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Life beginsatHalcyon
summer 2017
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
From the team at Halcyon
Golf course views, country club living page 4
Smooth sailing at Lakeside page 7
Stepping up to the podium page 10
summer 2017
Home owners cycle from Pottsville to Deception Bay
Where to next for over 50’s living?
year and partly due to the significant growth we have seen in the over 50’s lifestyle community market. This edition of Halcyon Days is a testament to their achievements.
That is something we have been reflecting on during the final months of 2017. The rubber band of life has stretched, giving a lot of us fortunate ones so much more out of life. Combined with the great lifestyle of South East Queensland, the opportunities to maximise retirement living are endless.
Every day in our communities we get to see some amazing new things our home owners are taking up like painting or pottery for the first time, cycling from Pottsville to Deception Bay or being the largest team to participate in the Sunshine Coast Marathon.
The reflection in part is due to the amazing things our Halcyon home owners achieved throughout this
At the Sunshine Coast Marathon
Taking up new hobbies like painting
More than 14 years ago, when we started on this journey, I don’t think Paul and I could have appreciated what a difference lifestyle communities would make to so many people. Way back then, very few people had heard of a lifestyle community and the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act had a stigma that we worked tirelessly to reframe. We knew there was a better alternative to the retirement village model and we are grateful the Queensland Government has provided us with the legislation to deliver a superior lifestyle option. Today, there are more than 10,000 homes in lifestyle communities across South East Queensland and that number is set to increase considerably. This year the Queensland Government passed legislation to help improve and reaffirm their commitment to this operating model and to ensure home owners’ rights and long-term protection under the Act. This will ensure that every operator is brought up to standard and a home owners financial security is protected. Halcyon looks forward to the implementation of
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these long-awaited reforms, more than four years after the review of the Act was announced in September 2013. This year we have also been focussed on ramping up our commitment to sustainable homes that are designed for living and built for life. Delivering low-maintenance homes and lower running costs, whilst maintaining space, design and quality fittings are at the heart of everything we do in a Halcyon home. To achieve lower running costs and help our home owners leave a lighter footprint we have now installed more than 3,800 solar panels saving more than 3,504 tonnes annually of carbon being pumped into the environment. In 2018, what do we hope for our home owners and those joining the Halcyon Family? We wish them more Halcyon Days. Dr Bevan Geissmann and Paul Melville Joint Managing Directors Halcyon
Joint Managing Directors Dr Bevan Geissmann and Paul Melville
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Lifestyle showcase seals the deal Just over a year ago downsizing Sunshine Coast couple Des and Vicki Kenny knew next to nothing about living in an over 50’s lifestyle community. Today the Buderim retirees are looking forward to moving into their new home at Halcyon Lakeside next year. They became sold on the lifestyle and its simple financial model after attending one of the regular Halcyon information sessions held on the Sunshine Coast. “We wanted a more manageable lifestyle that would allow us the freedom to pursue new interests and travel instead of constantly maintaining our home” said Des. “When starting out it can be quite overwhelming with the different options out there, those being units, villas and retirement villages. They all come
with different benefits and costs, we wanted to make sure we made the right financial decision for us. There is a lot of information to digest and the session helped us understand the differences and associated costs.” The one hour question and answer session gave them the opportunity to get a better understanding of how lifestyle communities designed for over 50’s work. It was the clear, transparent information received at the session that fast-forwarded their downsizing plans and led them to purchase in a Halcyon community. Halcyon Joint Managing Director Dr Bevan Geissmann said the information sessions are crucial in assisting potential buyers to fully understand and appreciate the model and the great ownership benefits it delivers in comparison to retirement villages.
Over 50’s living... the facts “This is a major life decision and one that the baby boomer demographic does not take lightly or easily,” Dr Geissmann said. “We find that people attending the sessions get all of the information and reassurance they need to determine whether a community suits them and their phase in life. If you’re interested in attending a Halcyon information session please turn to the back page for a full list of upcoming sessions.
Home owner referral raises $150,000 for charity There’s nothing quite like word of mouth and the recommendation of a trusted friend. Since 2013 Halcyon’s referral program, an initiative to give back to the greater community has donated $150,000 to charity. Along with a cheque for $1,500 for referring a friend who purchases a home in one of Halcyon’s seven communities, referrers also receive a cheque for $500 to donate to the charity of their choice. Over the last five years, the program has seen over
300 home owners donate to 94 different local and national charities. Four worthy causes received more than 50% of the Halcyon home owner donations; The Cancer Council, RSPCA, Salvation Army and The Leukaemia Foundation. Recently Marion and John Scott, home owners at the new Halcyon Greens community became the 300th referrers and donated $500 to Parkinson’s Queensland.
