17 minute read
We are the champions
They say that a new trend speaks volumes of what lies ahead, and in the case of Pickleball – the tennis, badminton and ping pong hybrid that’s become a global sensation – it would seem there’s a stronger sense of togetherness, sportsmanship, and joy on the horizon.
For those who have jumped on the craze, and even for those who have witnessed a game in play – the euphoria is palpable, as is the urge to join in. It's no wonder then, that the lifestyle pioneers at Halcyon Communities knew they had stumbled onto something special when they were first introduced to the game in Florida. And, the rest, as they say, is history! Leaders in the field, the first purpose-built Pickleball courts in Australia were initially constructed at Halcyon Glades (QLD) in Caboolture in 2018 and now Halcyon Communities boast the largest dedicated Pickleball facility in the country, with eight state-of-the-art courts PICKLEBALL IN ACTION AT HALCYON GREENS (QLD) located at Halcyon Greens (QLD) in Pimpama, as well as facilities at many other communities. up a paddle and play – some of our homeowners are in According to our cover star and Pickleball evangelist their 80s and they’re loving it just as much as me.” John Simmons, while the sport was slow to catch on Originally invented in Seattle in 1965 by three within the community initially – no doubt due to everyone fathers (and interestingly having nothing at all to do wondering ‘what actually is this?’ – after demonstrations with its tangy, burger-topping namesake), Pickleball from staff, coaches, and homeowners had been largely relegated to trying it themselves, its popularity “With an estimated five small but passionate devotee sky-rocketed with many community members now playing multiple times a million players globally... associations until bursting onto the mainstream scene somewhere midweek and even participating in state- it's the fastest growing pandemic, via a growing contingent wide competitions. “I love the social sport worldwide.” of celebrity fans. Easy to pick up for aspect and the friends I have made all ages, Pickleball was the perfect through the sport,” John, who lives at Halcyon Greens antidote to our communal longing for connection, muses, “It is absolutely amazing – I’m addicted!” And he’s socialisation, and the outdoors throughout lockdown, not the only one, with Halcyon Glades homeowners Mick and now it seems an unstoppable presence in the Grbin and Maureen Rennie so enraptured with the sport world of sport, even with mentions of a potential that they ended up taking out Bronze, Silver, and Gold Olympic competition slated for the future. wins at the 2022 Queensland Pickleball Championships. Want to get involved? Take a leaf out of John, The buck doesn’t stop with Halcyon though. Avid Mick, and Maureen’s books and pick up a paddle Pickleball players are popping up everywhere, with an and wiffle ball at your local court (Halcyon Glades or estimated five million players globally from Australia to Greens if you’re lucky), grab a friend, and give it a go. the US, where it is currently the fastest growing sport If you’re wanting to take it to the next level, or are just nationwide. What is it about this classic sport that makes looking for an understanding of the game, there are it so universally beloved? According to John, the magic weekly classes available at many communities and is that it doesn’t discriminate. “Pickleball is great for even games you can get involved in. Touted as one of exercise, mental health, and for developing a social circle the easiest sports in the world to learn – you’ve got and comradery,” he says. “There’s no age limit or fitness nothing to lose, just friendships, a new hobby, and a level needed when it comes to Pickleball, anyone can pick renewed sense of joy to gain!
Mick Grbin
MICK GRBIN AND MAUREEN RENNIE, HALCYON GLADES (QLD
WINNERS CIRCLE
Maureen Rennie
MEN'S SINGLES 70+ Bronze Medal – Mick Grbin MIXED DOUBLES 70+ Silver Medal – Mick Grbin & Maureen Rennie
A Halcyon Glades homeowner of almost five years, Mick Grbin was first introduced to Pickleball when he moved to the community. A noted fan of tennis, Mick was initially cajoled into trying the game by Glen, a Halcyon representative who knew Mick and knew that he'd love the competition and comradery that Pickleball can offer. "Pickleball is a great physical sport for everyone, I really enjoy playing it every week," says Mick, "and there is the added bonus of social interaction with the other players." Indeed, while he proudly won a bronze medal in the Queensland Pickleball Championships singles tournament this year, it was his interaction with others – namely his mixed doubles partner, Maureen Rennie – that led to winning a silver medal at the very same competition, and a gold with doubles partner Keith Bing the year earlier. After becoming part of the Halcyon Glades community two years ago, it only took Kiwi Maureen Rennie a couple of weeks to integrate Pickleball into her everyday life, and she's never looked back. An avid sportswoman all her life, Maureen has played tennis, squash, touch football, soccer, outdoor bowls, run half-marathons, and now it's Pickleball's turn. "I love the Pickleball community for the friendships I have made, along with keeping me fit," she says, "Pickleball is a great sport for all ages but for the older generation it's perfect for keeping active as it's easier on the joints than tennis, the games are shorter and it's as much fun as you want to make it," she continued. Now more than a hobby, Maureen won bronze in the mixed doubles alongside Mick Grbin at the Queensland Pickleball Championships, as well as gold in the women's doubles at the same competition.
