Halcyon Days - Spring 2018 by Stockland Land Lease Management

My Halcyon

DAYS Spring 2018

A helping hand Halcyon helps others to build a new life p8-9

Cover story

From Paddock to Plate Matt & Gary serve up a fresh food perspective p12-13

Life beginsatHalcyon.com.au

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Spring 2018

My Halcyon

DAYS

Contents 3-7

WHO LIVES AT HALCYON

Landing on their feet on the Sunny Coast Sunshine Coast welcomes 500th Halcyon home owner

8-9

A HELPING HAND

10-11

LET’S TALK MONEY

12-13

COVER STORY

Welcome to the Spring 2018 edition of My Halcyon Days. Spring has been a busy time for our home owners with many significant milestones. We celebrated our 500th Sunshine Coast home owner, the 6-year anniversary of Halcyon Landing and enjoyed Queensland Seniors Week.

Halcyon helps others to build a new life

In this edition we also share our involvement with something close to our hearts. We all know or have heard of someone who has experienced domestic violence. Read about our commitment to building a DV shelter on the Gold Coast.

by Dr Bevan Geissmann, Joint Managing Director From Paddock to Plate Matt & Gary serve up a fresh food perspective

14-21

IN & AROUND

22-23

HEALTH & FITNESS

24-27

SPOTLIGHT ON

28-31

DESIGNED FOR LIVING

32-34

THAT’S FREEDOM

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITIES

36-39

SOCIAL SEEN

So, sit back, relax and enjoy My Halcyon Days.

Lola follows in her granddaughter’s footsteps All aboard... next stop, the Sunshine Coast Acreage downsizers are Caboolture converts Singing the praises of Halcyon Parks’ songbirds Team Halcyon’s marathon effort The changing face and pace of Hope Island Halcyon nails the house for veteran builder Our promise, your guarantee Dr. Bevan Geissmann & Paul Melville Joint Managing Directors

Checklist for choosing an over 50s community

Halcyon Waters fishing competition Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast Marathons Seniors Week at Halcyon

40-41

SMALL TALK GRANDKIDS’ PERSPECTIVE

42-43

HALCYON’S COMMUNITIES

Cover image: Halcyon Glades home owner Penne Bowles with celebrity chef Matt Golinski 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 2018.

Spring 2018

Who lives at Halcyon

Landing on their feet on the Having pulled up stumps from their former lives in Brisbane and Maryborough, the first two couples to arrive at Halcyon Landing have certainly landed on their feet on the Sunshine Coast. Six years along, Ken and Irene Elliott join John and Janet Quaill in reflecting on how big their lives have become in the heart of this sub-tropical paradise.

BACK IN 2012, with just a handful of homes completed and others partly built, it was hard to see what this new community would eventually become. But it didn’t take long for our first home owners to make connections. “Halcyon was very proactive in building the community; there were a number of get-togethers and we got to meet the neighbours,” Irene said. Irene and Ken Elliott

Sunny Coast

Keen bird watchers Janet and John Quaill “Within a week, six homes had been moved into, and it wasn’t long before we started having our Friday Happy Hour in someone’s garage. There was only a few of us, but that brought us together even more. We all helped each other out with moving in and settling in, and there was very much a sense of community for us within a couple of weeks.” Ken, a regular bowler and keen cyclist, has enjoyed seeing that fledgling neighbourhood transform into a vibrant community with hundreds of home owners, extensive recreational facilities and 38 interest groups. “It’s been great to watch everything develop around us and see things take shape and come together,” he said. Happy Hour has also progressed from just a handful of home owners in a garage to around 100 people gathering in the Rec Club each Friday night. Irene, who with Ken helped establish Halcyon Landing’s Faith and Friendship Group, said they had arrived seeking a community lifestyle and those expectations had been exceeded during the past six years. “We have been really blessed, it’s developed as a community that works together and helps one another,” she said.

Continued on page 5

Spring 2018

Halcyon Lakeside BLI BLI

Street Party

OPEN DAY Last chance Final Stage selling out

SATURDAY 13 OCTOBER 10AM-1PM

Bring your friends and family for a relaxed, close up look at Australia’s best over 50s living and join in the fun at our Street Party Open Day. See our magnificent 5-star recreational facilities, enjoy free entertainment and refreshments, inspect our stunning Display Homes and talk to the people already living the dream.

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1 Halcyon Way, Bli Bli - Phone 1800 050 555 - Simply google ‘Life begins at Halcyon’

Life beginsatHalcyon.com.au

Spring 2018

This is like an old-fashioned neighbourhood, where you’re borrowing a cup of sugar, you know your neighbours and their needs and you help each other out.

Irene pottering in her garden “This is like an old-fashioned neighbourhood, where you’re borrowing a cup of sugar, you know your neighbours and their needs, and you help each other out.” Fitness has also been important to Irene, who walks regularly and loves the circuit classes at the gym. “It’s great having the facilities on your doorstep, and with all the other people using them it’s very motivating and not as easy to give it away,” she said. “I’ve always been a keen walker and there’s plenty of active people to do that with here.” Ken and Irene’s very first neighbours, Janet and John Quaill, also have embraced the many and varied opportunities that come with living at Halcyon Landing.

Both are part of the community’s large lawn bowls cohort. John also belongs to the singing and ukulele groups, and is the secretary of the Home Owners Committee. “It’s really fun, time flies when you’re having fun and that’s what it’s like here,” he said. Janet is in the craft group and she and John are also on the bar roster for the weekly Happy Hour, which they find is a great way to meet new faces in the community. They both like to hit the road with the community’s travelling bowlers – up to 50 home owners who take off for bowls-inspired week-long road trips to lovely spots like Evans Head and Bargara. But their favourite part of living at Halcyon Landing is right on their back doorstep, overlooking an environmental reserve that is teeming with birds and other wildlife. “Our greatest joy is just sitting here looking at the birdlife,” John said. “At any one time we can have 30 birds flying in and out.” The abundant birdlife inspired Janet to compile and self-publish a book of photographs entitled, Halcyon Landing Myrtle Ponds Feathered Friends, a copy of which sits in the community’s library. John said moving to Halcyon Landing had been life changing. “I think we’ve become more active, and we’re more social now than we were in the 20 years prior to coming here,” he said.

Janet and John enjoy playing bowls

“We love it here and we do have some really nice friends, it’s been good for us.” ■ 5

Spring 2018

Who lives at Halcyon

Sunshine Coast welcomes

500th Halcyon home owner Barbara and Terry Whimp

Spring 2018

TERRY AND BARBARA Whimp’s decision to spend the next chapter of their lives at Halcyon Lakeside in Bli Bli has delivered Halcyon its 500th home on the Sunshine Coast.

“We retired a bit early, so we’re still looking for things to do and what interested me about Halcyon Lakeside was that there’s plenty to do without having to go into the wider community to find it.”

The couple have joined the hundreds of home owners who are taking it on or taking it easy at Halcyon Parks in Caloundra, Halcyon Landing in Bli Bli and at Halcyon Lakeside.

Terry and Barbara were in their previous home for 15 years and had just returned from a long motorhome trip when they decided their yard was just too big to manage.

Back in 2004, Halcyon Parks broke the mould for over 50s living by showcasing ground-breaking design and masterplanning. Now in 2018, that ‘DNA’ of Halcyon Parks runs through the ‘veins’ of Halcyon Landing and Halcyon Lakeside.

