The
Quality Cut TOOWOOMBA
Issue Three | October 2017
Clubhouse Update The latest and greatest
In the spotlight From Russia with love
Feature Facility: Bowling green
Live the Lifestyle you deserve!
Life is sweet at Living Gems Toowoomba. The clubhouse is bounding ahead towards completion and residents’ homes are being built at record rates! On page 3, you’ll be treated to some excellent aerial images that will really give you a feel for the layout of our fantastic resort, if you haven’t visited already. Within our news pages you will see that the social scene at Living Gems Toowoomba is still not slowing down, with multiple outings to exciting locations around the Glenvale area. There’s always something going on here, whether that is local resort events such as walking groups and lawn bowls, or outings to surrounding attractions.
If you’d like any more information, then please do get in touch with our fantastic Sales Team. If you are not currently living in Living Gems Toowoomba and are interested in seeing it for yourselves, our team would be happy to arrange a tour at your convenience. Vlad Pullich General Manager Living Gems
General Manager’s Message Sales Manager’s Message Welcome to the Living Gems Toowoomba October newsletter! The big news this season is that we have new, full-time resort managers – Rick and Cheryl Cook.
in and are enjoying the lifestyle the resort offers. Having worked in the industry for over six years, I am delighted to be part of the team and I am truly impressed with the high standard and quality of the villas and resort.
Rick and Cheryl bring a wealth of experience to the role, as they have worked in lifestyle resorts before. I have been working with the pair since they began their new roles and they have been an absolute pleasure.
We are becoming incredibly excited that the new club house is well underway, with an expected completion date of early next year. Keep your eyes open in upcoming newsletters for your invitation to what will be the grand opening!
Be sure to say hello to them both. Rick, Cheryl and I are here to assist you in any way we can, so if you ever need anything get in contact and we will do our very best.
Every month, we hold a function for our deposit holders or for anyone in general who may have an interest and want to come along to talk to and mingle with like-minded people. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions and really get a feel for what it would be like to be a part of our wonderful community.
Since joining the Living Gems team in July, I have been made to feel most welcome by staff and residents who have already moved
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The Quality Cut – Toowoomba Issue Three – October 2017
In this issue of our now monthly newsletter, you will see photos across a whole range of events and activities we have held recently, including a wine and cheese tasting event, and of course, the tremendous Carnival of Flowers. Please give us a call if you’d be interested in coming along to the next one! Many new villas have now been completed, with several different designs available for you to have a look at. Homes start from just $350,000, and even at this amazingly low price – the homes are extremely spacious! If you’d like to have a tour, please feel free to get in touch. Shirley Ortez Sales Manager
500 South Street, Glenvale Qld 4350
The Clubhouse Update Construction is firing away on all cylinders here at Living Gems Toowoomba with the club house moving further towards completion every single day. The clubhouse will be your one-stop shop for all things community and is aiming to be completed early next year.
www.livinggems.com.au | 1800 348 977
The Quality Cut – Toowoomba Issue Three – October 2017
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Col Clee carries his wife, Irene over the threshold of their brand new home.
Unconditional Love What a day to remember! Col and Irene Clee celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary by settling and taking possession of their brand new villa on the same day!
Time for Tea The Resort Managers’ Afternoon Tea is always a great opportunity for residents to get to know one another, catch up, and of course, indulge in delicious sweet treats. Resort Managers, Rick and Cheryl kindly hosted residents in their home, in addition to two guest speakers – Matthew Raub from Chromagen and Rupert from Home Assist Secure. Should you have any questions about either, please give us an email at: toowoomba@livinggems.com.au.
Not your Garden Variety Festival Putting the petal to the metal, the Living Gems Toowoomba team were out in force this week to attend the glorious Carnival of Flowers. With over eight stops, the bus tour saw all manner of floral arrangements that wowed the crowds. It was a scorcher of a day, so an ice-cream stop was very much required – much to everyone’s delight!
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The Quality Cut – Toowoomba Issue Three – October 2017
500 South Street, Glenvale Qld 4350
Out and About Welcome! Living Gems Toowoomba resident, Sandra Neale, is our newest resort addition. We’d like to extend a huge welcome and we wish you all the best for your future here at the resort.
Exploring the local area is something that residents at Living Gems Toowoomba do best! Residents took the resort bus to Kingfisher Café recently to enjoy a fantastic lunch and get-together. Opportunities to mingle are rife here at Living Gems Toowoomba, so get in touch to get involved for the next one!