WOMEN'S DOUBLES 70+ Gold Medal – Maureen Rennie & Trish Jones (not from Halcyon) MIXED DOUBLES 70+ Silver Medal – Mick Grbin & Maureen Rennie
FAMOUS PICKLEBALLERS
When it comes to Pickleball, even celebrities aren’t immune to the lure of the wiffle ball! These stars love to play, and many are rumoured to have installed courts right in their own backyards!
1. Bill Gates – practically a spokesperson for the sport at this point, the Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist has been very vocal with his love for the sport.
2. Matthew Perry and Amanda Peet – these two actors love to get together and rally! At one point Amanda was playing so much Pickleball that she developed tennis (or pickle) elbow!
3. George and Amal Clooney – whether in Lake
Como or LA, this famous couple love to sweat it out on the Pickleball court.
4. Stephen Colbert – the late-night host is currently producing a two-hour primetime special on a celebrity Pickleball tournament.
5. Leonardo DiCaprio – the environmentalist and Oscar-winning actor is known to enjoy the sport so much that he plays every single day.
Raising a toast to GOOD FRIENDS
A Sunday drive triggered a decision that prompted four best friends to sell their large, empty-nest family homes and buy into Stockland’s Halcyon Berwick.
Carmel and Ray Williams and their best friends Debbie and Ross Feddersen always knew they wanted to downsize at the same time and move somewhere close to each other. But until they stumbled onto Halcyon Berwick one day when Carmel and Ray were searching for a block of land, they’d always put that decision in the toohard basket. Currently in Berwick, Carmel and Ray are just a few minutes down the road from their new community and Debbie and Ross live just seven kilometres away in Narre Warren South. But the two couples will be moving into their neighbouring homes in Stockland’s first Victorian over 50s community just 48 kilometres south-east of Melbourne later in the year. “The way it all happened, it was just meant to be,” Carmel says, “Debbie and Ross are like family to us.” “We met at a playgroup more than 30 years ago and we hit it off from the beginning and so did our children who were so close they were like siblings.” Debbie said the four friends – who have travelled extensively together – have spent a lot of time talking about how if they stay together after they downsize, they will all be well supported in their retirement. “The fact that we will be living next to each other in this fabulous new community is just the best possible scenario we could hope for,” Debbie says. “We will be there for each other in the later years if something happens.” Both Ray and Ross collect wine and are hoping to start a wine club in their new community – they’ve got a nice bottle of Bollinger champagne picked out for move-in day. And one of the things they will be toasting to are the new friends they have already made at the weekly happy hour social nights.
“They have some great meet-and-greet nights,” Carmel says. “We’ve met such lovely people to share these exciting times with.”
“That’s the greatest aspect we think, the fact that we will never be on our own because there’s so many people in this community and everyone will be together and it’s that social aspect that really appeals to us.”
Both couples will be living in Santa Cruz Way directly opposite the clubhouse which will have a $30,000 wood-fired pizza oven – a mouthwatering bonus!
“We’ll just be able to stroll over for wine and pizza catch-ups and we’re all thrilled about the gym, the pool and the cinema too. Because we have more plans to travel together, we’ll just be able to lock up and go and we won’t have to worry about anything.”