“It really was a maintenance issue, we were looking for something that had less maintenance but allowed us to lock-up and leave because we’re planning to do a lot more travelling in the next few years,” Barbara said.

So, with their former home at Peregian Springs now just a memory, Terry, 65, and Barbara, 63, are diving into the lifestyle that Halcyon Lakeside has to offer. That’s not difficult because the community’s spectacular Rec Club is just a 30-second walk from the doorstep of their new home. “We’ve only just discovered that the pool is heated, so we can go for a swim in this cooler weather,” Terry laughed, shortly after arriving in July. “I’m looking forward to learning new things like lawn bowls and pickleball.” “We saw that most people here are our age, have the same mindset and they are looking to stay healthy – that really appealed to us.” Barbara’s keen to start aqua aerobics and to immerse herself in Halcyon Lakeside’s strong arts and crafts offering.

They chose Halcyon Lakeside after looking at three other communities on the Sunshine Coast. For Terry, Halcyon’s value proposition stacked up and stood out. “Even though some of the others might be less expensive, when it came down to it we thought what Halcyon had to offer in terms of space and quality of finish was far superior and suited our needs,” he said. “It’s not just about how much it costs, it’s the great value you are getting, and you are getting more of it at Halcyon.” Barbara loves Halcyon Lakeside’s great sense of space, lower housing density and beautiful landscaping. And with so much travelling yet to do, they both appreciate the peace of mind of being able to lock-up and leave for weeks or even months.

I’m looking forward to learning new things like lawn bowls and pickleball.

“The gated community and security appealed to me because you feel safe in your own home,” Terry said. “Now, we will both feel more secure when we’re away travelling.” They were also lucky enough to meet some of their new Halcyon neighbours before moving in. “We were staying in our motorhome at a Mudjimba caravan park and we met a couple who said they were moving to Halcyon Lakeside, we introduced ourselves and they turned out to be our new next-door neighbours,” Terry said. “So, we got to know them beforehand, and they moved in a week before us. “When we arrived, they helped us to settle in.” Barbara said she’s expecting the kids and grandchildren to call in more often now that they are living at Halcyon Lakeside. “All of a sudden going to Ma and Grandpa’s is a lot more exciting,” she laughed. “My daughter says she can’t wait until she’s over 50 so she can move in.” ■ 7

Spring 2018

A helping hand

Halcyon helps

others to build a new life IN A FIRST FOR HALCYON, we will deliver a new, purpose-built domestic violence shelter for women and their children on the Gold Coast next year. The shelter will be owned by DVConnect, Queensland’s only state-wide telephone service offering a free crisis hotline for anyone affected by domestic or family violence. Joint Managing Director Dr Bevan Geissmann said the project is something that is close to the hearts of everyone here at Halcyon. “For me, having worked as a general practitioner for many years, I regularly saw people affected by domestic violence,” Bevan said. “And as a lawyer practising in the Beenleigh area, my fellow Joint Managing Director Paul Melville witnessed the legal consequences of this growing community problem.

I realised that this shortage of housing was an aspect of the domestic violence problem where a leading developer like Halcyon could provide tangible support. “We both know only too well that the tragic fallout of this problem doesn’t only affect the individual concerned, it impacts the lives of the children, wider family networks and their communities.” Halcyon Project Director Marie Cone has become a driving force of the project in response to the significant rise in the reporting and severity of domestic violence in Queensland. Marie experienced first-hand the urgency of the DV housing situation when she visited DVConnect’s call

centre. Here she saw the volume of calls taken each day and the desperate need for emergency housing. Each month, DVConnect receives more than 4,000 calls from women seeking refuge, and is forced to place many of these women and children in motels because of the shortage of refuge places. “The ripple effect of domestic violence is poorly understood,” Marie said. “It has a toxic effect on people’s lives, damaging them, their relationships, and paralysing their ability to function normally. “I realised that this shortage of housing was an aspect of the domestic violence problem where a leading developer like Halcyon could provide tangible support. “So, together with our shareholders, we committed Halcyon to addressing the region’s severe shortage of crisis accommodation by delivering a new shelter.” Halcyon then invited national developer Mirvac to come on board to make this new shelter a reality for DVConnect. Bevan said Mirvac was eager to help, viewing the project as a practical and vital step toward addressing some of the challenges surrounding domestic violence. “They generously donated a block of land for the shelter, which, I’m delighted to say, is now under construction,” he said. “Close to 60 per cent of the project’s building costs have been donated by Halcyon’s generous subcontractors and suppliers, who gladly provided materials and labour essential for the project.” On completion in April 2019, the house will be the first new domestic violence shelter for the Gold Coast region in more than a decade. This gift will make a big difference to the south east corner of Queensland where demand has been high.

Spring 2018

(L-R) Halcyon Joint Managing Directors, Paul Melville and Dr Bevan Geissmann with Richard Laws and Warwick Bible from Mirvac Capable of housing four families at a time, the home will comprise four, one and two-bedroom units, each with their own kitchenette, living area and courtyard. There will also be a communal kitchen, living room, play area, and space for onsite management. Importantly, the shelter will be indistinguishable from other homes in the neighbourhood, allowing its residents to start a new phase of their lives in privacy and with a sense of normalcy. Bevan said Halcyon is overwhelmed by the strong level of support and enthusiasm the project is attracting. “Everyone we’ve approached has been only too happy to help,” he said.

“It resonates with Marie’s observation that, ‘Sometimes the community doesn’t know what to do, but if you provide a vehicle to help, it is amazing how many people want to come on board’.” “Halcyon 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. “And while the motto for our communities is, Life begins at Halcyon, we also support others seeking to start a new and better chapter of their lives across South East Queensland.” ■

Spring 2018

Let’s talk money

by Dr Bevan Geissmann, Joint Managing Director

MAKING THE MOVE to Halcyon is a life-changing decision that resolves many of the economic and social crossroads we reach after the kids move out and our working life wraps up. The high-maintenance family home becomes too big and there’s a lot of money tied up in it. Perhaps your neighbourhood has changed and you’re feeling isolated or stuck in a rut; and you worry how the next 20 years is going to play out financially. At Halcyon, we talk a lot about fun, friendship and freedom, and I’m going to focus on the financial freedom of deciding to move into one of our over 50s lifestyle communities. A key factor in this decision is what I call the ‘long play’. It’s not only about life now or next year but also how you’re travelling financially further down the track when ‘life happens’ and you may have to, or want to, move on from Halcyon. I break this greater financial freedom into three phases: moving in, living here and moving on. First, you can free up a significant amount of cash by downsizing from the family home and moving to Halcyon. For example, you trade your $650,000 residence for a $490,000 new home at Halcyon, where there’s no entry fees or stamp duty on the purchase. Instantly you’ve unlocked a lot of money to ensure a comfortable standard of living going forward, and you’re able to go on holidays, buy a caravan or top up the bank account nicely. Second, once you’re in, you have certainty over the costs of living with your weekly site fee covering land rent, council rates, water rates, and all maintenance of the community and its facilities. That fee (ranging from $165 to $245 per week per couple) becomes even more affordable if you are eligible for rent assistance of up to $63.50 a week for a couple or $67.40 for a single.

