Recipes

Summer fruit sweetens celebration

SUMMER IN AUSTRALIA MEANS HOT DAYS, BALMY NIGHTS AND THE MOST BEAUTIFUL, FRESH SEASONAL FRUITS ARE IN ABUNDANCE. WE’VE TAKEN THE BEST OF QUEENSLAND’S SEASONAL FRUITS TO MAKE TREATS DESIGNED TO IMPRESS AT YOUR NEXT FESTIVE CELEBRATION.

Festive wreath pavlova

Method Ingredients

a a a 6 x egg whites (room temperature) 1½ cups caster sugar 1½ tsp white vinegar a a a 2 tsp cornflour 375ml pouring cream 1 x punnet strawberries (cut in half) a a a 2 x figs 4 sprigs mint

Preheat oven to 150°C. Draw a 22-25cm circle on a sheet of baking paper and place on baking tray. Put the egg whites into a clean and dry stainless steel mixing bowl or into electric mixer bowl and whisk on high speed until stiff peaks form. Add the sugar 1T at a time, allowing 30 seconds between each addition. Scrape the bowl and whisk until stiff and glossy. 4.

5.

6. Place the cornflour and vinegar in a separate bowl and mix to combine. Add to the meringue and whisk for 2-minutes or until glossy and combined. Place 12 heaped spoonfuls of the meringue mixture around the tray inside of the drawn circle to create a ring. Swirl slightly with back of a metal spoon. Reduce the oven temperature to 120°C and bake for 1-hour ¼ cup pomegranate seeds

7.

8. or until crisp to the touch. Turn the oven off and allow the pavlova to cool completely in the oven with the door closed. Whip the cream and spread generously over cooled meringue. Place the cut strawberries, pomegranate seeds, figs and mint leaves over pavlova to resemble a wreath. Serve with ice-cream if desired.

Banoffee Pie

Ingredients

a a a a a 1 x packet biscuits 125gm butter, melted 2 x bananas 300ml double cream Shaved chocolate

Dulce de leche (caramel) filling

a a a 1 x 395gm can sweetened Condensed Milk 1/3 cup brown sugar 50gm butter

Method

1. Finely crush biscuits and add butter, combine well.

Press biscuit mixture into cake tin and firmly press mixture over the base. Place in the fridge until required. 2. To make filling, place condensed milk, sugar and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring constantly for 10-12 minutes or until caramel thickens (do not boil). 3. Pour filling over base into the tin. Cover and place in the fridge for one hour to chill. 4. Peel and slice bananas and arrange over the filling.

Top pies with a dollop of double cream, sprinkle the shaved chocolate and serve immediately.

Tropical cheesecake in a jar

Ingredients

a a a a a a a a a 12 plain biscuits (Arnott’s Marie or Granita) 250gm block of Philadelphia cream cheese ¼ cup caster sugar Juice of a fresh lime ½ cup thickened cream 1/3 cup sour cream 2 x fresh passionfruit pulp Diced fresh mango 6 x small Mason jars

Method

1. Blend biscuits in a food processor or blender and divide the remaining between 6 small jars/glasses. Reserve some crumbs for decoration.

Using electric beaters, beat softened cream cheese with caster sugar until smooth. 2. Add sour cream and lime juice to the cream cheese mixture and beat to combine. Add thickened cream. Continue to beat until smooth and creamy. 3. Divide between jars. Cover and chill for 1hr 30 min.

Top with reserved crumbs and serve with fresh passionfruit and mango. 1. 2.

Peach lemonade with nectarine and mint

Ingredients

a a a a a Peach-mint simple syrup 2 x cups diced ripe peaches 1 cup caster sugar 1 cup water 1½ cups roughly chopped mint leaves

Lemonade

a a a a 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 4 cups cold water (or sparkling water if you want it fizzy) Ice Add chopped white peach and

Method

nectarine to serving glasses. In a medium saucepan, combine peaches, sugar and water. Bring to a boil, simmer about 5 minutes until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, stir in mint, and let cool for about an hour. Strain through a sieve, pressing on solids to release juices. Discard solids. In a large pitcher, combine all with 4 cups cold water, to your personal sweetness/tartness preferences. Pour into icefilled glasses garnished with diced peach and nectarine and a sprig of mint, if desired.