“As soon as we saw the community plans, I couldn’t put my money down fast enough.” Click here to watch video
CARMEL AND RAY WILLIAMS, DEBBIE AND ROSS FEDDERSEN, HALCYON BERWICK (VIC)
Loving life in a connected COMMUNITY
Robert and Lesley Thompson are thoroughly enjoying life at Halcyon Nirimba, located within Stockland’s award-winning, masterplanned Aura community.
Having come from a property in rural Queensland, Robert and Lesley are thankful for their new life at Halcyon Nirimba. “We are very grateful every single day we live here and it has far exceeded our expectations, even though they were high,” Lesley says. “That’s our philosophy though, there’s so much here to enjoy.” The couple decided to make the move from their acreage property in Kilkivan, near Gympie and were drawn to Stockland as Robert once worked for the company. “We loved living at Kilkivan,” Lesley says, “but we knew we would have to make the move as there were no medical facilities nearby and as you get older that is a consideration.” Robert added, “when we saw it was Stockland building the community, we knew it would be good.” “We said ‘this is for us, and if we’re ever going to do it, now is the time.’” The couple recently celebrated their first year anniversary at Halcyon Nirimba, which enjoys access to more than 200km of walking and cycling paths connecting homeowners to a network of shops and facilities.
“It’s been a wonderful year and community living is great because you have the option of joining in with activities or other events and groups,” Lesley says. “It’s nice to have people around you as you can be with them when you choose and we all have fun, but then you can have peace and quiet when you want it as well,” Robert adds. The couple have two sons in Brisbane and a daughter and granddaughter living nearby on the Sunshine Coast. “All the kids are onboard with our decision and it’s great as we see them quite
“...this is for us and if regularly,” Lesley says. we’re ever going to do it, Their children will not be the only family nearby, as Lesley’s sister now is the time. ” and her husband are also moving to the community. “They will be in a different street to us, but we get along really well and love spending time with them,” Lesley says. “Some people even think we’re twins.” “It will be great in future years to have that family support and care for each other so close,” Robert adds. Please call 1800 050 050 for more information or to organise an inspection of the community facilities and display homes.
So many fun firsts to LOOK FORWARD TO
There are lots of firsts happening in Gaye Applegate’s life.
For the first time in 50 years, she’s a single woman and the 66-year-old is also about to become a grandmother, but that’s not all that’s new!
By the end of the year, Gaye will be living on her own for the first time after moving into her brand-new home in an over 50s community at Stockland’s Halcyon Nirimba, located within the masterplanned Aura development on the Sunshine Coast. Gaye is already attending social gatherings and has made friends with other women in the same situation as her who were drawn to the community for similar reasons. “When you are recently separated, you don’t want to be isolated, so moving into an over-50s community means there’s always plenty to do and you can mix with people when you want to,” she says. “If you move into a townhouse or an apartment it can be a bit isolating. But in this community, you can be as social as you want to be and I’ve already made new friends who will be my neighbours.” Her son Bradley and daughter-in-law Lauren, both 38, are just down the road in the suburb of Nirimba, within the Aura masterplan, where they have been living for the past three years. “I will be able to jump on my bicycle and ride down to see them and the baby and it will only take me a few minutes to get there,” Gaye says. “We are all very excited.” Gaye hasn’t yet bought the bicycle but she’s already picturing the outings she will have on it. It will only take her 45 minutes to cycle to the main street in Caloundra. And she can meet others who like to ride even before she moves into her new home at the Saturday morning bike-riding group.
“I’m going to buy a nice lady cruiser with the basket on the front and a few gears and off I will go,” she says.
“On Sunday mornings, I’ll hop on my bike and ride down to the Caloundra markets and then go grab a coffee and go for a stroll along the beach – that’s very much on the top of the agenda.”
Gaye’s in the process of buying furniture and picking out décor for her Avoca two-bedroom home and says not having to mow a lawn is a big plus.
“I didn’t want to have to buy a blower or a mower or a whipper snipper and in my new home I have fake turf out the back and a lawn that is mowed for me out the front,” she says.
Picturing her new home and the wonderful amenities right on her doorstep including a five-star clubhouse and a fire pit with views to the Glasshouse Mountains makes her happy.
“I got a photo the other day and the walls are up and the windows are in and that’s exciting because now I can start picturing me there enjoying my new home and the new opportunities that I will have living in the community.”