Not only do you get a bigger and better life in a resort-style community with like-minded neighbours, but you can come out of it better off and ready for whatever’s next. It’s important to point out that at Halcyon you’re living in a secure, managed community offering a broad range of 5-star resort facilities, and those lifestyle and security benefits come at a cost – which is covered by the site fee. There’s no sinking fund, body corporate, or strata and community title fees. All you need to think about are the costs of telephone, internet, home and contents insurance and electricity/gas. Which brings me to another cost of living benefit at Halcyon – our low maintenance homes are designed and constructed to be extremely energy efficient and

Spring 2018

our new superior energy-rated homes have solar panels as standard. This delivers big reductions in the quarterly power bill – with Halcyon home owners reportedly making savings of up to $3,275 per year. The third part of the financial freedom equation at Halcyon is what happens when you need, or want, to move on. I believe you don’t enter into any major purchase or commitment unless you know how you are going to get out of it.

It demonstrates Halcyon’s strength as a smart long-term property play as well as a great lifestyle solution.

Halcyon’s transparent and simple financial model – governed and protected by Queensland’s Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003 – does not charge exit fees, deferred management fees or taxes. You also get to keep all the capital gains you’ve earned on the sale of your Halcyon home. To date, our home owners who’ve moved on have reaped capital gains totalling more than $22 million. That’s a lot of financial freedom for the next chapter of your life and it demonstrates Halcyon’s strength as a smart long-term property play as well as a great lifestyle solution. Not only do you get a bigger and better life in a resort-style community with like-minded neighbours, but you can come out of it better off and ready for whatever’s next. The strong capital gains are in part due to Halcyon’s owner occupier-only policy, meaning there’s no mortgages, no potential repayment problems and no receivers; delivering a financially stable and economically sustainable community. On top of that, Halcyon manages and maintains the community and its facilities to the highest standards, ensuring it remains a sought-after and valuable lifestyle proposition for prospective buyers. So, that’s the financial overview from me. However, I encourage you to come along and talk to the real experts – our home owners, who can tell you first-hand what life’s like at Halcyon and how much it costs. ■ Our next information session is on Wednesday 3 October, call 1800 626 488 to register your interest.

Spring 2018

Cover story

FROM PADDOCK TO PLATE

Matt & Gary

serve up a fresh food perspective CELEBRITY CHEF MATT GOLINSKI took centre stage at Halcyon Glades in August to show home owners how to transform home-grown fresh produce into simply delicious meals. Matt was joined by gardener Gary Hands, of Kookaburra Organics, in presenting Halcyon’s first ever Paddock to Plate event during Queensland Seniors Week. It attracted more than 150 home owners and visitors who gathered in The Long House to see and hear how they could become more self-sufficient and creative with food. Proving that you don’t need a lot of space or money to be a home-grown gourmet, Gary discussed growing crops in pots while Matt gave a cooking demonstration using fresh produce sourced from Halcyon Glades’ own veggie patch. Matt said Halcyon had created a lifestyle opportunity by offering its residents the space and opportunity to grow their own foods in the communal garden and cook together in the community’s state-of-the-art kitchen. “The benefit of doing that, from my point of view, is that you end up with a better end product – better, tastier dishes – and knowing exactly where your food comes from,” he said. 12

Celebrity chef Matt Golinski “Growing your own ingredients is such a satisfying experience and gives you a different kind of respect for the way you consume them. “It can be as simple as growing your own herbs and salad greens; you’ll be reducing waste, saving money and creating fresher, healthier food at home. “You learn to have a better understanding of the seasons, which means you’re eating the

foods your body needs at the right time of year.” Gary said anyone could create their own food garden, regardless of their budget or the size of their garden. “We demonstrate that even if you only have a small space, or happen to be renting, you can still grow your own foods,” he said. “It’s about growing things productively in pots, especially in Queensland because that is a little

Spring 2018

different to popping things in a pot down south. “Everything we do is low cost. You can make your own fertiliser and pest control without spending money at the hardware store or nursery.” Halcyon Glades home owner Penne Bowles said the event had motivated her to start growing vegetables in pots on her back patio. “The presentations were very, very down to earth and it wasn’t an overload of information,” she said. “I like how Matt went down to our community garden and used produce from there in his demonstration. “It’s inspired me to get a patio garden going – it’s so simple. “I would never have imagined that I could grow vegetables out on my patio. But it’s possible, every single person could do it.”

Penne, part of Glades’ kitchen crew, said she found Gary’s tips on buying plants and how to set up pots very helpful while Matt spoke about the tasty benefits of using home-grown produce.

I like how Matt went down to our community garden and used produce from there in his demonstration.

“It inspired us to have a go at growing because what we buy in the shops is nothing like it – the flavours are nothing like the home-grown vegetables,” she said. Fellow home owner Judy Moller took away plenty of handy hints, and like Penne, has been inspired to produce her own vegetables. “It was very, very informative,” she said “I think it’s great to be able to grow your own vegetables, pick them and put them straight on your plate. “It’s healthier and you get a great sense of satisfaction from doing it.

Matt Golinski with Penne Bowles An enthusiastic cook, Judy said she enjoyed watching Matt prepare a meal from scratch. “I really loved the way he incorporated the herbs and stalks into his cooking,” she said. “And the fact that he made his own chicken stock, it was very natural – I love all that natural cooking.” ■ Gary Hands from Kookaburra Organics’

Spring 2018

In & around

LOLA FOLLOWS

in her granddaughter’s footsteps LOLA DAVISON has her granddaughter Sharni Hardcastle to thank for her new life at Halcyon Greens. Last year, Lola was inspecting her granddaughter’s new block of land at Gainsborough Greens when she glanced over and saw Halcyon Greens taking shape nearby. “I only came across it because we were looking at Sharni’s land and I looked around and saw Halcyon Greens being built in the distance,” Lola said. With Sharni moving to Pimpama and other family living at Helensvale, Lola saw Halcyon Greens as the perfect lifestyle solution; offering security, a strong sense of community and better proximity to her loved ones. Fast-forward several months and Lola and Sharni, 26, are virtually neighbours; now just a three-minute drive from each other’s brand new doorsteps. For Lola, it beats being back at Varsity Lakes and having to tackle the M1 every time she wants to see her family. Now, she and Sharni can catch up regularly for a coffee chat, lunch or some shopping. Sharni is delighted to have her grandmother living in a secure and social environment just around the corner from her. “It’s great and so close, I can easily come over for lunch or take her to the shops at Helensvale,” she said. 14

“Nana will go shopping while I go to the gym. I think it’s really good having all the activities that are available here, there’s always something on. The facilities that are coming look amazing and you’ve got the golf club right there.” Lola and Sharni can also look forward to doing some Christmas shopping at the $470 million Westfield Coomera when it opens later this year. Located just minutes from Halcyon Greens, the highly anticipated shopping destination will feature two supermarkets, two department stores, 140 specialty shops, cinemas and a market-style fresh food precinct.

It’s a very safe community and everybody knows each other.