Family ties

GENERATIONS COME TOGETHER TO LIVE AT HALCYON

Angela and Andrew Ford, Halcyon landing

Angela and Andrew Ford with Jan and Ken Ford, Halcyon Landing The “Sandwich Generation” is a term which surfaced in the last decade and refers to Baby Boomers who have reached an age where they may still have children in their 20s and elderly parents who need care.

These families have found solutions at Halcyon to suit their circumstances, as well as be able to enjoy the active, social and secure lifestyle they deserve after years of hard work. “It was meant to be,” Andrew Ford says as he stands in his new Halcyon Landing home, unpacking the final few moving boxes. The former jet-setting investment banker, 53, and his wife, Angela, may have only moved in a few days earlier but their connection to the Bli Bli lifestyle community spans eight years. Andrew’s parents, Jan and Ken Ford, were among the first homeowners to move into Halcyon Landing, buying their home off-the-plan when they relocated from Adelaide to the Sunshine Coast. “They were the third people to move into Halcyon Landing and they still live in the same house they bought eight years ago,” Andrew said. “We got to know the community and its facilities really well over the years, visiting my parents almost weekly. “When we decided to downsize, we looked at Halcyon Landing, effectively to be closer to my parents but also to enjoy the lifestyle they’ve been enjoying for the past eight years.” When Andrew and Angela decided to sell the sprawling Yandina Creek home they built on two acres, a rapidly unfolding series of events delivered them a dream home at Halcyon Landing in record time. Their house sold within a week of it listing so Angela popped by the sales office the next morning to register the couple’s interest in one of the community’s larger-style houses. To their good fortune, a homeowner had visited two hours earlier to tell the sales team he planned to move interstate and sell his house. “It was one of the largest houses in the community and right next to the tennis court and recreation centre so it ticked all our boxes,” Andrew said. “Like I said, it was meant to be!”

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER MAKING THE BEST OF LIFE AT GREENS

It might just be an ordinary Chris and her husband Paul. afternoon, but centenarian Emma Trussell is wearing her pearls and has expertly applied her red lipstick. “Everyone is so lovely here and this home does three people very nicely,” she said. It’s a routine the 103-year-old does most mornings as she holds court on her front porch with a cup of tea, watching her neighbours walk by. “It’s great for Chris and Paul because there are a lot of people here their age so they can keep busy and live a nice life.” “She sits up like the Queen,” her daughter Chris Sergeant said. “When she celebrated her 103rd birthday recently, lots of neighbours turned Chris said the arrangement suited them as she and Paul participate in a lot of activities and events on offer. up to celebrate and Peter (Fahey) serenaded her with his guitar.” “It’s so nice because we’re only ever five minutes walk away from Emma said she loved living at Greens and was grateful to be able to share her home with the house,” she said. “I’d much rather be here than be stuck in the suburbs with nobody around.”

Emma Trussell and Chris Sergeant, Halcyon Greens

CARING FOR AN AGED LOVED ONE DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN’T LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE

Words by Rita Merienne, founder of Aged Care with Ease, a support network for carers

We are all living longer and our caring responsibilities are lasting longer. Carers can often be consumed by their caring responsibilities and delay living their best life, doing what they want or even practicing self-care. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Being part of a support network shines a light on areas that will ease your journey. You don’t know what you don’t know! A couple of the biggest issues I see is that carers give up their lives to care for their aged loved one and that people only plan for aged care (theirs and yours) when an emergency happens. Some tips to ease the caring journey are: • Start estate management early for your aged loved one and for you – this involves power of attorney, enduring guardianship and Advanced Care

