Column: Meet Richard

Continuing the LEGACY

Welcome to spring and the new My Halcyon Days. It’s the same heartwarming and interesting stories you’ve come to know and love, with a fresh new look.

We’re also welcoming Stockland’s Food Ambassador Miguel Maestre, also known as the ‘Crazy Bull’ as a regular contributor and also as a VIP guest at a number of Halcyon Communities throughout the next year.

It’s also an opportunity to introduce myself. After almost 25 years working in community design and development (15 of these with Stockland), I’m humbled to be leading the Halcyon Communities team.

Spring is a time for rebirth and regeneration. And in this year, our 70th anniversary, it’s also a chance to reflect on where we’ve come from and where we’re going.

When Stockland’s founder Ervin Graf had the idea in 1952 to build a small community of homes in Sydney’s west, he was inspired by possibility. He saw it as an opportunity to help Australian families fulfill their dreams of home ownership and be surrounded by a connected community.

Just like our homeowners who are inspired by the possibility of their next chapter and what life at Halcyon Communities entails – fun, friendship, connection, and an opportunity to live their lives to the fullest.

We also continue to be inspired by what is possible. As we move into our next chapter, you will see a new vision emerge for the future of the communities we create by focusing on sustainability, liveability, and proximity to green space, shops, medical facilities, and community activities.

It’s an exciting time as we will soon launch new communities in Victoria and South East Queensland, and in time, other Australian states.

I look forward to meeting with many more of you over the coming months, and as we move into spring, I, like many of you, will be embracing the warmer weather and might even try to get in a spot of fishing.

Enjoy this issue of My Halcyon Days.

Richard Rhydderch

Executive General Manager, Stockland HALCYON COMMUNITIES

Celebrating Halcyon Berwick with THE CRAZY BULL

Celebrity chef and Stockland Food Ambassador, Miguel Maestre, was a surprise guest at the red carpet grand-opening of Halcyon Berwick’s new luxury facilities and Clubhouse in September.

CHEF MIGUEL MAESTRE ENTERTAINS HALCYON BERWICK (VIC)

More than 170 guests, made up of to provide the soundtrack to the evening. homeowners and buyers from He also provided copies of his cookbook, the boutique Feast, signing each one and over 50s lifestyle community, were treated to a paella cooking demonstration “I’m so excited to...share my personalising it for each guest. Miguel said: “I’m so excited to be working with Stockland and from Miguel, the Spanish born chef known as the ‘Crazy Bull’. He cooked up a storm in the passion for cooking and the being able to visit all the wonderful homeowners at Halcyon Communities to share my passion for cooking and alfresco area of the Clubhouse, where guests interacted with him while he prepared three delicious joy of connecting over food.” the joy of connecting over good food. ” “The homes and facilities at these communities are first class and the paella dishes (chicken and homeowners chorizo, prawn, and vegetarian). have a wonderful time.” Miguel thoroughly entertained the crowd, not just with his cooking prowess, but his singing too. He picked up the microphone and gave guests a He joked: “I can’t wait to move in!” rendition of La Bamba, hitting the dance floor to COOK MIGUEL’S PAELLA the fabulous Baker Boys Band who were on hand RECIPE ON PAGE 31 Click here to watch video

MELBOURNE’S BEST BACKYARD

Click here to watch video

RECREATION CLUB AND BAR

LOUNGE

GAMES ROOM Stockland has officially opened the $7.4 million luxurious leisure and recreation facilities located within the over 50s lifestyle community Halcyon Berwick.

The Clubhouse has been designed by award-winning architects DC8 Studios as a place for recreation, fitness, sports, socialising, or even just sitting and relaxing.

The community-focused, state of the art clubhouse includes a luxurious bar, lounges and entertaining areas, an indoor cinema, wellness centre with heated swimming pool, spa and gym, and pickleball court.

The alfresco entertaining area completes the space with a communal kitchen, pizza oven, and barbecue facilities, providing the perfect place to connect with family and friends.

It doesn’t matter what you’re into, there’s always something for you at the Clubhouse – Melbourne’s best backyard.

Facilities on offer include:

• Pickleball court • Recreation club and bar • Bar and dance floor • Fireplace and lounge • Heated pool • Fully equipped gym • Spa • Croquet green • Cinema • Craft room • Games room • Fire pit • BBQ entertaining area • Raised garden beds • Walking and cycling tracks • Wi-Fi in community areas • Visitor parking • Community bus

For more information or to visit the community call 1800 050 050

Animal kingdom

From furry felines to cheeky goldfish, chatty parrots and man’s best friend – the animals in our lives are so much more than companions, they’re family.

While it goes without saying that here at Halcyon we love all pets, our reasons for creating such a pet-friendly community aren’t all about keeping the pitter-patter of cute little paws around (although it is a bonus) – it’s actually all about you. While research into the benefits of pet ownership is still underway, what we do know is that they help to decrease stress, provide companionship, keep us moving, help with maintaining a healthy routine, provide a sense of purpose, and increase our opportunities for social interaction – and that’s only the tip of the iceberg!

PHYSICAL BENEFITS

Pets have such a paw-sitive influence on our lives, and particularly on our physical health. According to one study, researchers discovered that the physical benefits of pet ownership saved more than $3.5 billion in public health expenditure in Australia over a 12 month period.

While the need for a daily walk or outdoor time helps with boosting general physical activity, animals have also been proven to decrease blood pressure and cholesterol.

For those who find the motivation to exercise difficult to muster (with excuses surprisingly easy to find), having a four-legged friend is a great way to make walking, cycling, running or just going to the local park for some fresh air a part of your everyday schedule. After all, every little bit counts when it comes to fitness.

PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS

Did you know that when patting an animal, a chemical reaction takes place releasing and producing mood-enhancing hormones like serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin (a.k.a. all the good stuff)?

If that’s not enough to get you over the line on a furry (or scaly) friend, scientific studies have long reported that animals can reduce loneliness and increase feelings of social support in addition to their mood-boosting influence. From cats and dogs to guinea pigs and birds, the effects are remarkably positive, with therapy dogs proving particularly good at reducing stress and anxiety, but also at keeping you safe when it really counts.

Another silver lining? Better memory recall! Studies show that owning a household pet for more than five years can delay cognitive decline by 1.2 points, thus lengthening quality of life (and potentially even life itself). While no one’s really sure why, one reason for this is that heightened cortisol levels resulting from stress can negatively impact our brain functions and owning an animal acts as a good-vibes-only stress buffer.

SOCIAL BENEFITS

Fostering human connections can be a difficult task, but by simply taking your dog, cat or guinea pig (yes, you can!) for a walk, you can build a bridge for social interaction – others are more likely to stop and engage in conversation if you have a four-legged friend by your side.

Indeed according to Halcyon resident Larraine, her cat, Shadow, works almost too well when it comes to their daily bike rides around the block. “I think I’ve created a stir,” she laughs, “It’s a really, really lovely experience [but] it takes me a while to get around the block – it’s a 15 minute ride that turns into half an hour with all the chats I have.”

“Studies show that owning a household pet for more than five years can delay cognitive decline by 1.2 points.” Show your fur friend some love with these super simple DIY dog treats! Ingredients

1 tablespoon of peanut butter 1 banana 1 cup of oats 1 egg

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees fan forced. Using a food processor break up the oats into a fine texture. Add the banana, egg, and peanut butter and blend. On a floured countertop roll-out the dough and cut treats using a bone shaped cookie cutter. Place treats on a lined baking tray and bake for 15 minutes.