Lola said she was enjoying the strong sense of community at Halcyon Greens and was looking forward to seeing it develop further. “It’s great, there’s always people around and plenty of things to do,” she said. “I’m going to get a golf buggy to get around as the community gets bigger.” Sharni said the family was pleased that Lola had chosen to live at Halcyon Greens. “For us, we know it’s a very safe community and everybody knows each other,” she said. “It’s so good because you know it’s safe, with the security, the gates and all the cameras.” ■

Lola Davison with granddaughter Sharni Hardcastle

Spring 2018

In & around

All aboard

next stop, the Sunshine Coast Halcyon Lakeside home owner Allan Williams has landed a sweet job at what is possibly Queensland’s most iconic and beloved landmark – The Big Pineapple. ONCE A WEEK, Allan drives the heritage-listed pineapple train that takes visitors on the state’s biggest, curviest and steepest climbing track through the landmark attraction, which is being revived by its new owners. Allan is delighted to have landed the plum frontline gig at the resurgent Sunshine Coast icon after working for BHP in Newcastle for almost 40 years. “I love it – what little boy doesn’t love driving a train,” Allan laughed. “I ran a department for BHP and I had 300 people under me, but I missed the interaction. “Now I get that every Wednesday because it’s a very interactive job. I love the school holidays and I love the interaction with the people.” Allan said the train takes passengers down through the rainforest, orchids, bamboo forest and past the animals at Wildlife HQ – a zoo that has been established on the site with animals from the former Alma Park Zoo. “People can get up close and personal with the animals,” he said. “There are 250 species of animals and the largest number of bears in Australia.” Working at The Big Pineapple was an unintended but happy consequence of Allan and his wife Marian moving to the Sunshine Coast after 65 years in Newcastle. The job popped up while they were waiting to move into their new home at Halcyon Lakeside.

Marian and Allan Williams “We were staying in a caravan park and the man who lived next door works at The Big Pineapple,” Allan said. “He mentioned there was a job going – I didn’t want to work but I went and had a look.” The rest, as they say, is history, and the born-andbred Novocastrian now finds himself a part of The Big Pineapple’s journey to restore itself as a major tourism destination. Meanwhile, Marian is enjoying being able to join in on the mah-jong, jewellery making and craft groups on their doorstep at Halcyon Lakeside. “When you’ve got your own interests so close at hand, it’s easy to get to know people who have the same interests,” she said. “I’m learning a lot about art and craft from people here who have a lot of expertise. It’s great to be able to pick that up.” Reflecting on their big move north, Marian said it was made easier by the Sunshine Coast’s inviting sub-tropical climate and the fact she could say goodbye to all those stairs in her three-level home.

Spring 2018

“We shocked a lot of people but we just up and did it,” she said. “It’s a big change to make but it’s not that hard to do if you’re ready for it.” Allan said they knew from the start that Halcyon Lakeside was perfect for them. “When we walked in the front gate, we thought: ‘This is where we’re coming to live’,” he said. “The atmosphere, the way the place looked and felt, it was home.” He’s also finding lots to do at Halcyon Lakeside on his six days off with movies, cards, tenpin bowling and learning to play lawn bowls. “It’s very hectic,” he said. “There are plenty of classes here, you can be out every day of the week. I find that there’s not enough days in the week, I can’t fit everything in. What a great problem to have though. I think you do stay younger by being interested and doing things.”

When you’ve got your own interests so close at hand, it’s easy to get to know people who have the same interests. “The best part of it is that we’re all like-minded, we’ve all done the hard yards and now it’s time to sit back and do what we want to do. We’re both enjoying interests that we always wanted, and we have the time to do them.” Marian sums it up this way: “It’s the perfect place to retire; you’ve got what you want around you and you’ve got people around you.” “We have a really beautiful place to live.” ■

The couple said they’ve felt a part of the Halcyon Lakeside community from day one. “In our first week here, the neighbours from our street took us out for tea,” Allan said. “It was very unexpected, but they’re just lovely people. “We fitted into the community and it was very easy to do.”

Spring 2018

Acreage downsizers are

Caboolture converts

Penny and Peter Costello

PLENTY OF THINGS have changed for Peter and Penny Costello since moving to Halcyon Glades, including their first impressions of Caboolture. The couple arrived at Halcyon Glades in February after selling the Samford acreage property they had lived on for 20 years. Their decision to move off acreage was motivated by the increasing maintenance effort and the desire to free up some capital.

Having carefully researched their downsizing options, they decided the over 50s lifestyle community model was for them and that Halcyon had a superior offering in the sector. “It really came down to what Halcyon had to offer, we didn’t like the design of houses in other communities or their narrow streets,” Peter said. “We did look at home units in beach locations, but they were too touristy and noisy for us.”

Spring 2018

In & around

They proceeded to fall in love with the closest Halcyon community to their family home, Halcyon Glades, and a spacious and airy home they inspected there. “We really liked the design of houses and we found exactly what we were looking for – a house with high ceilings and a great sense of space,” Peter said. “The day we inspected was very hot and the house had been shut up and the air conditioning hadn’t been on, but inside it was quite cool and we thought it must be well designed and insulated.” Their only reservation was the area itself. They were used to living on acreage in a semi-rural environment and weren’t familiar with Caboolture. “We didn’t know a lot, but our perception was that it would be much noisier and busier,” Peter said. Their perceptions quickly changed when they saw for themselves the calibre of community facilities and infrastructure already in place and being rolled out across Caboolture, including a shopping centre just across the road from Halcyon Glades. “Once we started to look around Caboolture, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety of community facilities on offer,” Peter said. “We were impressed with the amenities provided by the council, we had no idea of the standard and the number of things that are available and how well kept the waterways are until we started to drive around. “We had no idea of the amenities around the district, facilities like dog parks, walking trails, boat ramps and much more.

“But we loved what was offered inside the fence line at Halcyon so much – the design and the friendliness of the staff along with the security and CCTV – that we felt comfortable and protected from the outside world, whatever that was.”

The move has kept them close to their elderly mothers, two daughters and five grandchildren, who all live on Brisbane’s outer northside. Peter is now considering buying a small boat so that he can take advantage of the fishing and boating opportunities on his doorstep in the Moreton Bay Region. He hopes to revive the family fishing excursions of his youth and fond memories of time spent fishing with his grandfather. “I’d love to think some of my grandkids would share the same kind of experience with me,” he said. The couple were delighted to discover that Halcyon Glades is about to get its own dog park as part of the community’s expansion of its leisure offering. Penny said it will be the perfect place to exercise their energetic two-year-old Groodle, Toby, and to meet other home owners. “We’re looking forward to the dog park, it was a lovely surprise to hear that,” she said. As they continue to settle in to the community, Peter who works as a casual at Bunnings, volunteers behind the Rec Club bar for Happy Hour, is part of the Home Owners Committee, goes to the community’s gym when he can, and has bought a push bike. Between adding personal touches to their new home, Penny has tried out lawn bowls, takes part in Pilates classes and has joined the knitting group, which makes items for charity. Both say they appreciate the ‘rules’ of the community and the way home owners pitch in and help with events. “We like the rules and we’re happy to follow them because that’s what keeps this place the way it is,” Peter said. “The Halcyon Glades community works on a volunteer basis, which is really good. It keeps people involved and the structure leads to a higher level of satisfaction and friendliness.” ■

Spring 2018

In & around

Singing the praises

of Halcyon Parks’ songbirds HALCYON PARKS’ abundant birdlife has some strong competition in the shape of the community’s other resident songbirds – the Treble Clefs ladies music group.

Formed 12 years ago, the Treble Clefs emerged from Halcyon Parks’ original music group – made up of men and women – when Bev identified some very strong female vocalists.

Harmonies and melodies float through the community each Wednesday afternoon as the Treble Clefs’ 14 voices rehearse for two hours.

Interestingly, most of the Treble Clefs members have joined the group without any background in singing, just the long-held desire to give it a go.

They are ably led by their piano accompanist, Bev Biggs, who has a wealth of experience as a former Queensland Light Opera Company singer and three overseas tours as the accompanist for the Esk Community Choir.