Directives. You and your aged loved one will have the choice of who you/they want, not someone else that doesn’t know you/them which is what will happen if you don’t have the documents in place and something happens. Do it early for peace of mind for all. • Living a lifestyle that meets your expectations is a matter of identifying, creating, communicating and maintaining caring boundaries. • Self-care isn’t selfish it is knowing what your self needs to live your best life and helps you meet your caring responsibilities. • Take a break before you break. Every situation is different and there are different solutions for every situation. Note: The reason I started Aged Care with Ease is because I was on the caring journey with my father and there were many things I did the long or wrong way. I felt alone and that I didn’t have any support. Things had to change so I decided to be that change.

www.agedcarewithease.com

Book club

With Judith Masters, Halcyon Lakeside

Judith Masters, writing as J Mary Masters, has written three novels - the Belleville trilogy - which is soon to become four Belleville books. Each of the titles - Julia’s Story; To Love, Honour and Betray; and Return to Prior Park are held in each Halcyon library. To read excerpts from the novels, go to www.jmarymasters.com. At the end of 2017, Judith (known as Judy Hinz in this context) stepped down as publisher of Australian Defence Magazine although she continues with a backroom role in a part-time capacity. Image credit, Sherran Evans

Traitors and Spies “Espionage and corruption in high places in Australia, 1901-50.” Published by Allen and Unwin, RRP $34.99 in paperback

In his latest book, former intelligence officer John Fahey charts the ‘long and difficult struggle to create an ethical, professional and well-managed counterespionage organisation in Australia’, culminating with the establishment of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) in 1949. The necessity of being able to police the Immigration Restriction Act 1901 (the White Australia policy) was the initial motivation to establish a security service. Fahey reveals the dark underside of Australian politics, including the persecution of innocent civilians and procedural corruption, as Australia’s fledgling security intelligence system struggled with poor leadership, under resourcing, bureaucratic incompetence and, inevitably, a brawl over who would control the internal security intelligence system in Australia. Fahey has delved deep into national and international archives to produce this devastating indictment of Australia’s security services in those early decades before the formation of ASIO

Elizabeth Macarthur

“A Life at the Edge of the World.”

By Michelle Scott Tucker, Published by Text Publishing, RRP $32.99 in paperback

In Kate Grenville’s novel ‘A Room Made of Leaves’ we get a fictional account of Elizabeth Macarthur’s life but my preference is for Michelle Scott Tucker’s meticulously researched biography of this elusive figure in Australian history. Elizabeth Macarthur’s story begins with her marriage to a handsome, haughty and penniless army officer John Macarthur in 1788. By June 1790, she found herself with a husband and a small child on the other side of the world, in the penal colony at Sydney Cove. Her husband, lauded as the man who established the Australian wool industry, was difficult, quarrelsome and erratic in his behaviour. Through it all, it was Elizabeth who managed the family’s interests and whose diplomacy papered over the worst of his diplomatic failings. A fascinating, faithful portrait of a remarkable woman.

The Sister’s Gift By Barbara Hannay, Published by Penguin, RRP $32.99 in paperback

Author Barbara Hannay lives in Townsville so the setting for her latest novel will come as no surprise, although the story does begin on the Sunshine Coast. It is, however, Magnetic Island that is the picturesque backdrop to this story, which I am sure will be an excellent way for lovers of romantic fiction to while away a sunny afternoon. The story revolves around two sisters, Pearl and Freya, Pearl’s daughter Billie and the secret the sisters share. Over the years, the tensions and misunderstandings have built up between the sisters in a way we can all understand. What family is not bedevilled by misunderstandings and imagined slights? This family story unfolds amidst more twists and turns with some thought-provoking themes that will linger in your memory.

Ask the Expert

UNDERSTANDING HOME OWNERSHIP IN LAND LEASE COMMUNITIES

Words by Danielle Lim, Principal of DSL Law

Home ownership within seniors living communities share many similarities with the traditional image people may have about owning a home in the suburbs, such as the ability to benefit from capital gains. However, there are several key differences in how the ownership is structured, along with a raft of protections to ensure residents within land lease communities are well looked after.

Most people think of traditional home ownership as a house in the suburbs in which both the home and the land under it are owned and registered on the title. Structurally, a home in a land lease community may look identical to a traditional house. However, there is a key difference in how it has been built. Namely, these homes are “designed so that they can be relocated.” For this reason, the home itself is owned by the resident in a land lease community, while the land under it is leased or rented from the owner of the community. Not owning the land under your home is very different to more traditional home ownership and may initially seem like a foreign concept. However, land lease community residents are highly protected under government legislation, such as the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003 QLD. This Act ensures that your lease or site agreement complies with strict standards, including how your rent or site fees can be increased. An example of the government’s rental protections within land lease communities was seen in September 2020 when special COVID-19 measures were enacted which limited the site rent increases that could be implemented during the pandemic. There are also significant protections to prevent site agreements being ended without the homeowners’ consent. The result of this government legislation is that living within a land lease community is a very secure form of home ownership. Living within a land lease community shares many similarities with traditional ownership. When your home increases in value since you first bought it, you will be entitled to the capital gain, just as you would be with a traditional house. Additionally, the site fees that you pay cover the costs of community facilities, such as swimming pools, gyms and gardens, much like the body corporate fees an apartment owner would pay. Where you choose to live during your retirement is always going to be a very important decision. Seniors now have more choices than ever before. Whether you plan on embarking on your retirement journey in a traditional home, a retirement village or a land lease community, selecting your home and your community will always be a big decision. Take your time, research the options, talk to your friends and family, and get the right financial and legal advice to ensure the community you select is just right for your own personal circumstances.

If you would like your questions about downsizing answered by an expert, email my@halcyondays.com.au

Plac

Kensi, AWLQ Miguel Diaz, CEO Parkinson’s Queensland

Susie Longman, Cancer Council Australia Ann and Roy Beattie

Charity Thank You Event - Gold Coast

HALCYON GREENS, 12 NOVEMBER 2020

Cute puppies and inspiring speakers from three charities gave the last Friends of Halcyon event for the year a special atmosphere. Our three Gold coast communities banded together to give $25,000 to charities, taking the annual total to $111,500 for all Halcyon communities.

Angie and Athol Gibson

Charlie, AWLQ

Dale and Patricia Little Tricia Taylor and Colleen Watts Ivan and Kym Hansen

Dianne Spencer from The Salvation Army Ken and Judy Harper

Charity Thank You Event - Sunshine Coast

B BY HALCYON, 10 NOVEMBER 2020

Guests enjoyed refreshments under the stunning marquee on the lawn. Generous homeowners from our Sunshine Coast communities donated $11,500 to a number of charities through the Friends of Halcyon referral program.

Dr Jane Thompson from DVConnect

Sue Everon Jo and Ossie Feiner Brian and Wendy Mosley

Sue Hadenham and Irene Hurley Michael Pert

Melbourne Cup

B BY HALCYON, 3 NOVEMBER 2020

Homeowners at Buderim’s only lifestyle community made quick work getting to know each other at the very first Melbourne Cup event. A beautiful floral media wall was the perfect backdrop for photos, while guest enjoyed a lovely lunch under the marquee.

David and Carolyn Sergeant Lyn Lamble

Teddy O’Neill, Lorraine Brace Pam and Ray Downes Trevor Renn, Lyn Shields

Doug and Barbara Conn Gail Wogan, Sandy Chadwick

Melbourne Cup

HALCYON LAKESIDE, 3 NOVEMBER 2020

Homeowners at Halcyon Lakeside are no strangers to fun Melbourne Cup Day events and 2020 was no exception. A wonderful day was had by all at the Bli Bli community, which has also just been named the national winners of the Property Council’s Best Retirement Living Development.

Margi Davy Marlene Mason, Lorraine Brace

Melbourne Cup

HALCYON GREENS, 3 NOVEMBER 2020

Homeowners embraced the day with two events in the Recreation Club and The Lodge. With a new take on Fashions of the Field, the Halycon Greens’ Fashions by the Pool showcased the community’s most stylish.

