We had to stop the traffic to get everyone across the road including a fellow in his wheelchair.

“The men had to roll their trousers up and take off their shoes and socks, ladies had their shoes and handbags in their hands.

“One lady wouldn’t take her stockings off so the captain lent her his gumboots so she could walk through the water to the boat.”

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Judith and Stan on their wedding day in 1959

“I didn’t even realise until I saw the photos that I was standing there with no shoes on,” Judith laughed.

“My shoes didn’t go back on until we got off the boat. By then the tide had dropped and we could see the wharf.”

Judith said the day’s glitches had made their celebration a hilarious and unforgettable experience for all. It turned out to be a lovely day even though we didn’t leave the wharf,” she said.

“We were all laughing and giggling; it just made the day, and everybody said they’ll never forget it.” ■

Spring 2019

Picture theatre meeting sparks an epic romance SHE WAS 12 AND HE WAS 14. It was Friday night at the Annandale Picture Theatre in Sydney’s inner west.

A Frank Sinatra picture was showing but Judith only had eyes for Stan and the soft curls falling across his forehead.

“He had a sexy hair-do, it was what they called ‘Bondi Breaker Curls’ at the front, like Tony Curtis had,” Judith fondly recalled. “He’d have to look through either side of his curls to watch the movie.”

Stan thought she was ‘cute and cuddly’.

Young love bloomed and four years later the teenagers wanted to get married, but Judith’s parents insisted they wait until she was 18.

Eventually, they tied the knot on 20 February 1959 when the weather provided a metaphor for the long marriage ahead.

“It was pouring with rain in the morning, absolutely teeming but I had faith,” Judith said.

“About lunchtime the rain stopped, and by mid-afternoon the sky was clear, blue and sunny and it was a beautiful day.

“I’ve always had faith that that’s going to happen all the time; things come good if you’re strong enough in your relationship.”

Judith and Stan said respecting each other’s independence was the key to their long and happy marriage.

“I think it’s giving each other space to do their own thing and not tying the other down to doing what you want to do,” Judith said.

Their approach continues at Halcyon Landing where Judith is happy to do her own thing while Stan spends most of his days working in the community’s thriving farming precinct, known locally as the Cane Train Cutting.

“I’m happy that he’s so involved, it’s probably what keeps us happy,” she laughed. ■

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Spring 2019

Cover story

Lynne Williams and Alice reading with children from Musgrave Hill State School

Story Dogs help spin magical tales DOGS DON’T JUDGE, which is why the Story Dogs program works its magic on kids struggling to read.

reading to a dog and its handler for about 20 minutes once a week.

With the mission of making reading fun for children, at least three Halcyon home owners and their dogs volunteer in the ground-breaking program at local schools.

Making the dog part of the equation creates a non-judgemental, relaxed and fun setting in which the kids build up their confidence and hopefully become lifelong readers.

Story Dogs involves young primary school kids sitting down and 10

On the Sunshine Coast, Halcyon Landing’s Marilyn Skeet and Lucille Alexander are involved

in Story Dogs at the nearby Bli Bli State School.

Marilyn was already helping at the school when she decided to take part in Story Dogs with her miniature Poodle-cross Milly.

“I’d been volunteering helping kids with their reading for a couple of years,” she said. “I’ve got a lovely little dog, and it seemed sensible to put the two together.

Spring 2019

Lucille Alexander and Tinker reading with children from Bli Bli State School

“There is a slightly different emphasis because we’re not really trying to improve their reading, we’re more focussed on trying to make it fun for the kids.”

“One little boy, who was a little bit scared at first, now rests his hand on Milly while he’s reading.”

And Milly seems to enjoy it too.

“On the first day the kids all looked very nervous and didn’t know quite how to handle the dog,” Marilyn said.

“She sits between me and the child and usually puts her head on their lap, which I think is rather sweet,” Marilyn said. “She just stays there quietly while they read with the book slapping over the top of her, but she doesn’t mind.”

“But now they come in with a big smile on their face in anticipation and say, ‘hello Milly’.

Lucille and her Maltese-cross Tinker joined Marilyn and Milly at the school in July.

And it appears that Milly is already working her magic.

She said Tinker, a seven-year-old rescue dog, had the ideal temperament for the program.

“He’s adorable; he’s gentle, very sociable and loves kids, so I think he’s eminently suited to the role,” Lucille said.

Like all Story Dogs, Tinker has passed a vet check and a behavioural assessment as well as being registered and vaccinated.

Their handlers must have a Blue Card and they attend information and training sessions before starting their Story Dogs duties.

Continued on page 12

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Spring 2019

Marilyn Skeet and Milly reading with children from Bli Bli State School

What’s the story?

Story Dogs is a registered charity aimed at making reading fun for children, so they become confident, lifelong readers.

It is a reading support program where selected children read to an accredited dog and its handler (the Dog Team) during a 20-minute session once a week.

These one-on-one sessions take place in a quiet area of the school such as the library or verandah outside the classroom.

Most breeds can be assessed to become Story Dogs.

Dog Teams must pass an accreditation by a certified dog trainer as well as being immaculately groomed, vaccinated and vet checked.

Halcyon Waters home owner Lynne Williams and her Cavalier King Charles spaniel Alice have been in the program for almost a year, spending every Thursday of the school term at Musgrave Hill State School.

Lynne has seen how Story Dogs can turn things around for kids.

She said one energetic boy had initially told her ‘I don’t do reading’ and then flicked quickly through the books.

However, Lynne’s perseverance and Alice’s calming and

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comforting presence brought some encouraging signs by the end of Term 2.

“My very active boy read a book from cover to cover, and it was just so awesome,” Lynne said.

“We’ve slowed him down from a kid that just turned the pages to one who will sit and read a book.

“That’s got to make a difference to his life and it’s nice to know that you’ve made a bit of difference.

“Story Dogs is more than a reading program: it’s creating confidence.” ■

Currently, the program’s 474 Dog Teams help almost 2,400 kids in 284 Australian schools each week.

Volunteers with a well-behaved dog and a few hours to spare each week are always needed.

You can sponsor a Dog Team for $500 a year. This provides a set of books, training materials, dog vest, reading rug, volunteer training and uniform, Dog Team accreditation and insurance.

For more information visit www.storydogs.org.au or email info@storydogs.org.au.

Spring 2019

Donor Don gives the gift of life HALCYON GLADES newcomer Don Young is a life saver, but not the kind you see at the beach.

Don Young

The 67-year-old saves lives simply by rolling up his sleeve twice a month, sitting back and giving blood at the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.

“For me, it’s just something that I do for somebody else,” he said.

Don recently donated for the 350th time saying the experience is simple and even pleasant because you get to enjoy delicious snacks afterwards.