Bev, who started singing at the age of 16, says the lack of experience has proved no barrier to success with the Treble Clefs about to perform their third gig outside of the Halcyon Parks gates.

The Treble Clefs

Spring 2018

They are currently rehearsing for a 10-minute spot at the Esk Community Choir’s Gala Chorale Event and 40th anniversary celebration on Sunday 14 October at Somerset Civic Centre.

Bev Biggs

The invitation to perform came through Bev’s connection to the Esk choir and their interest in the Treble Clefs’ progress. “It is a thrill and my girls are included in a big combined choir item at the end of the concert,” Bev said. “It’s going to be an experience that they’ve never had and one they’ll never forget.” The Esk gig comes just over a month after the Treble Clefs made their second appearance at Caloundra Chorale’s Pleasant Sunday Afternoon Concert on 2 September. They were invited back after making an impressive debut at the event last year. Aside from their outside appearances, the Treble Clefs regularly perform for the Halcyon Parks Community. Bev says she is impressed and delighted at the development she has seen in the Treble Clefs at both the individual and group level. “Only two of them have had experience, the rest have never done anything, it’s amazing – they’ve gone from strength to strength,” she said. “None of them read music and they have been the most teachable girls because they are open to being told how to do it and to changing. I push their boundaries so hard and they never complain. I can’t believe they’ve improved so much, and they can’t believe they’ve become so good.”

It’s going to be an experience that they’ve never had and one they’ll never forget.

Bev adds that there is no room for divas at the Treble Clefs. “In this group, there are no stars, everybody is on the same level,” she said. “We have a wonderful bond. I think that’s why we’re moving upwards, I’m able to push their boundaries and they’re happy to be pushed because of that bond.” And the door is wide open for new members, with Bev convinced that anyone can sing. “I never listen to people who say they can’t sing,” she said.

“I believe everyone in their own way can learn to sing something that will suit them. A lot of people join this group because they’ve always thought, ‘I’d love to do something like that’. “Some of them have terrible nerves when they start, but I spend lots of time one on one with them to give them confidence, and from there they become very confident in what they’re doing.” ■

Spring 2018

Health & fitness

Halcyon’s Gold Coast Marathon Team

Team Halcyon’s marathon effort HUNDREDS OF HALCYON home owners and staff have stepped out in the Sunshine Coast Marathon and Gold Coast Marathon events in 2018, raising their heart rates and $5,000 for charity. Following a Halcyon tradition of strong participation in these annual events, Team Halcyon joined thousands of walkers and runners to pound the pavement for health, friendship and a sense of achievement. Most recently, 200 home owners and staff from Halcyon Parks, Landing, Lakeside and Glades took part in the 2km, 5km, 10km and half marathon events for the Sunshine Coast Marathon on Sunday 19 August. It was the first time in the event for Halcyon Parks newcomers Julie and Paul Coles; former Brisbane

residents who have walked the 10km Bridge to Brisbane a couple of times.

Julie said she liked the ‘giving back’ aspect of the Sunshine Coast Marathon.

They see their participation in the Sunshine Coast Marathon as a natural extension of their daily walks in and around Halcyon Parks at Caloundra.

“It feels good when you’re doing something for a charity and helping as well,” she said.

“We are a little past jogging these days but we’re happy to walk 10km,” Paul said. “We walk every day, and we find if you don’t go for a walk you don’t feel as good. It gets the endorphins going and we love being out in nature.” Paul, who has had open heart surgery twice, admits he’s a bit of a walking fanatic. “It helps to keep the weight down and it’s good for general well-being, it’s become something I’m addicted to,” he said.

Halcyon Parks community manager Kate Clark said the beauty of the Sunshine Coast Marathon was that it was a non-profit event with all proceeds going to charity, including major beneficiary, Ronald McDonald House – a favoured Halcyon cause. “The event has raised $1.2 million for charity and community groups since its inception,” Kate said. “It’s really a community-driven event.” Kate said home owners were excited about generating support for the charity, which provides nearby accommodation

Spring 2018

for parents whose children are in hospital. In June, more than 115 Halcyon home owners and staff from Waters, Vision and Greens laced up their runners and donned their ‘Kingfisher’ blue shirts to take on the 5.7km Gold Coast Airport Fun Run – part of the Gold Coast Marathon weekend. For many it was more of a walk than a run, but a thoroughly enjoyable one with good company, the beautiful Broadwater backdrop and plenty of encouragement coming from the sidelines. They were well supported by Halcyon caretakers Mark Young, Jason Gordon and Jordan Paix, and several helpers, who prepared a delicious post-race BBQ brunch at ‘Team Halcyon HQ’ near the finish line. It was a first for some home owners who had never taken part in such an event.

Halcyon’s Sunshine Coast Marathon Team

Bill Harrison, of Halcyon Greens, said he was pleasantly surprised after wife Joy and community manager Michelle Drummond talked him into signing up. “It’s just not my sort of thing usually,” he said. “But I was so pleased I did it because I absolutely enjoyed it. It brought out my competitive side. “The event was uplifting, and a great experience seeing other people having a go who were worse off than me. It was great having all the supporters cheering you on along the way.” First-timer Trevor Stehr, also from Halcyon Greens, didn’t know what to expect and was a little apprehensive. “I had a few injuries and didn’t know if I’d make it back, but I did, and in a better time than I expected,” he said. “It was great having Halcyon as the organiser and having a home base where you could talk to

people and have something to eat and drink afterwards. It was fun, and I’d do it again.” Judy Gavan crossed the finish line with long-time friend and fellow Halcyon Greens home owner, Del Flack. “I went into it purely for a social get-together because I’m only new here,” she said. “I’ve got a crook knee, so I just wanted a nice, easy social walk. “It was lovely, I thoroughly enjoyed the walk and the camaraderie. Afterwards, we had a coffee, a chat and some lunch - I’ll definitely be doing it again next year.” As a result of their marathon efforts this year, Halcyon home owners and staff raised $5,000 for Ronald McDonald House Herston - enough to fund one room in the facility. ■ For more marathon photos check out page 37

Spring 2018

The changing face

Spotlight on

and

DECADES AGO, Hope Island was a sleepy farming district producing sugar, arrowroot and cattle near the mouth of the Coomera River. Today, the paddocks and crops have made way for a prestigious residential suburb that capitalises on its spectacular river frontage and easy boating access to the Broadwater and Southern Moreton Bay. It is also home to two of Halcyon’s communities: Halcyon Waters and Vision by Halcyon. Hope Island rose to national prominence in the late 1980s with Mike Gore’s development of Sanctuary Cove, a masterplanned marina and golf resort community

pace of Hope Island

blending luxurious residential living with 5-star tourism. The $400 million project’s lavish five-day opening event in January 1988 drew A-listers like Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, Peter Allen, Paul Hogan and Chris Evert to what was once a rural backwater. National developers followed Gore and created the beautiful residential communities of Hope Island Resort and Cova respectively, cementing Hope Island as a sought-after luxury address, particularly for boaties and golfers. These projects together with Halcyon’s communities, the

Coles-anchored Hope Island Shopping Centre, Hope Island Tavern, My HealthCity, Arcare aged care, numerous upmarket residential projects and the spectacular Hope Island Canal have created a vibrant and well-serviced suburb. The growth continues, with the last key piece of the Hope Island puzzle to be put in place with the opening of the highly anticipated $65 million Hope Island Marketplace shopping centre in December 2018. The 14,000sqm retail and commercial centre promises to have the same upmarket feel as Southport’s popular Ferry Rd Markets and Brisbane’s James St.