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Marion Scott is presented with the 300 th charity cheque
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An artist impression of the Halcyon Greens resort pool and the Lodge.
Halcyon Greens suits us to a tee Keen golfers Chris and Rex Bell have hit upon the perfect way to combine their love of golf and caravanning by purchasing a home at Australia’s first over 50’s golf and lifestyle community. “We loved our previous home at Hope Island, but it needed a lot of maintenance because we had a yard and a pool, so we couldn’t just take off in the caravan,” said Chris. That is why the Bells were attracted to the low maintenance yet luxurious country club lifestyle on offer at Halcyon Greens.
“We can just lock up and leave and do what we want for as long as we want without having to worry about the pool or garden being looked after.” “We also like the fact that there’s somewhere to keep our caravan within the community. Our plan is to keep travelling for the next five to six years, so it
ticks all those boxes for us,” said Chris. Not surprisingly, the community’s frontage to the Gainsborough Greens Golf Course was a huge bonus for the couple, who between them have been playing golf for 35 years. For the record, Rex plays off a 14 handicap while Chris is not far behind on 18. “On average, we play three times a week, so the fact the golf course is on our doorstep was the sweetener that made the whole package so good,” said Rex. “In future we won’t have to travel for golf anymore, which makes it easier and we have decided to get a golf buggy, not only for golf but also for getting around the community and over to the Recreation Club and Lodge too.” Although the Bells won’t be moving into their new home until March, they’ve already participated in three Halcyon golf days and competed in the Halcyon sponsored 2017 AVGU Golf Championship on the
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Halcyon Greens home owners Chris and Rex Bell
Gold Coast recently. “We grew webbed feet because there were a few rainy days during the tournament,” joked Chris. “But we met some lovely people and made heaps of new friends and look forward to meeting many more when we move into our new home.”
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The Fairway Release The first of the luxury golf course frontage homes
The lure of a country club lifestyle living alongside an 18 hole golf course is proving irresistible for many with 85% of Stage One at Halcyon Greens already sold.
showcase subtle textures including stone and timber, and feature living areas at the rear of the home that open up to space and views.
The steady rate of sales has prompted the early launch of the latest releases including the Fairway Release heralding the much anticipated debut of the first ten golf course frontage homes.
To be one of the first to view the brand new designs for the 3 bedroom + homes please phone 1800 050 580.
Award-winning architects and design specialists DC8 Studios have been tasked to create homes that encapsulate the lifestyle, and take advantage of their stunning golf course views. A modern twist on country club style, the homes
An artist impression of the portico entry into the home owners Recreation Club.
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SPECIAL OFFER Exclusive golf membership benefits guaranteed to all Stage One homes. Select from a choice of FREE GOLF until 2027 or a Wine and Dine Package at the Gainsborough Greens Golf Club.
summer 2017
Power to the people
The Halcyon Parks “Uke” players jamming with the Grade 8 students
School’s ‘in’ for Halcyon Parks School is well and truly back in session for a group of 30 Halcyon Parks home owners who volunteer their time and experience to read, draw and jam with students at Meridan State College in Caloundra. Committee Chairman and Halcyon Parks home owner Rob Davis said the primary goal of this initiative is to improve and strengthen community involvement and interaction as well as to create and foster new relationships. “So far we’ve held five workshops with the school, from art and music classes with Grade 8 students to making paper puppets and reading with prep students and the response from both sides has been great,” said Rob. The Halcyon Parks’ ukulele interest group also made an appearance at the school and enjoyed a jam session with Grade 8 students. “It was a memorable experience, not only for the Halcyon ‘uke’ players but also for the students who are now requesting an encore jam session which we are excited to organise.”
Fellow home owner Barb Clyde has been involved in the school based activities and is finding the time spent with the students very enjoyable. “It’s a wonderful initiative and so refreshing to work and interact with these young children,” said Barb. “I’ve been mostly involved in reading with the younger children. I firmly believe that if you can read confidently and find enjoyment in reading it will open up many opportunities.” “It’s quite rewarding to see the improvement in both the children’s reading ability and their enjoyment over the year.” Barb said her involvement in the school based volunteer program was beneficial in the way that she was able to interact and spend time with the students as her grandchildren live far away. “I don’t get to see my grandchildren very often so it’s nice to have that interaction with the children at the school from time to time,” said Barb.