His total contribution equates to around 300 litres of blood and plasma – and many lives either saved or greatly improved.

Don first gave blood in the early 1970s when he was working for the electricity board in Brisbane city.

“The boss said we could have time off to go to the blood bank so, along with a few others, we thought that it was a good way of getting out of some work,” he laughed.

“Last time, everyone was in their State of Origin jerseys, so there was a bit of friendly rivalry,” he said.

“They’d send a bus and pick up 12 or 15 people and take us to the donor centre and you’d do your thing and they’d return you back to work a couple of hours later.”

Don intends to keep donating for as long as he’s able. ■

Back then you could only donate every three months, so Don kept it up, even after leaving that job and moving from Brisbane to Melbourne for 15 years.

“I guess I continued to do it because most of the family have always been community-minded, so it’s been my thing over the years,” he said.

It also hit close to home at one stage.

“We had a relative who needed blood, so I guess I’m doing my bit to make sure that blood supplies are up so people like our relative can continue to be treated,” he said.

These days, Don donates twice a month and enjoys catching up with the nurses, having a chat with other donors and tucking into sausage rolls and Tim Tams afterwards.

“The nurse putting the needle in was a Blues supporter and I was a bit concerned about how uncomfortable that might be.”

Where do our blood donations go?

34% treat people with cancer & blood diseases 19% other causes of anaemia 18% surgical & burns patients 13% heart, stomach & kidney disease 10% orthopaedic patients 4% obstetrics & young children 2% road trauma Source: Australian Red Cross Blood Service

Blood donors are always needed. To check your eligibility and find your nearest donor centre visit www.donateblood.com.au or phone 131 495.

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Spring 2019

Halcyon

We’re looking forward to the next 15 years

By Dr Bevan Geissmann & Paul Melville, joint managing directors

(L-R) Paul Melville and Dr Bevan Geissmann

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Spring 2019

15 YEARS. In our, and probably your lifetime 15 years isn’t much. Blink and your newborn is a teenager.

Blink again and you’re a grandparent. For both of us 15 years ago feels just like yesterday.

Paul was practising law in Beenleigh and Bevan was a GP in Logan as we began creating and managing lifestyle communities across South East Queensland (SEQ).

Blink, and in August 2019 it’s 15 years since we started out on this extraordinary journey.

It is a modest milestone in the wider scheme of things but for us it’s a line in the sand.

We can reflect on how we got here, celebrate where we are and, most importantly, decide what the next 15 years looks like and move ahead with the care and innovation that is ‘the Halcyon Way’.

Our approach is to thoughtfully design and deliver; focussing on being better, not necessarily bigger – to refine, not rush.

It enables us to create distinctive communities for a trailblazing generation that has helped to define modern Australia and is now challenging and reshaping what retirement looks like.

The home owners and visitors who’ve come through Halcyon’s gates over the past 15 years have inspired us to be part of that revolution.

They’ve driven us to constantly break new ground and redefine lifestyle communities while upholding our commitment to quality and security.

Halcyon has matured yet our passion hasn’t waned.

The past two years have seen phenomenal growth in the lifestyle community sector, particularly in SEQ. In 2015 there were 450 new lifestyle community homes for sale in SEQ. Three years later in 2018, more than 1,200 homes were in the market – nearly a 300 per cent increase.

Our approach is to thoughtfully design and deliver; focussing on being better, not necessarily bigger – to refine, not rush.

Why has the industry expanded so rapidly?

Well, it’s not just because the Baby Boomer cohort is reaching the next stage of life. We believe this staggering growth is also testament to the strength of the lifestyle community model and the way of life, wellbeing and financial security that it delivers.

Against this backdrop, Halcyon is committed to stepping up and growing, but without compromising our core values.

We know that growth doesn’t always mean better, and faster sometimes doesn’t allow for improvement.

So, in this our 15th year, we have spent considerable time rethinking how and what our communities and homes look like.

We have spent six months running focus groups and talking to our home owners about their experiences.

Their valuable insights and the strong fundamentals underpinning the SEQ property market have helped us to chart our course going forward and inspired the launch of two new communities in 2019.

One of these projects brings us full circle to Logan, back to where we laid the foundations of Halcyon; the other to the Sunshine Coast, where we opened our first community, Halcyon Parks in 2004.

These two new projects introduce the next phase of our journey as tireless pioneers of the lifestyle community sector in SEQ. Located at Logan Reserve and Buderim, these are carefully considered, crafted and refined communities that benefit from everything we’ve learned along the way.

In signature Halcyon style, each will take shape on a special site and will have its own identity, look and feel.

These communities will reflect the fruits of our research and the more sophisticated needs and wants of the formidable Baby Boomer generation.

In closing, we’d like to thank our families, the Halcyon team and our shareholders for everything they bring to this journey. We couldn’t do it without you. ■

Dr Bevan Geissmann & Paul Melville joint managing directors

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Spring 2019

Take a look at what's coming A rainforest retreat in the foothills of Buderim DURING THE PAST 15 YEARS many buyers have asked us, ‘when will Halcyon have a community in Buderim?’

It’s an excellent question because beautiful Buderim has always been high on our wish list of preferred locations.

Halcyon joint managing director Dr Bevan Geissmann said securing the perfect parcel of land in 2013 was just the beginning of our Buderim journey.

“We then spent six years getting the development approval across the line,” he said.

“That’s how much we want to be here. It has been a long time in the making and we’re so thrilled and grateful to see it becoming a reality.

“We are now finalising the finer details of homes, facilities and pricing, and these will be unveiled in the coming months.”

Nestled in Buderim’s rainforest- blessed foothills, Halcyon’s eighth lifestyle community will soon start taking shape after getting the green light from council.

Wrapped in lush greenery and just minutes from sub-tropical rainforests, this will not be a community for everyone or the everyday.

Famed for its rich volcanic soil, agricultural history and sweet produce, Buderim today features national parks, heritage trails, a vibrant arts and craft scene and close-knit village lifestyle.

This distinctive location will position our home owners in the green heart of the Sunshine Coast yet just 10 minutes drive from Maroochydore’s new $430 million CBD and Sunshine Plaza.

As our fourth project on the Sunshine Coast, this community will set the standard for tailored and well-considered masterplanning, lifestyle and amenity.

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56-62 Whites Rd, Buderim

Reflecting Halcyon’s pioneering spirit, this will be the first eco-luxury lifestyle community in Australia and the only lifestyle community in Buderim.

Our plan is for 215 homes woven together in a deft blend of luxurious lifestyle facilities, superior architecture and sustainable design.

It’s not about downsizing, but rather ‘right-sizing’ without compromising on quality, luxury and lifestyle.