Spring 2018

For leisure seekers, Hope Island has a plethora of options including boating, golf, shopping and dining. It will deliver Woolworths and Aldi supermarkets, specialty stores, cafes, restaurants, takeaway food outlets, medical facilities, a pharmacy and close to 500 car parking spaces, about half of which will be undercover. Nearby, the long-dormant Village Square marketplace site looks likely to be redeveloped in the medium term with its impending sale creating an enticing 3.3 hectare north-facing waterfront development opportunity.

Other major shopping in the area is located at Westfield Helensvale, Runaway Bay Centre and the $470 million Westfield Coomera, which will open later this year. On the transport front, Hope Island is poised to become even better connected to the Gold Coast and Brisbane with the news that a train station will be built at nearby Helensvale North. The new station is one of three additional stops planned for the Gold Coast rail line along with Pimpama and Worongary-Merrimac, and they are expected to be operational by 2023. For leisure seekers, Hope Island has a plethora of options including boating, golf, shopping and dining. The area boasts three of Queensland’s finest golf courses – Links Hope Island, The Pines and The Palms – along with several spectacular marinas and their

associated waterfront boutiques and eateries, ranging from casual to fine dining. Each May, boaties are treated to one of the southern hemisphere’s premier boating festivals: the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, which attracts industry heavyweights and tens of thousands of visitors. Sanctuary Cove is also home to other events throughout the year including the Winter Wine Festival, Sanctuary Cove Festival and the Sanctuary Cove International Film Festival. And for the young and young at heart, Hope Island is a short drive from the city’s theme park and entertainment precinct, which includes Movie World, Wet’n’Wild, Topgolf, Paradise Country, Australian Outback Spectacular, WhiteWater World and Dreamworld. Continued on page 27

A short drive away, the Homeworld Helensvale complex is undergoing a $20 million expansion that will deliver its sixth stage: a health and lifestyle precinct featuring medical practitioners and allied health specialists. This bustling homemaker centre, just east of the M1, already features a range of major retailers like The Good Guys, Fantastic Furniture, Barbeques Galore, JB Hi-Fi, Carpet Call and Chemist Warehouse, and it is earmarked for even more expansion in the coming years.

Spring 2018

Exclusive waterfront living ...an island away

Australia’s most awarded over 50s living

11 Grant Avenue, Hope Island - Phone 1800 831 567 - Simply google ‘Life begins at Halcyon’ 26

Life beginsatHalcyon.com.au

Spring 2018

12 5

1 2

8 7 11

9 6 10

Just to the south, there’s easy bridge access to Paradise Point, home to a vibrant waterfront esplanade lined with cafes, restaurants, shops, parkland and playgrounds – a hive of activity on weekends.

Halcyon Waters

Vision by Halcyon

It’s clear that Hope Island has come of age more than 30 years after its first major development.

Sovereign Islands

Beautifully surrounded by water, easily accessible, leisure-rich and abounding in everyday convenience, it’s easy to understand why more than 11,000 people now call Hope Island home. ■

Ephraim Island

Paradise Point

Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club

Hope Island fast facts

Hope Island Marketplace

Health Precinct

Hope Island Shopping Centre

Hope Island Resort

Links Hope Island

Runaway Bay

11,000-plus residents Established retail, medical and childcare facilities $65 million major shopping centre opening late 2018 Home to three of Queensland’s top 10 golf courses New Helensvale North train station coming in 2023 Easy boating access to Coomera River and Broadwater

Spring 2018

Designed for living

Darryl and Clorien Kleidon

Halcyon nails the

house for veteran builder HAVING BUILT close to 500 homes during the past 40 years, veteran builder Darryl Kleidon’s only reservation about moving to Halcyon Greens was not being able to construct his new home himself. As the owner of his own building company, it was natural that, in addition to his contractual work, Darryl had always built his family’s homes. But this time, for the first time, he had to put his trust in another builder. “That was the hard thing here, not building this myself,” he said. “This is the first house that we’ve been in that we haven’t built ourselves. But I just had that gut feeling 28

that they (Halcyon) were okay in doing what they were doing, and it turned out like that. If Halcyon weren’t as good as they are, it would have been different. But they were fine and they ticked all the boxes.” Darryl said he was impressed by every aspect of Halcyon’s approach to the construction process, so much so, that he and wife Clorien took a trip while their home was being built. “We were away with the caravan in Tasmania for six weeks when the house was being built, and that’s never happened to me before because we’ve always been building it,” he said.

Spring 2018

“But it all clicked and it all worked. The homes have good design and I liked all the construction methods like the Hebel and the insulation. It’s what I would have done if I had built it myself.” And while they appreciated the wide array of variations available and the ability to personalise their home, Darryl and Clorien’s decision to move to Halcyon Greens hinged strongly on being able to adapt the garage to fit the caravan. “If we weren’t allowed to do this, we wouldn’t be here, we would have been on acreage,” he said. The adaption involved taking up their courtyard and some internal house space to create a garage big enough for the caravan and two cars. “It’s the fourth bedroom,” Darryl laughed. “We had a three-bedroom house and now we’ve got a four-bedroom house, because we’ve got the bedroom in the caravan. I think everybody knows us because of it; when we meet somebody for the first time they say, ‘Oh, you’re the ones with the caravan in the garage’. “But I’m glad we did it. When we stop caravanning, I want the garage as big as it is because I still want to tinker around and it’s good to have that space.” With some of their internal space taken up by the garage, the couple also elected to enclose the rear patio to create more living area. Darryl, 63, said they were happy with the entire construction process, from concept through to completion. “The service was as good as we expected from the first meeting we had with Halcyon, because we follow much of the same process with our building projects,” he said. Clorien, 65, who works part-time with Queensland Health in Brisbane, is delighted with the finished product and is loving her new life at Halcyon Greens. “We’ve really made the right decision,” she said. “We thought it was going to be a slower pace, but it’s not, we’re still active and we’ve got beautiful neighbours and everybody else we know here are really lovely and friendly people. I know I miss out on social things on the days I work but they’re not going to go away. When I decide to give up work, I’ve got more of a social life down here.”

The adaption involved taking up their courtyard and some internal house space to create a garage big enough for the caravan and two cars. Shortly after moving in, the Kleidons instigated a Royal Wedding street party – complete with TV, tiaras and fire baskets – and they are planning more of the same in their very social street. They laugh at how a five-minute cuppa with their neighbours can turn into an hour-long get-together. “We sort of knew our neighbours at Kuraby, but we really know our neighbours here,” Clorien said. “It’s more social.” Darryl, who considers himself an all-rounder, is keen to try everything as more and more of Halcyon Greens’ recreational facilities are completed. “We’re happy that we moved here because we’ve done it early enough, we haven’t left it too late,” he said. “That’s an important thing, because we can still be active here and hopefully we are for a long time.” ■ 29

Spring 2018

Our promise, your guarantee

Superior energy rating, increased comfort & reduced cost of living

Relocatability Patent Number: 2009243510 driving legal certainty & compliance

Silver as standard, future-proofing your home

Spring 2018

Designed for living

Halcyon’s Triple Guarantee - superior energy rating, Livable Housing Design and patented relocatability - is what makes our homes different from our competitors. After all, Halcyon doesn’t leave once the home is built; we stay with you as the owners and managers of our lifestyle communities, so it’s important that we get it right. Firstly, let’s look at Halcyon’s superior energy-rated homes, which lower the costs of living and create homes that are more comfortable to live in.