“I’m just waiting to move and to be settled in my new home and I will be able to sit there and say, ‘this is my new start – this is my new home.’”
Aura is Stockland’s 2,400-hectare masterplanned community with more than 200 kilometres of walking and cycling paths, and lush green recreation areas. It is just 90km to Brisbane and a 20-minute drive to Caloundra beaches. Nirimba is Aura’s second suburb.
Sowing the seeds FOR NEW GROWTH
So much more than a beautiful rose or healthy lawn, gardening is all about the journey – the seedlings you nurse, the weeds you pull, and the time you give each day to help your plants flourish.
The act of getting outdoors and into your garden holds an array of benefits for physical and mental health – it improves endurance and strength, increases vitamin D levels, and even triggers dopamine to keep us motivated. As all the gardening gurus know – a little bit of knowledge goes a long way, so we’ve got all the tips and tricks to keep your plants (and you) happy and healthy all year round!
SEED BETWEEN THE LINES
We all know that the environment is best enjoyed when it’s brimming with life, so why not encourage native wildlife and plants to feel at home? After all, watching geckos gobble up mosquitoes, Blue-tongued lizards sunbake, green tree frogs snooze, and possums scurry across your fence line is part of Australian life!
1. Ask your local council about what plants are indigenous to your local area and if any are pot friendly, they’ll thrive indoors and out on the patio! 2. Provide some open water to allow animals to bathe, splash, and hydrate. 4. Plant banks of the same plant to encourage bees.
TROWEL AND ERROR
There’s no need to sweat the small stuff when it comes to gardening – with a bit of know-how, even the most difficult landscapes can be beautiful and easily maintained. Here are four simple tips to help keep your garden looking its best while keeping it easy on yourself.
1. Never underestimate the power of a good pair of gardening gloves. Having the right tools is the most important part of gardening, it makes all the difference – so be sure to purchase the basics! Think gloves, a shovel, rake, and pruning equipment. You can have the world’s greatest garden with just a few of the right tools!
2. It’s best to get large amounts of pruning done during spring or summer because this is when your plants are getting the most sunlight. As a rule of thumb, avoid trimming more than a quarter of the overall foliage in one go and pull off any unwanted yellow or brown leaves as regularly as possible.
Pruning your beloved plants promotes new growth, longevity, aesthetic appeal, and the overall quality of the plant.
3. Feed your garden with nutrients to enhance the metabolism of your plants. Just remember to opt for eco-friendly fertilisers to reduce environmental hazards. On top of your feeding schedule, create a regular watering regime because water is essential for the transportation of nutrients and sugars from the soil to the roots. When you have a schedule to follow it’ll become like clockwork.
4. Utilise pots for easier accessibility. There’s no need to put your body in harm’s way when tending to your plants, so why not repurpose or purchase some tall pots to get you off those knees and onto your feet?
CUTTING IT VINE
Climate plays a vital role in the success rate of healthy flora and fauna – temperature, levels of light, carbon dioxide, air humidity, water, and nutrients all influence plant growth.
Here in Australia, our continent receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year with mostly hot, humid summers and dry winters. To ensure easy maintenance, it’s vital to choose plants that will prosper in the Australian weather, like native plant species. Australian Natives have adapted to the soil and climate conditions that we experience and they thrive with only minimal watering, harsh heat, unique pests, and cold snaps making them the ideal plants for novice gardeners!
THREE TREES THAT WORK WELL IN POTS
Camellias (Theaceae) Olives (Olea Europea) Port Wine Magnolia (Michelia Figo)
EASY-GROW NATIVES WE’RE LOVING!
Bottlebrush (Callistemon) Grevillea (Eriostachya) Native bluebell (Wahlenbergia Stricta) Coastal Rosemary (Westringia Fruticosa)
Discover the Sunshine Coast’s best backyard
Enjoy exclusive access to Halcyon Nirimba’s 5-star resort facilities. Connect, socialise or get active at The Clubhouse with a variety of spaces where you can take it on or take it easy.
Visit our Display Village
The Halcyon Nirimba Clubhouse and Display Village is now open. Visit our Sales & Information Centre at 25 Banya Avenue, Nirimba or call 1800 050 050 to find out more.