We can’t wait to share this long-held dream with you.

Our sales office is on track to open in October and preview events will give you the chance to discover what your next chapter could look like at Buderim. ■

Spring 2019

up next from Halcyon

254 Logan Reserve Road, Logan Reserve

Our closest community to the Brisbane CBD HALCYON IS THRILLED to announce our plans to create our ninth community at picturesque Logan Reserve.

We’ve been lucky enough to secure 100 elevated acres fronting the Logan River just 10 minutes from the M1 and 30 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD. We believe Logan Reserve offers an idyllic, semi-rural lifestyle just minutes from every day convenience.

It reflects our philosophy of developing communities near the M1 corridor; positioning our home owners close to new, well-planned infrastructure while enjoying easy access to Greater South East Queensland’s many and varied lifestyle opportunities.

We have secured development approval and are looking forward to offering a relaxed, acreage

lifestyle with city convenience at the doorstep.

Halcyon general manager of sales and marketing Scott Ng said Logan was undergoing a massive transformation into a dynamic, livable and well-connected city.

“Logan is changing and growing thanks to the billions of private and public dollars being spent to create new communities, build and improve infrastructure and to enhance lifestyle and recreational facilities,” he said.

“As a Logan resident myself, I love the lifestyle here and I’m thrilled Halcyon is coming full circle with this community at Logan Reserve.

“This location makes sense with its easy connectivity to the rest of South East Queensland and proximity to Brisbane’s CBD, making it our closest community to the city’s cultural and business hub.”

Scott said there is already strong interest in the project and details of homes, facilities and pricing are now being finalised.

In look and feel, this community is a tribute to the rolling hills, open spaces and pastures that once covered most of Queensland’s south-east corner.

A short drive leads to hospitals, entertainment, major shopping centres, public transport and key arterial roads, which continue to expand thanks to Logan’s $5 billion development boom.

Reflecting quintessential Queensland style, this community will offer the most affordable Halcyon homes; built with our Triple Guarantee and our signature quality and sustainability. ■ If you are interested in Buderim or Logan Reserve, we will be holding a sneak peek of what’s to come in October 2019. Please contact us to register your interest – phone 1800 626 488. 17

Spring 2019

Brisbane CBD 30mins Marsden Park Shopping Centre

Logan Motorway

Logan Hospital Loganlea Station

Logan Reserve Rd New Halcyon community

$8 million parkland Proposed shopping centre, childcare and aged care

Acreage charm

in the heart of boomtown HALCYON HAS CHOSEN a magnificent 100-acre riverfront parcel at the heart of Logan City’s $5 billion development boom for our ninth lifestyle community in South East Queensland.

Private developers have also moved in, with key players like Stockland, Lendlease, Peet and Villa World establishing major residential projects totalling billions of dollars.

Nestled conveniently between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, our site is in semi-rural Logan Reserve – a slice of Queensland country and history yet right on the doorstep of the dynamic metropolis that Logan City is becoming.

Over the next 20 years Logan will also become home to two new satellite cities - Yarrabilba and Greater Flagstone – bringing two new town centres to the region.

Our choice of an area within rapidly growing Logan City epitomises Halcyon’s philosophy of ensuring every community takes shape in a vibrant, connected and service-rich location.

As one of the state’s fastest growing cities, Logan’s remarkable transformation is being powered by $3 billion in government spending on infrastructure.

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With so much growth surrounding Logan Reserve, it’s no surprise that the former dairy and cattle farming district is now on the radar of town planners and developers.

The picturesque pocket is bordered by the Logan River and is a short drive west of the Pacific Motorway (M1), delivering a residential offering that blends scenic country charm with city convenience and connectivity.

Spring 2019

Spotlight on Logan Reserve

Artist impression of proposed shopping centre Future residents will benefit from the area’s laidback, semi-rural character while having easy access to plenty of major retail.

This includes Logan City’s largest shopping centre: the Hyperdome, which is just a 15-minute drive away and home to Kmart, Big W, Woolworths, Aldi, Coles, Bunnings, a revamped dining precinct and an Events Cinema complex.

Other shopping options in the area include Holmview Central, which is earmarked for a $130 million cinema complex expansion, and the Coles-anchored Marsden Park Shopping Centre.

Major medical facilities like the expanding Logan Hospital are not far away, and key transport corridors like the M1 and Logan Motorway easily connect this area with the rest of South East Queensland.

There’s also progress on the leisure front with plans for the $12 million Kingston Butter Factory innovation and entertainment hub, two $3 million waterparks under construction at Greater Flagstone and Logan Gardens, and the $3 million redevelopment of a BMX freestyle facility at Beenleigh.

Halcyon is working with the Logan City Council to deliver the area’s own South Bank, an $8 million parkland fronting Logan River and adjoining our new community.

There will also be convenience right on the doorstep of this Halcyon community, with a shopping centre,

childcare and aged care facility to take shape just across the road.

For those wanting their inner-city connection, it’s just over 30 minutes into South Bank’s cultural hub. Trains run express to the city and through to Brisbane Airport from the nearby Loganlea Station.

The look and feel of this Halcyon community will reflect Logan Reserve’s agricultural roots, which date back to 1862, when land fronting the Logan River was opened to free settlers.

Those pioneers grew crops like cotton and arrowroot and ran beef and dairy cattle on the gently sloping land.

Little changed here over the turn of two centuries, and in 2016 just over 3500 people lived in what was a rural residential area on the southern outskirts of Brisbane.

Today, growth of a different kind is underway with an Urbis research report forecasting a huge rise in population for the catchments around Logan Reserve and nearby Greenbank.

The Urbis report predicts almost 177,000 people are expected to call those catchments home over the next 20 years.

Among them will be hundreds of Halcyon home owners enjoying a classic South East Queensland lifestyle in a semi-rural oasis close to everything they need and want. ■

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Spring 2019

Designed for living

On a winner… the future shapes Halcyon’s new homes

HALCYON’S NEW COLLECTION of homes is already nailing it by winning at two regional Master Builders Housing and Construction Awards in Queensland.

Aimed at delivering a lifestyle that works for you now and 10 years down the track, these architect designs are based on extensive feedback from our home owners and buyers.

Halcyon Lakeside won the Best Use of Steel Frame Housing Award at the 2019 Master Builders Sunshine Coast Housing and Construction Awards just one week after Halcyon Greens took out best display home in its category at the Gold Coast awards.

We’ve incorporated their most common variations and offer 1000 customisations to let you design the living environment you want.

Master Builders’ Gold Coast regional manager John Duncalfe said the judges were impressed by the display home’s layout, thoughtful features and suitability to the Queensland climate.