Sweet Dreams are Made of Cheese (and Wine) Deposit holders and those looking to purchase at Living Gems Toowoomba were in for a treat recently with a fabulous day at Preston Peak for a wine and cheese tasting function. The beautiful day was an excellent opportunity for socialising and mixing with those looking to make a lifestyle change for the better. If you are interested in coming along to one of our future events, contact the sales team on: 1800 348 977 or email at: shirley@livinggems.com.au. www.livinggems.com.au | 1800 348 977
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In the Spotlight
From Russia, via Iceland and Norway, with Love A cruise from the UK to Russia provided veteran travellers John and Janet Croft, with a cost-effective way of visiting Iceland and Norway, while delving deep into some little-known history of the Second World War.
“We used to be backpackers, and then we became flashpackers!” The Nordic countries are expensive to visit as land-based tourists, but the spectacular landscapes are essential to see for serious travellers. “The ship offered us the chance to learn a lot of history and see lots of fascinating geography – particularly in Iceland – at a reasonable cost,” explains Janet. It took five days to circumnavigate Iceland, during which time the Crofts saw spectacular and varied geographies dotted with towns, hot springs, glaciers, geysers, and an assortment of birdlife including puffins and eider ducks. The second leg of the cruise took the travellers north along the coast of Norway, and then east into Russia. On the summer solstice, the cruise sailed the Barents Sea past North Cape under a midnight sunrise. Next, Russian port of Murmansk, into the White Sea – a southern inlet of the Barents Sea that is home to the Solovetsky monastery – and finally the port city of Arkhangelsk.
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The Quality Cut – Toowoomba Issue Three – October 2017
“This area around the North Cape to the White Sea was where British and other Allied shipping convoys took supplies to the Russians during World War II, to aid in their fight against the Germans,” explains John. The German effort to take the port city of Murmansk left the far northwest of the country cut off, and it was up to the Allies to keep the resistance supplied with food and weapons. The Germans were never able to take the port city, which continued to operate throughout the war. Half of the ships that sailed to help the Russians were lost at sea. It is not an aspect of the Second World War that Australians are familiar with, but nevertheless, it was a turning point in the battle against Germany. It was only the second cruise ship to visit that part of Russia, and the local people warmly welcomed the visitors. “Many of the British passengers had connections with sailors who were in these convoys, so the trip was quite a serious pilgrimage for them.” The Solovetsky Monastery is a beautiful, but sombre place. The island’s magnificent and ornate buildings were the site of a Soviet gulag where more than one million prisoners died during Stalin’s rule. It was here that Alexandre Solzhenitsyn, author of his Nobel Prize-winning book, The Gulag Archipelago, was imprisoned; his experiences inspired him to write the book to shed light on Soviet atrocities.
From Russia, the cruise returned to the destination from which it departed weeks earlier, Portsmouth, via the Faroe Islands and Shetland Islands. The Crofts have visited 100 countries together since they met in 1971. The couple met in London and then completed the so-called “hippy trail” across Europe, the Middle East and through Burma together on their way back home to Australia. Six years later the Crofts married. They put travelling on hold as they raised four children and pursued careers in agriculture and teaching. The couple spent 18 years in Guyra, NSW, before moving to Grafton where they lived for 11 years – until retiring to Living Gems Toowoomba, in part to be closer to their children. About 15 years ago, the Crofts sold the farm and resumed their travels. “We used to be backpackers, and then we became ‘flashpackers’,” explains Janet. “We now take a taxi every so often!” For them, travel is more than just seeing new countries; it is an opportunity to learn about new cultures, about history and about people. They were able to use their skills to secure work in various countries, and have enjoyed multiple stays in places such as Africa and Cambodia, where Janet taught English at a luxury resort while John talked to Bhuddist monks about Australia.
500 South Street, Glenvale Qld 4350
She also taught at the School of St. Jude which is home to 2,000 students who are the poorest of the poor. “When you are not travelling five stars, it is much cheaper to live in Asian countries for a few months than to live in Australia,” Janet says. A common question Crofts face with when they return from travelling is ‘was it safe?’ They are keen to dispel the fears that can prevent people from venturing from Australia and seeing the world. “We have always found local people welcoming, especially away from the tourist hotspots,” says John. “We have learned such a huge amount about the countries we have visited – their history, the people and their religions.” In Jordan, they discovered that the Great Mosque of Damascus began life as a Roman Temple to Diana, before becoming a Christian church and Islamic Mosque. During the following 200 years, the venue was a shared place of worship and it is today home to both Islamic and Christian relics.