“The students have even come up with a name for all of us, we’re now known as the ‘grand preppies’ of Meridan Plains.”
Bill Harrison and Joy Tragardh
Sick of paying soaring power prices? Semi-retired couple Bill Harrison and Joy Tragardh have joined the growing trend and have gone “off-the-grid”. The couple are amongst the first home owners to move into Halcyon Greens and say that buying a state of the art Tesla operated home makes a lot of sense for them. “As we looked further into the cost and environmental benefits of a Tesla powered home, it reinforced that we made the right decision and we’re very happy and excited to have moved in,” said Joy. New neighbour, Barry Dempsey, also did his research before buying his environmentally friendly home with the aim of achieving a more cost-effective lifestyle. “It’s great to move into a new house with space,” said Barry. “I knew I wanted to live in an eco-friendly home and was looking at solar and wind powered technology before I discovered the Tesla powered homes on offer at Halcyon Greens and I was sold.” “Halcyon offered exactly what I was looking for all in one package, plus I’ll be living on a golf course. That’s living the dream.” For more information watch our video on: www.lifebeginsathalcyon.com.au/news/posts/ Tesla-Tiny-House-138. Bruce Paige with one of Halcyon’s Tesla wall units at the Tiny Tesla event
Showcasing their handy work
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Jeanette sculpts a new lifestyle Now that the Lifestyle and Recreational Precinct at Halcyon Lakeside is complete, home owner Jeanette Burke is eager to get her hands dirty in the community’s new Messy Art Room.
Jeanette, who put her passion for moulding clay on the backburner while raising her family is now back at the wheel creating her own works and assisting other interested home owners in the community with the finer points of the ancient art. “I’ve always been a keen potter but I lost some time for it when I was raising my children. Now I’m back seriously working with pottery and I love it because I have all the equipment here right on my doorstep,” said Jeanette. The crafty retiree has the skill set required to create a wide range of artworks. “I enjoy all facets of clay building, sculptor work and wheel throwing, from small through to large pieces. It’s a joy giving them as gifts to family, selling at the local markets for someone else to treasure or just displayed in the garden.”
Jeanette Burke
Jeanette has a Certificate in Studio Ceramics 1, 2, 3 and 4 together with an Associate Diploma of Arts with a Major in Ceramics and is keen to pass on her skills to fellow Halcyon home owners.
“Shortly we will be starting a four-week workshop program, which will be a stepping stone into pottery for many Halcyon home owners,” Jeanette said. “We have already received over 20 expressions of interest and preparation is in the pipeline to give lessons as soon as the room is up and running.” “Recently, two more experienced potters joined our community, Jan Hammond and Peter Scott. Peter will also be taking classes with Jan assisting both of us. This promises to be a great community activity, particularly helping those who don’t know much about the process,” said Jeanette. The Halcyon Lakeside arts and crafts room has three pottery wheels along with a state of the art slab roller, a full suite of potters tools and a brand new electric kiln for firing. Jeanette, who formerly lived at Buderim, has embraced her new lifestyle since moving in earlier this year. “The lifestyle and facilities on offer here are wonderful and so are the friendships you make within the community.”
Whatever floats your remote controlled boat It’s probably the Sunshine Coast’s smallest yacht club but also one of the friendliest and easiest to join! The Halcyon Bli Bli Yacht Club has just 11 members on deck who set sail twice a week with a fleet of remote-controlled sailing boats on the lake at Halcyon Lakeside. Greg Suhr and another home owner started the club earlier this year and since then have welcomed aboard a steady stream of new members. “It’s been a raging success. We’re all about the camaraderie, friendship and helping each other out if someone has any problems with their boat,” said Greg. “It’s also a bit of a generational thing because
sometimes we have grandfathers, sons and grandsons down here together and of course ladies are welcome too.” After taking up the hobby seven years ago, Greg spent months building his current boat. Spectre, which is 3.5 metres high and valued at more than $3,000. The club meets on Tuesday and Saturday mornings at the lake for sailing and competition which Greg
Joint Managing Director Dr Bevan Geissmann said the club was indicative of the sense of community that sprung up within Halcyon developments.
“Our communities are so much more than just somewhere to live, they are about enjoying an active, engaged lifestyle and forming friendships with like-minded people.”
admits, can become quite fierce. “Halcyon has been marvellous, supporting the club and even donated two $500 vessels for use by our members,” said Bevan.
Greg Suhr‘s pride and joy ‘Spectre’
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When it comes to private 5-Star facilities, home owners at Halcyon Lakeside are spoilt for choice with the most impressive Lifestyle and Recreational Precinct created in an over 50’s community on the Sunshine Coast. So whether it’s taking it on with a game of pickleball, taking it easy in the cinema or meeting up with friends at the Sunset Bar, everything you need is just a short stroll or cycle from home.
Lapping up the 5-Star facilities
Home owners gather each Thursday afternoon Happy Hour
It’s all about the lifestyle Located next to the newly completed Recreation Club, homes in the latest ‘Lifestyle Release’ at Halcyon Lakeside have been designed to take advantage of the perfect Sunshine Coast climate. The selection of 40 homes in the release includes the last ever 15 lakefront homes, and homes with an extended alfresco area. The final lakefront homes ever to be built at Halcyon Lakeside command an elevated position and feature patios that offer stunning views of the lake and to the hilly tree-lined horizon.
Enjoy watching the Sunset poolside at the Sunset Bar
Inside, the luxurious 8-Star energy rated homes include upgraded fittings; including 2Pac kitchens, stone benchtops, AEG appliances, ducted air-conditioning and 3.0kW solar panels.
25 metre lap, resort pool and spa
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The King and Queen of cruise Ian and Shirley Schultz were among the first to move into Halcyon Lakeside last year and say they have discovered the perfect balance between relaxation and social gatherings.
“The new Rec Club is similar to a 5-Star resort, from the furnishings through to the Gold-Class style cinema and numerous sporting facilities.”
Their new home at Bli Bli is the second sea change move for the adventurous couple and they love the lifestyle it offers them.
“About 20 of us banded together and watched the AFL grand final while we snacked on party pies in the private cinema. It was great fun,” said Shirley.
“We originally owned and lived on a farm in Victoria before moving to a penthouse in Mooloolaba but we didn’t enjoy the hustle and bustle that surrounds the area, particularly the traffic. So when we found Halcyon Lakeside, it was the ultimate balance between the two lifestyles,” said Shirley.
“We love playing tennis, pickleball or doing yoga. There’s always so much to do that we have to draft a schedule to keep track of all the activities and classes. If you’re not feeling up to it, the great thing is you can just relax at home in a quiet environment.”
“Our new home has a large patio with a big beautiful garden overlooking the lake. It’s so peaceful during the night and in the daytime quite often honeyeaters visit our garden and are only a few feet away.” Ian and Shirley also enjoy spending time at the new Recreation Club within the community.
Ian and Shirley, AKA the ‘cruise king and queen’ have more than 40 cruises under their belt and are home for only half the year. The rest of their time is spent cruising around the world. “Halcyon is ideal for us because we’re able to lock and leave our home for weeks or months at a time and know it’s going be secure and looked after,” said Ian.
Shirley and Ian Schultz
“We’re lucky to have such great neighbours who look after our garden while we’re away.” The couple is jetting off soon for a cruise around the Caribbean, then later next year the plan is for another two cruises with friends and neighbours from the gated lakeside community.
Recreation Club
Bowling green
Workshed
Health and Wellness Centre
Bocce court
Pottery studio
Cinema and library
Rooftop tennis court and pavilion
Dance floor
Arcade and games room
Pickleball courts
Lounge and fireplace
Communal kitchen
Resort lap pool and spa
Billiards room
Arts and crafts room
Sunset bar
Herb and vegetable gardens
Halcyon Lakeside BLI BLI
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Stepping up to the Podium Moreton Bay Region’s fastest selling over 50’s lifestyle community has lifted the bar by becoming the first to offer Livable Housing Design (LHD) initiatives as standard with its latest release of energy efficient homes. All new homes in Halcyon Glades’ stunning new Podium Release will be designed and built in line with Silver Livable Housing Design principles. These cutting edge designs will allow new home owners to stay in their homes much longer and have been adopted well in advance of mandatory regulations set for introduction in 2020. Halcyon Glades Project Director Marie Cone said the initiative would not only assist home owners with the challenges that come with age but also offer a more functional home from the get-go, through a design that is not only subtle and stylish but also practical for years to come. The LHD initiative is aimed at making homes more accommodating and flexible to the changing needs of home owners as they age, with three standards of design on offer; silver, gold and platinum.
Halcyon Glades C A BOOLT UR E
To hear some of our home owners at our recent Open Day, view the video at: www. lifebeginsathalcyon.com.au/news/posts/ Halcyon-Glades-Spring-Fair-Open-Day-136 appearance of the home. Having these features built in as a standard inclusion means home owners have the peace of mind that their home is future-proof for whenever they may need it,” said Marie. “Our homes are easy to enter with at least one step-free access point and cost effective to adapt with noggings that allow you to retrofit grab rails and hobless showers. To enhance our home owners quality of life, the homes have also been designed with wider hallways, so there’s more room to navigate around easily.”
“The great thing is that the modifications are very subtle and they don’t detract from the overall
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PODIUM R E L E A S E
Halcyon Glades home owners enjoy a full suite of 5-Star recreational facilities
The “trikie” girls
The pickleball courts
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The fire pit
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Modern, architecturally designed homes
Halcyon v Halcyon on the fairways Players at the Masters Golf Tournament
With seven communities from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast, it’s no wonder the inter-community get-togethers and sporting events are so popular for friendly competition and the chance to meet new people. The latest inter-community event and largest in terms of home owner participation is the ‘coveted’ Halcyon Masters Golf Tournament. This year more than 100 golfers across all seven communities descended upon the Caboolture Golf Club to tee off for a day of fun and laughs.
lunch to top it all off.” At the end of the day, the team from Halcyon Waters took the win with golfers from all the communities eagerly looking forward to playing again next year in this fun and popular annual sporting and social event.
Avid golfer Glenn Mills, from Halcyon Glades, was among the participants. “It was great getting to know home owners from other Halcyon communities,” said Glenn. “It was another one of the great ways Halcyon brings us all together. They rented the entire golf course out for us for the day and threw on a great smorgasbord
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The Caboolture Golf Club
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UP AND COMING
EVENTS Halcyon Glades ‘toy boys’ with some the toys they have created in the workshed
Building a better Christmas for children in need Christmas is just around the corner and Caboolture’s very own version of Santa’s workshop is preparing to deliver. The community’s fully equipped workshed has been a hive of activity, manned by six intrepid ‘elves’ who have toiled all year to create more than 250 toys for local boys and girls.
“We wanted to do something to make sure the area’s most disadvantaged kids have at least one present to open on Christmas Day.” “As long as the kids are happy, that’s the main thing. It’s a great atmosphere in the workshed, everyone
Their treasure trove of toys was handed over on 29 November to the Caboolture Neighbourhood Centre, Knitting for Brisbane’s needy, Centre Against Domestic Violence and Caboolture Police Station for distribution to local kids in need.
just gets in and does their work and we all get a lot of
The handcrafted toys include trucks, trailers, rocking chairs, pull carts with blocks and doll cradles. Head elf and Halcyon Glades home owner John Hillway said the workshed crew have loved every moment of creating the toys, which has involved a commitment of three four-hour sessions each week.
paint.
pleasure out of being involved,” said John.
To keep you in the loop, here’s a list of the up and coming events happening on the Halcyon calendar early 2018. For more information on any of these events phone 1800 626 488.
OPEN DAYS Halcyon Glades - Saturday 17 February
Community Manager Tracey Yeo had arranged extra
Caboolture
tools and machinery for the workshed while several
Halcyon Greens - Saturday 24 February
local businesses donated materials such as timber and
Pimpama
John said he got the idea from sister community
Halcyon Lakeside - Saturday 3 March Bli Bli
Halcyon Parks where he lived for eight years. “Their workshed makes between 600 and 800 toys for the community each Christmas, so when I moved here I thought we could do the same thing for Caboolture,” said John. “Our target this year was 200 toys and next year we’ll be aiming for 300. As soon as we drop off these
INFORMATION SESSIONS Halcyon Glades - Wednesday 28 February Halcyon Greens - Wednesday 7 March Halcyon Lakeside - Wednesday 14 March
toys, we’ll be going back into the workshed to start John Hillway
on the toys for next Christmas.”
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Halcyon Management
1 Halcyon Way, Hope Island Qld 4212 Freecall 1800 626 488 Photographs and illustrations are intended to be a visual aid only. Halcyon gives no warranty and makes no representation to the accuracy or sufficiency of any description, illustration, photograph or statement contained in this publication and accepts no liability for any loss suffered by any person who relies wholly or partly upon the information presented. All information is subject to change without notice.
Now Selling
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