Halcyon Days Newsletter Summer 2014/2015

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Life beginsatHalcyon

SUMMER - 2014 as enjoy the success of our home owners and Halcyon.

This year marked two significant milestones for Halcyon – our tenth year of business and our fifth community in South East Queensland. Having reached these milestones, we are poised for a bright future as we move into the next ten years.

This last year has been a strong year for Halcyon with over 150 new home owners moving into existing communities.

General property market improvement

How time flies

A welcome message from the Joint Managing Directors

in Queensland and across the country meant baby boomers were able to free up more capital in their existing homes to make the move to Halcyon.

Home owners across our communities

As they say it in the classics, it only

It only seems like a few short years since

seems like yesterday. And for us it only

we first walked onto a site in Caloundra

seems like yesterday that Halcyon’s first

which would become Halcyon Parks

sold and moved on have collectively

community was conceived. With a simple

and here we are ten years later, having

made over $8.5 million in capital gains –

dream to create wonderful communities

welcomed more than 1,000 home

or an average of $400-$500 per week

for Australia’s retirees to live, Halcyon

owners to ‘Life begins at Halcyon’. We

during their period of home ownership.

has grown to become the most awarded

are both humbled and proud to have

This has allowed them more choices and

over 50’s lifestyle community developer

had the opportunity to enjoy and share

freedom for their next step in life.

in the country.

in the growth of our communities as well

also benefited from a strengthening market. To date, home owners who have

Continued on page 2

inside:

Paying it forward…

‘Australia’s Best’ cruise

A look ahead

Stuck on the web

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…Continued from cover For manufactured home estates, some of which come under scrutiny for charging exit or deferred management fees, the capital gain success stories are quite incredible. Our home owners are able to pocket their entire capital gain and some have even used it to ‘trade in’ on their existing Halcyon home for a newer model in one of our recently launched communities.

Joint Managing Directors Bevan Geissmann and Paul Melville.

Landing was elevated to the national

We would like to close the year with

As creators of these developments, there

award stage in 2014. Up against some

a quick word about our Halcyon home

is nothing quite as gratifying as seeing

of the country’s most innovative and

owners. Over the past ten years, there

people embrace their new homes, their

prestigious developments, Halcyon

is no doubt that home owners have

neighbours, their new friends and their

Landing was awarded Australia’s

enjoyed a wonderful lifestyle within their

Best Seniors’ Living at the UDIA

communities, and we hear and see their

National Awards for Excellence.

stories of fun and friendship on a daily

These achievements were truly a team

basis. But in addition to this, we also

effort involving all our Halcyon team and

witness heart warming acts of generosity

communities. The welcoming of new home owners has Halcyon Landing on the Sunshine Coast on the cusp of a sellout. The 171-home project is expected to have sold out in around two years since its launch, making it one of our

and goodwill in helping fellow home

home owners.

owners and the wider community who Looking back on what we have achieved,

fastest selling communities.

sometimes may not be as fortunate or

albeit gratifying, does not help create the

who have fallen upon tough times. You

future, and it is the future of Halcyon

will have no doubt read in our newsletters

the community was the most highly

that we are most excited about. With

during the year many examples of this.

awarded development at the UDIA (Qld)

the support and diligent work of our

The generosity of time, efforts and

Awards for Excellence. After taking home

Halcyon team, we continue to strive

sometimes charitable funds by our

the President’s Award and accolades

to achieve innovation, faultless delivery

communities continues year after year and

for Seniors’ Living and Environmentally

and exceptional customer service to

is a key element of the fabric that makes

Sustainable Development, Halcyon

our home owners.

living at Halcyon so special. We thank you

Seeing Halcyon Landing thrive has been one of the highlights of this year. In 2013

for “giving back”.

As we farewell our first ten years and look forward to the next chapter of the Halcyon story, we would like to extend our most sincere thanks to everyone for their support and continued interest in Halcyon.

Wishing you all a happy and safe Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Bevan Geissmann and Paul Melville Joint Managing Directors

Home owners enjoying the ‘Halcyon’ lifestyle.

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Life beginsatHalcyon disorders while also providing support for families affected by the disease.

Other charitable initiatives by Halcyon home owners include Halcyon Waters’ ‘Craft and Chat’ group, who knitted 80 jackets for penguins affected by oil spills on Phillip Island; Gina Salier and her Jack Russell Becci, who participate in the ‘Story Dogs’ program which helps primary school children improve their reading Community Manager Donna Osborne with Halcyon Landing home owners ‘Shaving for a Cure’

Paying it forward From competing in marathon events

owners at Halcyon Landing shaved or

to shaving their hair to raise money for

coloured their hair as part of the World’s

cancer research, Halcyon home owners

Greatest Shave challenge.

are always ready to go the extra mile for a good cause.

The fundraising event saw 60 home owners shave and 27 colour their hair,

In 2014, more than 200 Halcyon home

raising a very impressive $20,000 for

owners competed in the Gold and

the Leukaemia Foundation.

Sunshine Coast marathons, showing age is no barrier to fitness.

Earlier in the year, nearly half the home

Maggie takes on the world After a long 70-year wait, current world number two over 65 waterski champion, Maggie Storey was selected

skills; and the ‘Toy Boys’ at Halcyon Parks, who make toys for disadvantaged children at Christmas time.

Halcyon Waters Community Manager Sue Miller said home owners were consistently generous in donating their time and effort to numerous worthy causes.

“Time after time home owners come together to help out where they can – they are not confined to what’s happening

The money raised went to research

within the four walls of their Halcyon

into treatments and cures for leukaemia,

community and are genuine in their desire

lymphoma, myeloma and related blood

to give back, which is great to see.”

hip and ankle injuries after a heavy spill on the water!

A home owner at Halcyon Waters for seven years, Maggie truly is a role model for older Australians who choose to remain active and focus on a hobby to stay healthy, fit and enjoy life to the fullest. The funny thing is, Maggie’s

Maggie on the podium at the World Titles.

to represent Australia at the over 35

also an inspiration to many up and

perfect conditions for the five days of

World Water ski Championships held

coming water skiers, often competing

competition and Maggie performed at

in Florida recently.

against and beating athletes more

the highest level, placing second overall

Maggie achieved her lifelong dream

than half her age!

in the slalom event. Ultimately the

after taking out gold at the Australian

The 2014 Over 35 World

Australian team finished a credible sixth

National titles in Easter despite niggling

Championship titles were blessed with

out of the 29 countries that competed.

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That’s a wrap: Halcyon Landing nears sell-out Halcyon Landing has struck a chord with

an innovative and industry-leading

astute baby boomer buyers with the 171

development is very fulfilling.”

home community verging on a sell-out.

Mr Carley said buyers’ warm reception

The few remaining homes are expected

to the project could be attributed to an

to sell imminently, making the Bli Bli

innovative approach to its development.

community one of the company’s fastest selling projects after its launch in 2012.

Reflecting on the development’s evolution, Project Director Chris Carley said Halcyon Landing was a pioneering project for the company.

“We sought to improve the energy efficiency of our homes, make our recreation facilities bigger and better, and

The windfall has allowed the couple to

generally strengthen the lifestyle offering.

remain in positive financial territory after

“That approach really resonated with

buying an acreage property in northern Tasmania and paying for the move south.

buyers.”

Another marker of the project’s success

“Before making the commitment we

is that a few home owners have gone on

researched Halcyon’s financial model

to sell their homes at a significant profit.

to make sure it would be an astute

Ken and Ann Opray were among the

decision,” Mr Opray said.

first buyers at Halcyon Landing and this

“When looking to buy into Halcyon

year sold their home with a capital gain

Landing we looked at other villages –

of more than $100,000 or $1,000

some with exit fees – we knew Halcyon’s

per week of home ownership.

model was right for us.”