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Halcyon joint managing director Dr Bevan Geissmann said the new collection reflects the Baby Boomer generation’s desire to ‘right-size’ their home as they upsize their lifestyle.

“There were features we had never seen in any property in that category,” Mr Duncalfe said.

“After 15 years in the lifestyle community sector we understand that one size does not fit all and everyone has their individual preferences and desires,” Bevan said.

Halcyon’s new range of homes reflects a move toward larger scale living, more flexibility and future-proof design.

“These homes are the result of listening to our market and taking on board their wants, needs and aspirations.

Spring 2019

These homes are the result of listening to our market and taking on board their wants, needs and aspirations.

“A strong message was that they don’t want to sacrifice on space, luxury and comfort as they move into the next chapter of life.

“Our kitchens are larger, have more storage space and are designed with entertaining in mind, and there’s greater focus on the master bedroom as a personal sanctuary.”

We’ve also removed the ‘what-if’ factor with each home embracing Livable Housing Design (LHD): practical yet subtle features that anticipate and support changes in mobility.

These include wider doorways and halls, step-free entry to the home, hobless shower recesses and the ability for grab-rails to easily be fitted in bathrooms.

“This ‘set and forget’ approach removes the hassle and expense of retrofitting while delivering peace of mind about the future,” Bevan said.

These home designs will also feature in our two new communities at Logan Reserve and Buderim early next year.

So, if you haven’t already, please come along and see what your lifestyle can look like at Halcyon.

Our displays at Halcyon Greens and Halcyon Glades allow you to walk the impressive new floorplans, view luxurious finishes and fixtures, and soak up our eight new colour schemes.

To discover more, simply visit www.lifesbeginsathalcyon.com.au or call us on 1800 626 488 to arrange a private tour.

Features of the new Halcyon homes include: Larger bedrooms – master bedroom fits a king-size bed and secondary bedrooms can accommodate a queen-size bed Larger walk-in robe in master bedroom Larger indoor and outdoor living areas Bigger kitchens with more storage space and walk-in pantry Flexible design options to add extra storage Optional Bluetooth technology for controlling lighting and keeping tabs on power usage Option of an outdoor kitchen including BBQ, sink and fridge space on the rear patio Designed to Silver Livable Housing Design standard

The Halcyon Home Triple Guarantee

21

Spring 2019

(L to R) Halcyon Lakeside Harvesters Geoff Williams, Steve Wood, Ken Howarth, Julie Wood, John Biggins

Going bananas for fresh produce SPRING IS IN THE AIR and with it the promise of blooming flowers and crisp summer vegetables. In the spirit of the season, My Halcyon Days spoke to our community gardening groups to find out how their vegie gardens grow.

From aubergines to zucchinis, Halcyon’s gardeners almost have the alphabet covered when it comes to the fruit and vegies they produce.

Ranging from the traditional to the exotic, their community gardens are so extensive that it’s more a question of what they don’t grow.

Aside from the usual lettuces, tomatoes, lemons and oranges, they produce chillies, bok choy, Chinese cabbage, Tahitian limes, feijoas, cherry guavas and Jaboticaba

22

(Brazilian grapes), to name just a few.

Halcyon Parks’ Green Thumb Gardeners grow three types of bananas, and the Cavendish variety are doing so well that the gardeners have recently picked a bumper bunch with 13 hands on it – closing in on the Queensland record of 15 hands.

Each Friday afternoon, the ripe and ready produce is picked, packed and then sold to home owners at the community’s Happy Hour.

Halcyon Lakeside’s gardening group, The Harvesters, can barely keep up with demand for their freshly picked vegies each week.

“There’s a certain group of people who come up at 4pm on a

Thursday and are waiting for us to bring the produce out and sell, and they’re there every week,” group spokesman Ken Howath said.

“They love the freshness, and you can’t get any fresher than what you’ve picked today.”

Green Thumbs spokesman Graeme Scott said they had sold almost $8,000 worth of fruit and veg in the four years since the first crop was harvested.

Graeme said Parks home owners appreciated the affordable price tag of $1 a bag and the unbeatable freshness of the food.

“I can sell them a bagful of silverbeet and it will last them a fortnight, whereas you buy it from the supermarket and

Spring 2019

In & around

you’re lucky to get a week out of it before it goes funny,” he said.

“The product is picked every Friday afternoon and sold at 5pm, so it’s really fresh.

“Everybody who comes through on a Friday night usually buys something and we can sell up to $90 worth in an evening.”

Graeme, a former construction manager, initiated the gardens in 2014, shortly after he and wife Merle moved to Halcyon Parks.

“I wandered around the place and thought it would be a great idea to have a vegie garden,” he said.

“I drew up plans and handed them to (community manager) Kate.

“We started with four garden beds and away we went.

We sold our first batch of vegies in May 2015 and we’ve expanded quite a lot since then.

(L to R) The Halcyon Parks Green Thumb Gardeners John Ingram, Jim Grant, Dick Hertslet and Graeme Scott

“Today we have 16 garden beds, a garden along the fence, a pumpkin patch, passionfruit vines and 13 citrus trees.”

Gary’s tips for success this Spring

Ken said being involved in The Harvesters is also an interesting insight into how people use fresh food.

For instance, using kale in smoothies, grating turmeric into stews or salads to help soothe aches and pains, and even one lady who slips a stalk of freshly picked lemongrass into her scotch.

“It’s marvellous how people use different things,” he said As Spring approaches, The Harvesters are picking their winter crops and preparing for the next planting by digging up and fertilising the garden beds.

In the coming months, Lakeside home owners can expect to see beetroot, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and sweet corn on sale during Happy Hour.

Back at Parks Graeme said tending the community gardens was a constant source of satisfaction and an opportunity to catch up with friends regularly.

“We have the enjoyment of producing vegetables and it’s a little bit of a time to have a natter with your neighbour,” he said.

“We all give each other heaps and we have that sense of camaraderie.” ■

1. It’s time to be planting your cucumbers, zucchini and eggplants. Remember, you want to attract the honeybees to pollinate these vegetables, so it’s also time to plant your flowering annuals to ensure the bees visit your vegetable garden. Annuals: Petunia, salvia, sunflowers, zinnia, marigolds and geraniums.

2. With these cool mornings, the slugs and snails will be around eating your soft leafy greens. As a deterrent make a collar around each seedling of either: wood ash, coffee grounds or crushed eggshells.

3. The white cabbage moth will be fluttering around, mating on your kale, broccoli, cabbages etc.

Use a squash racquet to despatch them or squash the grubs on the leaves of these vegetables and leave them there. It’s an effective, natural and cost-effective deterrent.