Neil and Patsy Richards

Ann and Ray Ryan Jeff and Carolyn Rose Julie and Rob Miller

Chris and Rex Bell Helen and Barry Holmes Noel and Susan Proudfoot Janet Jones

Halcyon Masters Golf Day

VIRGINIA GOLF CLUB, BANYO, 7 SEPTEMBER, 2020

It was the first time all Halcyon communities had the chance to come together this year, and was a great day to share stories and connect with each other. Team winners on the day were from Halcyon Parks, but special mention goes to the golfers from Vision by Halcyon who organised such a successful day.

Ray Clegg, Varmi Geyl, Barnie Machen, Paul Outtrim, Peter Michael

Trevor Renn and Garry Boulton Jenny Boylan Bryan Brady

Dave Lonergan Sue Davies and Heike Adam

Halcyon communities

Judged Australia’s best lifestyle communities... Thank you

Please phone 1800 626 488 for more information on our communities. Nestled in the foothills of Buderim and wrapped in sub-tropical rainforest, B by Halcyon offers a retreat to nature just minutes from beaches. Here, you can lose yourself in creative pursuits, a health and wellness journey or the sense of community.

2 Retreat Drive, Buderim (off Whites Road) - Display homes open 9am-4pm, Monday to Saturday

Halcyon Greens

GAINSBOROUGH GREENS - PIMPAMA

Downsize to an acreage lifestyle 30 minutes from the Brisbane CBD. Located in Logan Reserve and set on 100 picturesque acres fronting the Logan River. This sprawling community is tribute to the traditional South East Queensland lifestyle amid open spaces, rolling hills and with deep agricultural roots.

8 Halcyon Way, Logan Reserve (off Logan Reserve Road) - Welcome Centre open 9am-4pm, Monday to Saturday

Halcyon Lakeside BLI BLI Enjoy country club living at Halcyon Greens, Australia’s first golf and lifestyle community designed for over 50s. The 84 acre community is surrounded by an 18-hole golf course, and overlooks natural wetlands and nature reserve.

7 Halcyon Drive, Pimpama - Display homes open 9am - 4pm, Monday to Saturday

Halcyon Glades CABOOLTURE

Located five minutes from the centre of Bli Bli and situated within the masterplanned Parklakes 2 community, Halcyon Lakeside features 5-star resort facilities, over 6km of connected walking tracks and 450m of lake frontage set against a natural backdrop of undulating hills. Halcyon Lakeside was judged Australia’s best in 2019 by the UDIA. Situated at Caboolture north is Halcyon Glades; a tree change located halfway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Halcyon Glades offers the best of both worlds and includes all the hallmarks of an award-winning Halcyon community.

34 Ardrossan Road, Caboolture - Homes available, inspection by appointment

Halcyon once again turned to the Gold Coast’s prestigious North Shore for its first waterfront lifestyle community, Vision by Halcyon. Located on an island at Hope Island, the exclusive gated community won the UDIA QLD’s Seniors Living award.

11 Grant Avenue, Hope Island - Homes available, inspection by appointment

Halcyon Waters HOPE ISLAND Located in the centre of the Sunshine Coast at Bli Bli, Halcyon Landing is a shining example of award-winning masterplanning. In tune with nature, the 25-acre lifestyle community is bordered by a 2km signature walking trail and natural parklands.

27 Waigani Street, Bli Bli - Homes available, inspection by appointment

Halcyon Parks CALOUNDRA

Judged Australia’s Best Seniors living, Halcyon Waters is recognised as one of Australia’s premier lifestyle communities. Designed exclusively for over 50s, the vibrant community is set amongst 100 acres of open space and natural waterfront parklands at Hope Island on the Gold Coast’s North Shore.

1 Halcyon Way, Hope Island - Homes available, inspection by appointment

Just five minutes drive from Caloundra’s beaches and town centre, Halcyon Parks nestles comfortably on a leafy 36-acre site surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. The masterplanned community incorporates quality architect-designed homes, gated security, comprehensive resort-style facilities and a strong community culture.

42 Meridan Way, Caloundra - Homes available, inspection by appointment

Share your Halcyon DAYS

Want to share your Halcyon Days with us? Send your story to my@halcyondays.com.au

SEIZE THE DAY

Exploring new and old passions

WINNER 2018 HIA Queensland Specialised Housing