Daffodil This beauty of a floorplan is as colourful as its namesake with outstanding features that would keep any occupant happy as Larry. Offering two bedrooms and two bathrooms, this home gives you plenty of bang for your buck. The open-plan kitchen and dining area blends seamlessly out onto a large alfresco that is perfect for entertaining friends and family. A large study ensures that you have plenty of space to relax or work – the choice is yours!
If you’d like to learn more about this outstanding floorplan, please contact us on: 1800 348 977 or email at: shirley@livinggems.com.au.
It reminds us of how people of different religions can live peacefully alongside one another. For their next break, the Crofts will visit the Pacific Islands on a short cruise from Fiji to Tahiti via Tonga and the Cook Islands later this year.
www.livinggems.com.au | 1800 348 977
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5 Low-impact exercises for the summer season
Make sure you don’t over-stretch too. Take it slowly and don’t push yourself beyond what you can handle.
With summer right around the corner, now’s the time to start shedding those winter kilos and get into shape for the warmer months ahead. A low-impact exercise routine can benefit your health by stretching and lengthening your muscles and maintaining the strength of your bones to protect against injury.
Yoga is a fantastic low-impact exercise that carries many benefits.
It can even help lower your blood pressure and reduce stress. You want to hit all the four key exercise targets in your routine: endurance, strength, flexibility and balance. These five low-impact exercises cover the four targets in a fun and enjoyable way. So, grab a friend and get started!
Walking Walking is one of the best low-impact endurance exercises. You don’t need any equipment to get started and it can be very social activity if you walk with a friend. It’s also easy on the
joints. The key is to make sure you have comfortable, well-fitting shoes and to stretch before and after your walk.
Swimming
Start with a yoga video in your living room, or get a group together for a class.
Swimming carries a very low risk of injury, making it an ideal choice. It also conditions the whole body. While swimming, you are strengthening the muscles in your back, arms, legs and shoulders.
Lifting weights
Stretching Adding some gentle stretching to your workout routine will improve your flexibility and range of motion. As we age, our muscles tend to lose flexibility, so stretching is something that you should be doing every day. Key areas to target include your neck, shoulders, upper arms, back, ankles, legs, hips and calves. This may sound like a lot but if you do a few stretching exercises each day, you will cover these areas quickly.
https://youtu.be/VZTIdR051wU Find us on YouTube for a sneek peek into what you can do in our workshop. The Quality Cut – Toowoomba Issue Three – October 2017
It combines all elements of endurance, strength, flexibility and balance in one. It’s also a great de-stressor.
Now that the weather is heating up, swimming is a lot more inviting. Swimming is great for flexibility and endurance, and is another exercise that relieves stress on your joints and bones.
Have you seen a Living Gems workshop in action?
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Yoga
A good instructor will offer alternative positions and poses to any that you have trouble with.
Weight training doesn’t have to be strenuous. In fact, a few repetitions with some light free weights is an excellent low-impact way to improve muscle tone and safeguard against osteoporosis. Start with some light weights and increase the number of repetitions and the amount you’re lifting over time. Remember though, if an exercise causes you pain, back off and try a lighter weight. Living Gems Toowoomba resort promotes active and healthy lifestyle living where you can meet like-minded others. For more information, call: 1800 348 977 or email: shirley@livinggems.com.au.
Did you know that we have a Facebook page? Find us at www.facebook.com/ LivingGemsAus and click follow to be kept up-to-date with the latest and greatest news and fun. 500 South Street, Glenvale Qld 4350
Our Living Gems At Living Gems, we’re a community inside and out. We love getting to know our resident stakeholders, so here’s an opportunity for you to get to know us better too. A family-run business through and through, Living Gems would be nowhere without its staff members and we like to make sure they know that they’re appreciated. Here you can learn a little about their backgrounds and why they love working for Living Gems.