Halcyon Joint Managing Director Paul Melville discusses Halcyon’s Triple Guarantee HERE AT HALCYON, your new home is designed for living and built for life, a promise that is underpinned by Halcyon’s Triple Guarantee. For us, it’s not just about building a house, it’s creating a home that meets all your needs, keeps you comfortable, and suits your lifestyle long into the future. Halcyon’s Triple Guarantee – superior energy rating, Livable Housing Design and patented relocatability – is what makes our homes different from others in the marketplace. These elements reduce the cost of living, ensure each new home is future-proofed to adapt to our home owners’ changing needs, and deliver legislative compliance and legal certainty.

To earn this rating, our new homes employ passive solar design, three levels of insulation and use environmentally sensitive materials like steel and Hebel during construction. This approach creates homes that are cooler in summer, warmer in winter and cheaper to run. All new homes also have 3kW solar panels as a standard feature, harnessing the power of the sun to further drive down your energy costs. Secondly, Halcyon’s adoption of Livable Housing Design (LHD) means our new homes are future-proofed with design features that anticipate changes in the mobility of our home owners as they grow older. These features support the principle of ageing in place and create homes that are easily accessible and adaptable. They allow you to stay in your own home for longer, in safety and in comfort.

Halcyon’s new homes embrace LHD’s Silver Level design as standard, which means they have a no-step entry, wider hallways and doors, hobless shower recess, and bathroom walls with noggings as provision for grab rails. Applying these subtle design features during the construction process saves the cost and hassle of retrofitting them down the track, and provides peace of mind. And finally, each of our new homes reflects Halcyon’s patented relocatable design (Patent Number 2009243510), which has revolutionised the manufactured home industry in Australia. Our patented method of design and construction means our homes are fixed directly to a slab with no false floors, while complying fully with Queensland’s Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003. The result provides peace of mind that Halcyon has strictly adhered to the governing regulation, thus providing a home owner with guaranteed compliance. As you can see, Halcyon’s Triple Guarantee is our promise to deliver comfort, confidence, peace of mind and legislative certainty to every home owner. ■

Spring 2018

CHECKLIST We recently caught up with Deepa Calais from the Australian Over 50s Guide, the largest circulating guide book in Australia for over 50s. The publication provides a single place for all the services that you need for a great lifestyle in your 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond. Here, they have provided a checklist on what you should consider before deciding what lifestyle option is best for you; an over 50s community or a retirement village.

Advice

Legal Structure & Costs

Have you checked with your friends and relatives, especially those who live in an over 50s community or those who are in the process of making a similar decision?

Have you considered whether your choice of living option is within your financial circumstances both now and into the future?

Have you checked out the publicly available sources of information, such as government websites? Have you sought professional advice on your personal needs and financial situation?

Location Is the over 50s community easily accessible for your existing network of family and friends to visit? How is the over 50s community located in relation to your place of work, if you intend to continue working or volunteering? Are amenities such as shopping centres, restaurants, cinemas, doctors and hospitals close at hand? Can you easily get to those areas that are important to your personal lifestyle such as the beach, the hinterland or a golf course?

Do you fully understand the costs involved, both going into the community, and exit fees, if any, and options? Do you have a full understanding of the ongoing costs that you may have to pay? Will you be entitled to any federal, state or other assistance? Have you had your professional advisor vet the contract you will be signing to enter the community of your choice?

Community Manager Is the community run by a large corporation, religious group or small company? Are the community managers new to the industry or have they had many years of experience? What is the reputation of the community managers? Is there a residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; committee? Is there a clear and easy dispute resolution process?

Buildings & Design

Have you considered whether you want to be in a community with landed units such as villas or townhouses, or would you prefer apartment-style living, whether low rise or high rise?

Spring 2018

Are your needs met in terms of the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, storage and the general layout of the villas or apartments? Is there garage space or an allocated parking spot? Is there parking for visitors? Have the villas or apartments been designed keeping in mind the mobility difficulties that can accompany older age â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are the doorways wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, can a wheelchair turn around in the bathroom, are there rounded edges on kitchen islands and bench tops, do door handles have to be twisted or do they push down?

Personal Care

Have steps and stairs been eliminated both inside and outside or are there adequate ramps to allow you to get anywhere you want to?

Are there facilities such as a hairdresser and beauty salon in the community?

Security

Are there personal well-being programmes run at the community such as yoga, meditation or Zumba classes?

Does the community have a secure perimeter? Are there regular security patrols? Are there special security arrangements for periods when you are absent such as a trip overseas? Is an emergency call system available? Does the community have a formal process of ensuring residents are well and safe on a regular basis?

Is personal care assistance available if needed, such as with getting around, bathing etc.? Which are the in-home care providers that most regularly visit the community for other clients? Do you have any special needs whether physical or emotional, and are those special needs catered for? Are pets allowed?

Domestic Assistance

Are there restrictions on visitors?

Is domestic assistance such as cleaning available and is it at an additional cost?

Home Upkeep

Is assistance available for laundry and ironing, and if so is there a cost attached?

Is home maintenance provided for consumables such as globes? Is there additional cost for these?

33 Continued on page 34

Spring 2018

Is gardening done for you? Can you plant shrubs, flowers and trees of your choice? Is any assistance given in respect of home modification and repairs and are the rules compatible with your needs?

Atmosphere and Feel Have you visited on open days and other times? Have you talked with some of the residents and staff, and do you get a good feeling about it? Can you positively say you would look forward to living in this community, are you drawn to it?

Moving On Do you fully understand the financial arrangements at exiting? Is assistance given in selling the property? Do you understand the financial implications if you want to move out? Is there an aged care facility associated with the community nearby? Do you understand how your estate will be affected if you pass away in the community? Do you understand any impact on your partner if you pass away? Will your partner still be able to live in the community?

Entertainment, Socialising & Recreation Have you thought about the social atmosphere and how well you think it suits your character and personality? Is there in-village entertainment such as a cinema, media room, theatrette, library, games room and music room? Are there sporting facilities such as billiards, bowling green, tennis court and swimming pool? Are you happy with the rules relating to guests?

Courtesy of the Australian Over 50s Living & Lifestyle Guide

Is there transport for shopping or appointments? Are there organised trips and tours you can join? What relationship, if any, does the community manager maintain with the family of residents?

www.australianoverfifties.com.au

Spring 2018

UP & COMING

EVENTS

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening in our communities Q&A SESSIONS

Our informative seminars break down the facts about life in an over 50s community. Hear first-hand how Halcyon is nothing like a retirement village and how you can access a bigger lifestyle. Meet home owners already living the dream and experience an over 50s community like no other.

Wednesday 3 October

HALCYON OPEN DAYS

Bring your friends and family, see the 5-star resort facilities, meet the people already living the dream and enjoy our fun themed open days that cater to everyone.

Saturday 6 October Halcyon Glades

Halcyon Greens Gainsborough Greens Golf Club

Saturday 13 October

Thursday 8 November

Saturday 8 December

Halcyon Lakeside

Halcyon Lakeside Halcyon Greens

Wednesday 14 November Halcyon Glades North Lakes Golf Club

Saturday 17 November Halcyon Greens

FRIENDS OF HALCYON EVENTS Sunday 28 October Grandparents Day Halcyon Glades

Reserve your spot today

We would love for you to join us at one of our events. For further information or to register please contact us on 1800 626 488 or sales@halcyondays.com.au. Or visit our website for more information lifebeginsathalcyon.com.au/events.

Spring 2018

Social seen

# My Halcyon

Isaac Drummond

DAYS

‘School holiday’ fishing competition Saturday 7 July 2018 The quest to land the biggest Tilapia in the lake was the lure for home owners and their grandchildren from Halcyon’s three Gold Coast communities at the annual fishing competition. The popular event is held on the lake at Halcyon Waters and as you can see from the smiles on the pint-sized anglers, everyone had a ball.

Bill Boyd and Theo

Theo and Lexie Zac

Sophia and Arianna

Asher

Spring 2018

Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Marathon’s Saturday 30 June and Sunday 19 August 2018 Resplendent in ‘Kingfisher’ blue or orange, Halcyon’s Marathon team was at it again, pounding the pavement to help raise funds for Ronald McDonald House. This year over 300 home owners and staff participated in the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Marathons, with the Sunshine Coast team the largest to enter the event. Blisters and tired limbs aside, there must some reason the team keeps getting bigger every year.

Rodger Cooper

Judy Young

Bob Marsh Trevor Styles Prue Wettenall

Louise Sams

Laurie Whelan and Trish Gearie

Heather Farr and Jenny Boyland

Steve and Carole Blackburn Barbara Robinson

Sandra Thomas, Liz Hallgath and Lyn Watkins 37

Spring 2018

Social seen

# My Halcyon

DAYS ski Vic Ritchie, Matt Golin y wa Hil lyn se Jo d an

Auriel Wraith and Peter Coutanche

John and Gloria Rae with guest

Keith Bing with Alan and Heather Ogilvie

(L -R) Helen Wood, Ch ristine Perkins, Jan West an d Joyce Cramp

(L -R) Christine Dixon with guest and Lorraine Marsh

em, (L -R) Lyn and Des Ell d an t urs gh lin Bil Dawn Tommy St John

Spring 2018

Seniors Week at Halcyon 19 – 26 August 2018 Halcyon celebrated Queenslands Seniors Week in style hosting a series of tasty, healthy, informative and active events. From pickleball and ‘Paddock to plate’ with celebrity chef Matt Golinski to a ‘Happy Healthy You’ presentation with former Olympian Lisa Curry, the communities were buzzing with activity.

Graham Simpson, est Peter Kaszas and gu

Del Tandy, Elaine Co bb and Noela Johnson Norma Thomas, Jan Tysoe and Liz Jones

Mike Burdett, Lisa Curry and Brenda Burdett

Keith and Sharon Bin

ie, Karen Allan, (L -R) Steve Hast aggie Storey Neville Storey, M and Lisa Curry

Lorraine Marsh, Lisa Curry and Jo Feiner

Lisa Curry

Life’s g R A N D

Spring 2018

FOR AS LONG AS THEY CAN REMEMBER, ARIANNA (8), AND SOPHIA (6), have been a part of their grandparents Jenny and Russell Boylan’s community at Halcyon Waters.

Small Talk – grandkids’ perspective

The girls love visiting the community with its duck pond, huge parkland, big swimming pool, tennis court, library, friendly neighbours and wide, quiet streets – perfect for riding their scooters and bikes. Jenny said Halcyon Waters was like a big backyard for their energetic and inquisitive granddaughters. “We came here when Sophia was two-months-old, so she’s grown up here, it’s her second home,” she said. “Everything’s here and it’s nice and safe.” Jenny and Russell often take Arianna and Sophia on bike rides to the community’s duck pond or to one of the dog parks close to Halcyon Waters. The girls keep a second set of bikes at Grandma and Grandad’s to save bringing their bikes from home. “They’ve learnt to ride their scooters and bikes here on the paths around the lake area. The quiet streets here in the community have helped them gain confidence in riding on the roads so they’re now both confident enough to ride with us to other parks on Hope Island.” Jenny said.

Left to right: Arianna, Jenny, Sophia and Russell Boylan

We go to the duck pond and the ducks remember us.

Spring 2018

The girls sometimes visit Jenny and Russell’s neighbour Alan Rawnsley, whose garage airspace is filled with his model aeroplanes. “They call him The Aeroplane Man,” Jenny said. “Alan and Frances buy them chocolates for Christmas and Easter. The girls are like their surrogate grandchildren.” Jenny and Russell’s next-door neighbour, Di Kharbanda, is another favourite of the girls and has even looked after them while their mum Andrea was working, and Jenny and Russell were busy. They also enjoy playing with neighbours Sharyn and Ken Knitter’s grandchildren when they visit from interstate.

How often do you visit or stay over?

Arianna: We visit Grandma and Grandad every week – mostly on weekends. Sophia: We have sleepovers too.

Sophia and Arianna with ‘The Aeroplane Man’ Alan Rawnsley

What are your favourite things to do when you visit? Arianna: We go swimming and eat ice blocks that we make with Grandma. We do dance concerts on the steps in the park and we play tennis.

We go to the duck pond and the ducks remember us – they always come paddling over waiting to be fed. Sophia: We sometimes go to the library, we get games out and my favourite is Bob the Builder. We go swimming in the pool and go on a bike ride to the duck pond or the dog park. We feed bread to the ducks and some of the ducks fight over it. We climb trees at the dog park. ■ 41

Spring 2018

Halcyon communities

Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best over 50s lifestyle communities Please phone 1800 626 488 for more information on our communities.

Halcyon Greens GAINSBOROUGH GREENS - PIMPAMA

Enjoy country club living at Halcyon Greens, Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. 7 Halcyon Drive, Pimpama - Display homes open 9am - 4pm, Monday to Saturday

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 450 metres of lake frontage set against a natural backdrop of undulating hills. 1 Halcyon Way, Bli Bli - Display homes open 9am - 4pm, Monday to Saturday

Halcyon Glades C A BOOLT UR E

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 found in an award-winning Halcyon community.

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

Spring 2018

Halcyon Waters HOPE ISLAND

Halcyon once again turned to the Gold Coast’s prestigious North Shore for its first waterfront over 50s lifestyle community, Vision by Halcyon. Located on an island at Hope Island, the exclusive gated community won the UDIA Qld’s Seniors’ Living award. 11 Grant Avenue, Hope Island - Homes available, inspection by appointment

Judged Australia’s best over 50s 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

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

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 architecturally designed homes, gated security, comprehensive resort-style facilities and a strong community culture. 42 Meridan Way, Caloundra - Homes available, inspection by appointment

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DAYS

Want to share your Halcyon Days with us? Send your story to marketing@halcyondays.com.au

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Spring 2018

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Picnic in the Park

OPEN DAY See plans for the new Final Stage

SATURDAY 6 OCTOBER 10AM-1PM

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Join us for a Picnic in the Park Open Day at Halcyon Glades and bring your family and friends. Enjoy free entertainment and refreshments, see plans for the Final Stage with the new park and dog off-leash area, inspect our stunning display homes, talk to the people already living the dream and discover Australia’s best over 50s living!

Australia’s most awarded over 50s living

34 Ardrossan Road, Caboolture north - Phone 1800 814 567 - Simply google ‘Life begins at Halcyon’

Life beginsatHalcyon.com.au