“Halcyon Landing was our first community to introduce superior energy ratings as standard and the first to receive a full six-leaf EnviroDevelopment certification, which were both winners with buyers,” he said.

“The project was a long time in the planning process and being a sensitive site, it required a lot of consultation at community and government levels to create the community it is today.

“Seeing the home owners loving their new homes and noting the recognition Halcyon Landing has received as

Life beginsatHalcyon.com.au

Home owners Ken and Ann Opray

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Life beginsatHalcyon

Your chance to win ‘Australia’s Best’ cruise Halcyon home owners Ken and Jill Reade

would be a dream come true as they

might be setting sail on ‘Australia’s Best’

were already seasoned travellers but

cruise for referring their long-time friends

hadn’t done much ocean travel.

to buy at a Halcyon community – and

“A lot of the travel we’ve done has

you could join them in the draw.

been via car so it would be lovely to indulge in a little luxury,” she said.

The trip of a lifetime, worth $30,000, includes a luxury 10-night escape for two

“I have been going to water aerobics

to the Kimberley in a grand suite aboard

nearby with Marion for ten years and

the National Geographic ‘Orion’.

she could see how happy we were since

The Reades were the first to enter the

moving to Halcyon,” she said. Mrs Reade

competition after referring friends of ten

said setting sail on ‘Australia’s Best’ cruise

years Michael and Marion Jacobson who will soon move to Halcyon.

The Jacobsons will also have a shot at the prize which includes return airfares, accommodation and transfers as well as awe-inspiring helicopter flights over the spectacular Mitchell and King George Falls.

Mrs Reade said their friends had been thinking of moving for some time and the cruise competition just happened to pop up at the right time.

Michael and Marion Jacobson with friends Jill and Ken Reade.

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Halcyon days ahead Growing demand for retirement housing

“It frees up capital, offers lock and leave

in South East Queensland will drive the

security for travelling retirees, a social

creation of new Halcyon communities

environment which is especially important

over the next decade.

to older women, and access to a range

Halcyon is looking to further cement its presence in the south east corner amid

of sporting and leisure interest-based activities,” he said.

an expected surge in the region’s baby

Halcyon Joint Managing Director Bevan

North and Vision by Halcyon at Hope

boomer population.

Geissmann said after a decade of

Island had prompted the company to

successful operation, Halcyon was well

seek out new opportunities.

positioned to expand its developments

“We want to continue to fill the void

and service increasing demand for

for this type of product in the South

lifestyle housing.

East,” he said.

the baby boomer population between

“We’re looking at sites for new

“The Gold and Sunshine Coasts have

2011 and 2021.

communities across South East

proved to be very happy hunting grounds

Queensland in areas we see as current or

for Halcyon with our previous projects

emerging retirement hot spots,” he said.

selling quickly.

Salt in his report, ‘Re-Imagining the Great

“Integral to our expansion plans is

“Both these locations are favoured

Australian Retirement Lifestyle.’

retaining the sense of community that

by retirees for their climates, lifestyle

Halcyon has become so well known for.

offerings and amenities.”

townhouses or lifestyle unit facilities in a

“That will continue to be a hallmark of

Halcyon is currently selling the second

coastal location in places like South East

our communities as we look to develop

Queensland.”

new projects catering to both the

Demographer Bernard Salt this year delivered a presentation to Halcyon and some of its corporate partners and noted a 34 percent increase in

“A range of accommodation options will emerge to meet this market,” said Mr

“One such need will be self-contained

Mr Salt said baby boomers’ high

affordable and luxury ends of the market.”

release of homes at both Halcyon Glades and Vision by Halcyon after the initial releases sold out this year. The third

expectations of a retirement lifestyle

Dr Geissmann said the impending sell-out

release of homes at both communities

would see them increasingly gravitate

of Halcyon Landing at Bli Bli and strong

are expected to be launched early in

to over 50’s communities.

take up at Halcyon Glades at Caboolture

the New Year.

An artist’s impression of the Leisure Club at Vision by Halcyon

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Life beginsatHalcyon

Superior energy ratings slash costs Halcyon home owners are reaping the

Retired engineer Them Themsen and wife

rewards of a superior energy ratings

Martina have increased the energy rating

scheme which is shaving hundreds of

of their new home at Halcyon Landing.

dollars off their power bills and allowing them to tread a little lighter on the earth.

All new homes at Halcyon come standard with superior energy ratings which incorporate advanced design elements such as thermal insulation, light coloured roofing and steel frame construction.

Some homes also come with 1.5KW PV

Them and Martina Themsen

“A higher energy rating is designed to make a home more thermally comfortable and ultimately to save on heating and cooling costs,” Mr Themsen said.

“The design of the house will capitalise on the natural heating and cooling methods

solar panels, meaning home owners are

that result from a careful choice of

generating more power than they can use

building materials, improved insulation,

and are drawing a credit for energy they

window glazing and the natural control

supply back to the grid.

of sunlight and airflow.”

Halcyon’s lucky 13 What’s so unlucky about the number 13? Ask anyone at

level is evidence of the fact we have

Halcyon and they won’t be able to tell you.

reached our goal,” he said.

This year, Halcyon took home its thirteenth award – the UDIA

“We are dedicated to providing home

National Award for Excellence in the category of Seniors’

owners with well-rounded lifestyles

Living.

and are genuine in looking out for their

Of course, the awards had nothing to do with luck, thanks to

best interests when it comes to cost of

the collective passion of the Halcyon team whose hard work

living, health and minimising their carbon

has more than paid off.

footprint. “It shows us we’ve found the right formula.”

“From our sales people to community managers, everyone has a passion for what we’re delivering,” said Halcyon Joint

This year’s award followed a stellar run at

Managing Director Paul Melville. “That resonates not

state level in 2013, where Halcyon Landing

only with home owners, but with everyone who visits a

received four honours, including the prestigious President’s

Halcyon community.” Mr Melville said it was an honour

Award. Halcyon Landing was set apart from its competitors by its

to have received state and national awards for all Halcyon’s

lifestyle facilities and community initiatives, including the formation

built communities.

of the ‘Green Team’ which is responsible for creating and

“From the outset our aim has been to build communities rather

maintaining an onsite fruit and vegetable garden for the whole

than just houses and receiving awards at both state and national

community to use.

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Halcyon Joint Managing Director Bevan Geissmann said the internet had become a primary source of information for baby boomers.

“Particularly when it comes to shopping, booking holidays and searching for property,” he said.

“Baby boomers are very astute – before buying property, for example, they like to thoroughly research the market.

“The web just happens to be the most comprehensively resourced tool for doing so.”

How much time do you spend online?

Halcyon’s website, which has recently

Baby boomers might just be angling for

by. According to McCrindle Research,

been revamped with an easy-to-navigate

the title of Australia’s most tech savvy

Baby Boomers spend an average of close

format, is seeing more than 150 new

generation.

to four hours per day online – more

visitors per day – more than ever before.

And they’re entitled to, if the amount of

than both their Generation X and Y

To browse Halcyon’s website, simply

time they spend online is anything to go

counterparts.

Google ‘Life Begins at Halcyon’.

Win ‘Australia’s Best’ cruise!

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*

Simply introduce a friend who signs a contract to purchase a home in any Halcyon community before 30 April 2015, and you and your friend(s) go in to the draw.

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.

* Conditions apply, details available at all Halcyon Sales Centres.

H O P E

I S L A N D

Halcyon Halcyon

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C A B O O LT U R E

B L I

B L I

H O P E

Halcyon Glades

Halcyon Landing

I S L A N D

Halcyon Waters

C A L O U N D R A

Halcyon Parks

12348

Halcyon

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