Samantha Regan is a fairly recent addition having been with us for just over seven months. Sam moved to Australia five years ago and has never looked back. A true Pom – she’s easily sunburnt, excellent at queueing, and whinges about the weather a lot. With a background in journalism, Sam has spent the last few years as a content writer and now manages “all the wordage” for Living Gems, as our Sales and Marketing Manager, Ben Livingstone says. Here, Sam tells us a little more about herself: How did you get into writing? SR: I sort of fell into it really. I studied English at university and after I graduated, I completed my journalism qualification. At that point, I was doing some freelance work for a couple of newspapers and then the opportunity arose for me to move to The Land Down Under. Since I moved here, I’ve worked mostly as an editor and written for several publications in addition to doing my own freelance content writing. What inspires you? SR: Hmm, it varies day to day. I’m very motivated by food, so if you ever want to get work out of me – snacks always help! I’ve always been very arty, so I would say I’m inspired by nature and daily life and the world around me. I love to draw, paint and create but generally, I do a lot more writing these days. I’m always looking for juicy stories and interesting tales. You could say that I’m professionally nosey! Recently, I’ve taken to working with motion graphics and video – it’s definitely a step in a different direction, but it’s something that I’ve become really captivated by! www.livinggems.com.au | 1800 348 977
What do you most enjoy about your role? SR: I love the variety of people I get to speak to. A lot of my role includes speaking to our residents and hearing about how they came to find Living Gems. I get to speak to people from all walks of life and some of their stories are just incredible. Many times I’ve been clutching my sides laughing at things our residents have told me, but then conversely I’ve also been moved to tears at some of the more heartfelt moments. I’m not even particularly emotional, I’ve just found that Living Gems people really are all incredibly kind-hearted, funny, and just great to be around. When I’m not chatting with residents, I really love coming into the office every day just to work. We have such a great team here, and there’s not a day that goes by when I don’t get a big belly laugh – a lot of the time I feel like I’m surrounded by friends rather than colleagues. What is your favourite Living Gems home? SR: My favourite is the Azalea. It has a spacious floorplan that has the bonus of a walk-in pantry. I love cooking so the added storage space would be ideal for the copious ingredients I purchase and then neglect to use because I’ve forgotten about them. I also really like the large alfresco. Indoor/outdoor living is really important for a lot of people now – especially in the gorgeous Queensland weather. The double garage would also be perfect for me – I’d convert half of it into a dog-den. What do you like to do in your spare time? SR: I spend a lot of time with my dog – whether that’s whilst bulk-watching a new Netflix series cuddled on the couch or terrorising people at the dog park. Penny is a Great Dane, so she frightens a few people despite being a very large sook. We have a dogfriendly office so it’s great to bring her in during the week, although with her
head being desk height, a lot of my (and other people’s) paperwork gets drooled on. Other than spending time with Penny, I read a lot and like to visit new exhibitions and museums. There’s always something going on and I love trying to expand my mind and skills. Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time? SR: Definitely still in Australia! I was recently granted my citizenship after a long and arduous journey to get it. I love living here and have really embraced the Aussie way of life – I even call flip-flops ‘thongs’ now. I hope I’m still with Living Gems in ten years. We have so many exciting projects coming up and I’d love to see them all through to the end. If you would like to speak to one of our sales people regarding your home, please contact Shirley or Lorraine on 1800 348 977. The Quality Cut – Toowoomba Issue Three – October 2017
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What is your favourite toy? Cleo: We’re both getting on in years, so we don’t do a lot of playing these days. Missy: Sleeping and eating are my entertainment. That, and annoying Cleo. What’s the best part of the resort? Cleo: The outdoor cat enclosure, where I enjoy dozing in the sun.
Talking Pets
Sex
Names
Age
Parents
Female
Cleo & Missy
16 & 11 years
Dr Cheryl Perrin
Keeping up to date with our residents is very important here at Living Gems Toowoomba. As a pet friendly resort, we see our animals as part of the family – so in this section of our newsletter, we catch up with our more hairy residents. What type of cat are you?
What’s your best moment?
Cleo: I am a Persian-Himalayan cross, whilst Missy is a British Shorthair cross. We’re both rescue cats.
Missy: We may dislike one another, but we have lived together as acquaintances for more than a decade.
What’s your favourite food? Missy: We’re not prissy, we really enjoy the tinned food that Cheryl provides for us.
Cleo: It hasn’t been easy, but we have our own chairs and we sleep next to each other in the same room.
Cleo: I just enjoy eating!
Missy: We’ve managed it quite well, except when she steals my chair!
Missy: Ditto! Your most annoying habit? Missy: In the past, Cleo has tried a bit too hard to be friends. Cleo: I’m just a friendly old cat. We have spent 11 years together, but she doesn’t like me much. Missy: I had a very difficult childhood, so I have some trust issues. Cleo: We tolerate each other, politely. Living Gems Toowoomba is a pet friendly resort that promotes active lifestyles and welcoming communities. If you are interested in Living Gems Toowoomba and would like some more information, contact: Shirley or Lorraine on 1800 348 977.
Bowl your way to glory
One of the greatest things we offer at Living Gems is the opportunity to have a day out, without having to travel anywhere!
membership fees or travelling to other clubs. Maybe you’d like to get a bowling team together and take it all very seriously or perhaps just enjoy a casual game with a beer – the choice is yours!
Our state of the art bowling green will do just that. With its three rinks, you won’t have to bother paying expensive
Located just behind the clubhouse at the heart of the resort, we have gone to great lengths to provide a quality
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The Quality Cut – