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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. 7
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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
halcyon
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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