Gary Hands Kookaburra Organics Gardening Workshops, Maleny

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Spring 2019

In & around

Keith Rice catering for ‘Christmas in July’ at Halcyon Waters

Culinary Keith has them eating out of his hand KEITH RICE’S HEART FOR COOKING and head for numbers have blended perfectly to serve up thousands of hearty meals to Halcyon Waters’ home owners over the years.

The former accountant has always loved cooking and after retiring he dabbled in catering for small groups, but things went up a notch when he and wife Aine moved to Halcyon Waters in 2013.

“We’d go up to the Leisure Club for Happy Hour on a Friday night and the social group had a little pie warmer with pies and sausage rolls,” he recalled.

“I thought we could probably do better than this so the following year I joined the social group.

“To build my confidence I just started doing things like hamburgers and hotdogs for about 80 people.

“I began to get a feel for how the Leisure Club kitchen worked – what I could do and what I couldn’t do.”

Keith persuaded the social group to buy a warming oven, allowing the preparation of roast dinners.

Home owners started voting with their appetites and Keith knew he was doing something right.

“As I started getting more adventurous, we were getting 120 people coming up to Happy Hour on a Friday night,” he said.

“I’ve had a crack at just about everything; I love it, but it’s risky.

“I’ve had a couple of failures but the thing that the community loves is when I use the warming oven as a slow cooker.

24

Spring 2019

“I go up on a Thursday night at about 8pm and put the meat in the oven and let it cook overnight.

“For many people a roast is about how tender the meat is, so you’ve got them eating out of your hand straight away because it’s so nice and tender.”

Keith’s also a cost-conscious cook and that’s where his accounting expertise serves him and fellow home owners well.

“I’m always working to a budget; I’ve got spreadsheets a mile long for every meal I’ve ever done,” he laughed.

“I know how many peas I get out of a kilo in terms of how many people it will feed.”

Keith’s favourite event to cater is Halcyon Waters’ Christmas in July, which he started in 2014. It has become an annual tradition for the community.

“That’s a big one because we do ham and turkey and I make the Christmas puddings three or four months in advance and keep them in my pantry,” he said.

This year, 127 people sat down for the Christmas in July feast and festivities in the Leisure Club.

Keith said he could not do any of it without his dedicated helpers who make the job easier and bring a cheerful ‘buzz’ to the kitchen.

“There’s always been a group of ladies and a couple of men that come in and help with the prep and serving,” he said.

“We have an enormous amount of fun in there.

“There’s lots of banter, chatting and we have a laugh because they know that I’m a bloody fusspot about how things should go.”

Health issues have reduced the number of Happy Hour nights that Keith caters for these days, but he’s hopeful other passionate cooks in the community will step up and give it a go.

“There’s people who I know can cook and enjoy cooking but they’re just reticent about cooking for 100 or so people,” he said.

“I’d love to get them all together and take them through how easy it is once they understand how everything flows.” ■

Keith’s Avocado with Smoked Salmon & Prawn Appetiser - serves 4 Ingredients 100g cooked medium-size prawns 100g smoked salmon chopped into 2cm rectangular pieces 2 ripe avocados halved lengthways, pip removed Lettuce leaves (big enough to hold the avocado) 1tbs dill, chopped finely Sauce 1tbs Worcestershire sauce 3tbs tomato sauce 3tbs of Greek yoghurt 2tbs of Kewpie Japanese mayonnaise 1tbs lemon juice 1tsp smoked paprika Method 1. In a bowl mix all the sauce ingredients then check and adjust flavour if required. If you prefer, try adding about 1tsp of chilli sauce.

2. Then fold in the prawns and smoked salmon.

3. On an entree size plate, place a lettuce leaf then add the 1/2 avocado. The lettuce should help steady the avocado. You could also add the avocado to a small bowl or a bamboo boat if you wish.

4. Spoon the seafood mixture onto the avocados and sprinkle with dill.

5. If you are not serving immediately sprinkle some lemon juice over the exposed avocado flesh and place in the refrigerator.

Bon Appétit 25

Spring 2019

In & around

Halcyon Greens painter Bob Martin

The art of pressing your ‘happy buttons’ RESEARCH INCREASINGLY SHOWS that unlocking and expressing creativity through visual art is good for our health and well-being. We spoke to some of our home owners about the benefits they reap from their artistic endeavours.

The desire to create and learn brings many Halcyon home owners together to craft their own works of art.

As they do, there’s something else taking shape: feelings of happiness, connection, contentment, achievement and even surprise.

26

Passionate potter Jeanette Burke has been creating with clay for years and teaches the craft to her fellow home owners at Halcyon Lakeside.

She said that shaping clay in the community’s Creative Arts Precinct melts away loneliness, stress and boredom while firing up the mind and getting the creative juices flowing.

“It’s a confidence booster and it certainly does improve your mood if you’re stressed,” she said.

“You get to have great interaction with your fellow neighbour because

you get a chance to sit and chat whilst you’re creating your own ‘masterpiece’.

“Some people who are lonely come down and you hear them say ‘gosh where did that three hours go’.

“Clay can be very challenging at times, but it gets the mind off other things such as loneliness or boredom. “It makes you happier in spirit, that’s for sure.”

Jeanette gains tremendous satisfaction from seeing others discover a side of themselves they didn’t think existed.

Spring 2019

“We start off by thinking that we don’t have a creative bone in our body but often you end up with something you’re very proud to put in your garden or display in your home,” she said.

“It’s a beautiful thing to see them creating pieces that they thought they could never do.

“They’re so proud of what they’ve done and that gives me a huge feeling of worth.”

Jeanette’s observations reflect findings published in the American Journal of Public Health in 2010 entitled, The Connection Between Art, Healing and Public Health in which researchers analysed more than 100 studies on the topic.

They found that visual art can reduce stress and anxiety, improve medical outcomes, improve well-being by decreasing negative emotions, and even boost the immune system.

Julie Wood from Halcyon Lakeside’s Mosaic Group said the decorative craft is an absorbing, and sometimes addictive, hobby that encourages creativity, focus and a sense of calm.

“Some of the ladies say that once they start concentrating on their piece their mind just drifts away onto what they are doing and all their troubles and problems are forgotten,” she said.

Julie said there are also social benefits of the group with plenty of chatting and laughter as they work together in the studio.

Halcyon Greens’ Art Group founder Bob Martin said art is a chance to disconnect from our

Halcyon Lakeside potter Jeanette Burke busy, technology-dominated world and discover something inside ourselves.

He said drawing and painting are empowering, rewarding and can press your ‘happy buttons’.

“Every step of the way you’re learning something and it’s enriching your life,” he said.

“You’re experiencing something that you’re in control of, instead of technology showing you and doing everything for you.”

Each Halcyon community offers a wide range of creative arts pursuits, from woodworking to pottery.

Discover your happy buttons and speak to your community manager for more details.

Bob said the creative process was just as important as the outcome.

“When you’re working on art you just get lost in it and time disappears, that’s the zone you get into,” he said.

“Just going through the process makes it interesting and exciting.

“You get this enormous rush of chemistry that runs through your veins and then there’s a feeling of serenity and peace of mind after it.

“If you enjoy something then they are the happy buttons in your life.” ■

27

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Spring 2019

In & around

Poet’s Corner

Carol Brunello

WE LOVE CELEBRATING the talents of our amazing home owners.

In this edition we share a poem from Halcyon Landing’s Carol Brunello.

Carol recites her heartfelt and often humorous work at community events.

Here’s her witty ditty about a close call in the kitchen:

An unplanned French dinner-almost!

A lucky escape for both the frog and for my digestive system I nearly ate poor Kermit for dinner Wednesday night Was it him or was it me who had the biggest fright?

I had washed and torn my salad as one should (even though home grown) but my lettuces and rocket were not in the bowl alone!

The tomato and the celery, the olives and the cheese were waiting to be added to my bowl of salad leaves When, from the corner of my eye, I espied a little action as my salad came alive and I leapt in shocked reaction!

For jumping from my salad bowl was a tiny native frog a Queensland dwarf, a living thing which had me quite agog!

It seemed his limbs were trembling when he saw my dinner plate he seemed anxious that my meal was his resting place, his fate!

After all, he had been swamped and then with care been drained he’d been tipped from colander to bowl so was well and truly strained!

Luckily I trapped him, and as I really love all frogs I put him back into the garden where he now is safely lodged!

He is the third one of his species which I’ve had in recent times but the first who offered sacrifice and who seemed a tad inclined... ...to give my meal distinction, body, legs and all thank goodness for his jumping out, and avoiding his downfall!

For avoiding too consumption by this unsuspecting diner who may well have ended up with a case of bad angina! © Carol Brunello

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Spring 2019

Health & fitness

They did it!

Halcyon champions step it up WITH TRUE HALCYON SPIRIT and style 300 home owners and staff put their best sneaker forward to compete in this year’s Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Marathon events.

Our strength in numbers not only boosted the festival at both events, it also raised more than $2000 for Ronald McDonald House.

Team Halcyon created a big splash of orange at the Sunshine Coast Marathon with 150 home owners and staff donning our signature bright shirts to compete in the 5km or 10km events.

The big turnout from Halcyon ensured we took out the biggest team award for the third consecutive year.

A special congratulations goes to Halcyon Lakeside’s Lorraine Marsh who finished third in her age category in the 10km with a time of 1 hour 22 minutes.

On the Gold Coast, close to 150 home owners and staff braved unseasonal windy and rainy weather to complete either 5km or 10km in high spirits.

Home owners pounding the pavement at the Gold Coast Marathon

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All of their efforts were rewarded with cheers from the sidelines, a strong sense of camaraderie and a hearty BBQ brunch back at the Halcyon tent.

Spring 2019

Last edition we spoke to two home owners preparing to compete. We check in to see how they went.

Carolyn Rose, of Halcyon Greens, 10km event at the Gold Coast Marathon – completed in 1 hour 30 minutes “In the lead-up to the event, I found using the Fitbit inspired me to do more and more each day, and I’d do anything between 10,000 to 23,000 steps a day. You really have to build your strength to have the stamina for the 10km and everything I did in preparation was right.

On the day I came around the corner on the last 250m and the Halcyon team tent was right there. Everyone was screaming my name and I told myself ‘look strong Carolyn’.

I felt like a wreck, but everyone was saying how wonderful I looked. I finished right on my target time and only had a bit of shin soreness the next day.

It was a brilliant experience and I would definitely recommend it for anyone. Just give it a go.

My daughter is going to do it with me next year and I’m going to do it in 1 hour and 15 minutes.”

Ash during the 5km walk Ash O’Neil, of Halcyon Parks, 5km walk at the Sunshine Coast Marathon – completed in 53 minutes “My training was my regular daily walk of about 5km and also playing a bit of table tennis and bowls.

According to the Fitbit, I was doing do between 9,500 and 19,000 steps a day, which is great because it makes you more aware of how you’re going, and it all adds up.

The actual event was fantastic and I did it in 53 minutes and beat last year’s time (58 minutes), which was because of the training so it all paid dividends. I’m a year older and I managed to improve my time so I’m very happy.

We had a heck of a fun time. When we were out there all you heard the announcer saying was ‘look at all the orange shirts from Halcyon’ so we definitely made a splash.

Carolyn crossing the finish line

It’s not about running or winning; it’s just being there and contributing towards a fundraising event that is worthwhile. It makes you enthusiastic and gets you out there.” ■

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Spring 2019

Health & fitness

Glades adventurers

step out of their comfort zone

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Barbara Grbin, Colin Smith, Joyce Cramp and Herman Koop

Spring 2019

HOME OWNERS at Halcyon Glades are reaching new heights in fitness, confidence and adventure as they scale some of the region’s most spectacular peaks together.

Led by Glades personal trainer Tammy Cheadle, up to 12 hikers are traversing local mountains to discover breathtaking views while forming friendships.

Tammy started the Hiking Club several months ago as a way of encouraging home owners to push their boundaries.

“I’ve been climbing these mountains for years and once you get up there the views are amazing,” she said.

“I wanted them to experience that because it’s a little bit out of their comfort zone.

“I’m all about building confidence and getting them to believe in their own ability.

“It is challenging to get up there in terms of cardio and leg strength, but once they get to the top there’s that sense of achievement.

“I love it - the bigger the challenge, the more I like it.”

Tammy said the Hiking Club members were developing a strong sense of camaraderie while being active and soaking up new surrounds.

“It’s open to any fitness level and we just take our time,” she said.

“We’re looking at nature, chatting and getting to know each other in a different environment.

“They really get to know each other up there and share their experiences while making these new memories.

“I’m also getting a lot of feedback that it’s so much easier to get out of bed and to put shoes on, and it’s those little things that count.”

Home owner Joyce Cramp said Halcyon Glades’ regular gym circuit classes and the monthly hike had improved her health to the extent that she has recovered from osteoporosis.

“It definitely gets you using different muscles,” she said.

“I’m not tall, so when I’m climbing up rocks, I’ve got to push myself up with my legs and that’s good.

“It’s a lot of fun and I do feel better for it.”

To date, the Hiking Club has climbed Mt Elimbah, Mt Ngungun, Mt Beerburrum and Wildhorse Mountain, all on the nearby Sunshine Coast.

Tammy said she had deliberately chosen local peaks for their convenience and accessibility for home owners.

“The mountains are there to enjoy whenever they want to; so, if they’ve got the grandkids during school holidays, they can take them up the mountain for a hike,” she said.

“They can do it again because they have that belief in their ability and the confidence that they’ve already done it.” ■ The Halcyon Glades Hiking Club takes a hike on the third Thursday of each month.

“For the first hike we got six people and it’s been growing ever since.”

Colin Smith said the group’s monthly hikes appealed to his sense of adventure.

“You’re going to places where you’ve probably said, ‘I wouldn’t mind going there or doing that,’ but you’ve never got around to doing it,” he said.

“With the group, it’s organised, and you just go and enjoy it.

The Hiking Club on one of their adventures

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Spring 2019

A helping hand

Bella s Sanctuary ‘

A LONG-HELD Halcyon dream is now a reality with the handover and opening of the DVConnect bridging accommodation facility on the northern Gold Coast.

This is a project that Halcyon, home owners and staff have put their heart and soul into, and we’re so grateful for everyone’s compassion and support.

With Mirvac and Queensland’s domestic violence helpline DVConnect, we’ve worked together to create a safe and comfortable place where survivors can make a fresh start in life.

It represents a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the private and not-for-profit sectors in Queensland.

Thanks to the generous support of more than 90 sub-contractors and suppliers, who donated almost 60 per cent of the building costs, construction of this desperately needed accommodation took just over 12 months.

During that time, Halcyon’s home owners banded together to raise a staggering $50,000 for the project.

This money was used to fit-out the facility with household appliances and furniture so that women and their children feel right at home.

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A bridge to a fresh start in life The result is Australia’s first purpose-built bridging accommodation facility, Bella’s Sanctuary, for survivors of domestic violence. It is owned and operated by DVConnect.

Halcyon joint managing director Dr Bevan Geissmann said the company is proud to have created a vehicle for the enormous generosity and goodwill that exists in our community towards addressing this serious issue.

“We regard safe accommodation as crucial to breaking the cycle of domestic violence by allowing affected families to start afresh in security and peace,” Bevan said.

DVConnect Board chairwoman Shaan Ross-Smith said the facility would support Queensland women and children fleeing violent homes.

“The most basic and practical things have been taken from them and they somehow need to create a whole new life, in circumstances where they are suffering complex emotional trauma and loss,” Shaan said.

“Rebuilding lives, sorting out financial affairs, establishing a rental history, looking for work, and dealing with emotional trauma takes time.

Spring 2019

A big thank you A heartfelt thanks goes to our home owners for raising $50,000 to furnish Bella’s Sanctuary. Your kindness and support have made this house a beautiful and comfortable home for vulnerable women and children. Thanks for making a big difference.

“Offering this type of bridging accommodation for three to 12-month periods will provide a safe, stable and supportive environment for women and children rebuilding their lives.”

Queensland Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said the project demonstrated what can be achieved when the corporate sector supports community organisations like DVConnect.

“Having somewhere safe and supportive to go can make all the difference to women wanting to leave a dangerous and violent situation,” Ms Farmer said.

The facility will receive ongoing funding from the Queensland Government. ■

A first-of-its-kind facility: $1.6 million facility. Comprising two one-bedroom units, two two-bedroom units and one three-bedroom unit.

Purpose-built disability-friendly unit with wheelchair access to facility.

Communal kitchen, living room and play area.

Home owners raised $50,000 towards the facility.

Marie Cone (project director, Halcyon) with Shaan Ross-Smith (chairwoman, DV Connect) To watch the Bella's Sanctuary documentary. https://youtu.be/FQHbPgM2iEQ

35

Spring 2019

Out & about

Kevin and Jenny

drop anchor at Vision DEDICATED BOATIES Kevin Bourke and Jenny Bankier have certainly made a splash since anchoring themselves at Vision by Halcyon earlier this year.

Eager to be as close to deep water as possible, the seafaring couple moved to the waterfront community at Hope Island from a large beachside home at Kingscliff.

36

the Broadwater, so we can be out there very quickly.

2000 before cruising extensively on her yacht.

“We’re going to be spending quite a bit of time on the water.”

Now, with their new boat undergoing a lengthy re-fit, Jenny and Kevin are making the most of Vision’s marina and on-water facilities.

Both have sailed for decades: South Africa-born Jenny across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and Kevin - who learned to sail on Lake Burley Griffin - around the south-west Pacific.

“It gave us the opportunity to buy a powerboat and get back on the water,” Jenny said.

Kevin went on to become the charter skipper of former Sydney to Hobart racing yacht, Solo, on Moreton Bay for many years.

“This is the only place we found with close, deep water access to

During one of those charters he met Jenny, and they married in

They regularly use the community’s pontoon boat, runabout and kayaks to do what they do best: getting out and exploring the waterways.

Kevin said they have already discovered the Tipplers anchorage on South Stradbroke Island.

“We’ve been blown away by Tipplers,” Kevin said.

Spring 2019

“I enjoy taking people out and I’m thinking of organising a full moon trip to the Broadwater, so we can watch the moon come up.

“I’ve always dreamt of having a boat in my backyard, which this is essentially.”

As much as they love the water, these boaties also find plenty to do on shore.

Kevin has already organised a home owner outing to a food festival at the Scenic Rim Brewery near Boonah.

Jenny Bankier and Kevin Bourke

This is the only place we found with close, deep water access to the Broadwater, so we can be out there very quickly.

“In an hour you can get up to this to this magnificent, protected deep water anchorage with a lovely sandy beach.

“Then it’s a 10-minute walk through the bush and you’re on the Pacific Ocean. It’s virtually a private beach and you can see Surfers Paradise in the distance.

“We thought we’d miss our beach at Kingscliff and to discover this, well we’ve found a replacement.

“And with our boat we’ll be able to go up to Tipplers and stay there for two or three nights, it’s just idyllic.”

Jenny said the community kayaks are a great way to be active while exploring the surrounding neighbourhood via Hope Island Canal.

“We’ve circumnavigated our island a couple of times and been a bit further north,” she said.

“It’s just lovely to be on the water.”

Word of Kevin’s charter boating background has got around and he’s been asked to take a group of home owners upriver to Sanctuary Cove for lunch.

“I put it out there via the community grapevine and I had such a great response that we hired a 25-seater bus and went out for the day,” he said.

Jenny and Kevin also eat out with Vision’s Fine Dining Group and they joined Team Halcyon to walk the 5.7km event in the Gold Coast Marathon in July.

And while Kevin takes off with the community’s Walking Group, gets stuck into a project in the workshop, or joins a Vision men’s brekkie, Jenny loves hitting the Leisure Club’s heated pool for an aqua class.

“There’s such a happy vibe, so even if you’re feeling a bit down when you start the class, you feel really great by the time you walk out because everyone’s joking and laughing,” she said.

“There are just so many lovely things on offer here and we still have a lot of exploring to do.” ■ 37

Spring 2019

Social seen

Paul Clark

# My Halcyon

DAYS

Open Days Saturday 27 July 2019

Guests enjoyed having a peek at our new display homes at Halcyon Glades and Halcyon Greens.

, Ulla Ganzer, (L-R) Colleen Marshall d Robyn Flanigan Betty Crosthwaite an

tt Gillian West, Casey Wa r llo and Margaret Me

Chris and Rex Bell

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Anne Sheahan and Lyn Klinge

Ian and Fay Laurie with guests

Mieka and Will Bakker

Caroline

Keith Bing and Graham Angel

Lorraine and Bill Counsell

Spring 2019

Halcyon Waters Tenori in the Park Sunday 19 May 2019

Halcyon Waters hosted vocal group Tenori at Celebration Park. Home owners and guests enjoyed an afternoon of good music and company.

(L-R) Dennie and John Steffenson, Anne Richards, Tricia Clark, Ian Clark, Rick Parkes, David and Lorraine Adams, Carolyn Clark, Phil and Anne Diamond

Alice

Charlie and Brenda Bu

rton

Rosemary Wright and George Pusey

Laurie Whelan

Doug and Leslay Hart

Karl and Heike Adam

s

lls

Friend and Colleen Ro

Jill and Clint Talbot

Tenori

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Spring 2019

Social seen

# My Halcyon

DAYS Maurie Cornwell

s

Taj and Khan Reynold

Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Marathons Saturday 6 July & Sunday 4 August 2019

Halcyon home owners pounded the pavement at the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Marathons. There were lots of smiles, sweat and good times.

Prue and John Wettenhall

David and Sonja Kerslake

Patsy Richards

David and Kaye Lonergan

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Carolyn Clark

Tricia Clark

Trevor and Robin Sty

les and Jill Corish

Spring 2019

Halcyon Lakeside Awards Night Thursday 30 May 2019

Home owners at Halcyon Lakeside celebrated being judged ‘Australia’s Best’ lifestyle community in 2019 by hosting their own awards night.

side

Halcyon team at Lake

Martin Crowe and Yvonne Marshall

Deb Warren and Graham Butter

(L-R) Dennis and Geraldine Mulholland and Janine and Robert Caldwell

Sylvia Lewis, Chris Carley and Ken Day

Whimp, (L-R) Barb and Terry l Dolan ae ch Mi d an and Judy

rley Ian Schultz, Trevor Fa rd pa ep Sh and Greg

Kerry Reed, Sandra Murphy and Norman Robinson

Maggie Storey s

Ted and Rhonda Jone

Lorraine Brace

41

Spring 2019

Halcyon communities

Halcyon Glades C A BOOLT UR E

Judged Australia’s best lifestyle communities...

Thank you

Please phone 1800 626 488 for more information on our communities.

Situated at Caboolture north is Halcyon Glades; a tree change located halfway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Halcyon Glades offers the best of both worlds and includes all the hallmarks of an award-winning Halcyon community.

34 Ardrossan Road, Caboolture - Display homes open 9am - 4pm, Monday to Saturday

Halcyon Greens GAINSBOROUGH GREENS - PIMPAMA

Enjoy country club living at Halcyon Greens, Australia’s first golf and lifestyle community designed for over 50s. The new 84-acre community is surrounded by an 18-hole golf course, and overlooks natural wetlands and nature reserve.

Halcyon once again turned to the Gold Coast’s prestigious North Shore for its first waterfront lifestyle community, Vision by Halcyon. Located on an island at Hope Island, the exclusive gated community won the UDIA QLD’s Seniors Living award.

7 Halcyon Drive, Pimpama - Display homes open 9am - 4pm, Monday to Saturday

11 Grant Avenue, Hope Island - Homes available, inspection by appointment

Halcyon Lakeside BLI BLI

Located just five minutes from the centre of Bli Bli and situated within the masterplanned Parklakes 2 community, Halcyon Lakeside features 5-star resort facilities, over 6km of connected walking tracks and 450m of lake frontage set against a natural backdrop of undulating hills.

Halcyon Lakeside was judged Australia’s best in 2019 by the UDIA. 1 Halcyon Way, Bli Bli - Display homes open 9am - 4pm, 42 Monday to Saturday

Located in the centre of the Sunshine Coast at Bli Bli, Halcyon Landing is a shining example of award-winning masterplanning. In tune with nature, the 25-acre lifestyle community is bordered by a 2km signature walking trail and natural parklands.

27 Waigani Street, Bli Bli - Homes available, inspection by appointment

UP & COMING

Spring 2019

Halcyon Waters

EVENTS

HOPE ISLAND

Judged Australia’s Best Seniors living, Halcyon Waters is recognised as one of Australia’s premier lifestyle communities. Designed exclusively for over 50s, the vibrant community is set amongst 100 acres of open space and natural waterfront parklands at Hope Island on the Gold Coast’s North Shore.

1 Halcyon Way, Hope Island - Homes available, inspection by appointment

Halcyon Parks CALOUNDRA

Just five minutes drive from Caloundra’s beaches and town centre, Halcyon Parks nestles comfortably on a leafy 36-acre site surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. The masterplanned community incorporates quality architect-designed homes, gated security, comprehensive resort-style facilities and a strong community culture.

Tuesday 22 October 2019

42 Meridan Way, Caloundra - Homes available, inspection by appointment

Information Session with Guest Speaker - Sunshine Coast

Information Session with Guest Speaker - Gold Coast

Wednesday 23 October 2019

My Halcyon

DAYS

FREE

Spring 2019

Share your

Information Session with Guest Speaker - Moreton Bay

Halcyon

DAYS

Thursday 24 October 2019

Cover sto ry

Story Dogs

help spin

magical

tales p10

Spotlight on: Logan Re serve

Acreage

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Life beginsatH

charm in the heart own p.18

Saturday 16 November 2019

Open Day - Halcyon Greens and Halcyon Lakeside

alcyon.com.au

Want to share your Halcyon Days with us?

Send your story to marketing@halcyondays.com.au

For a full list of events go to lifebeginsathalcyon.com.au/events or please phone 1800 626 488 for more information

WINNER

Na onal Awards for Excellence

2019

WINNER 2018 HIA Queensland Specialised Housing

43

Exclusive waterfront living ...an island away

established homes priced from $615,000

*

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Australia’s most awarded over 50s living

11 Grant Avenue, Hope Island - Phone 1800 831 567 - Simply google ‘Life begins at Halcyon’ *Price correct at time of printing.

Life beginsatHalcyon.com.au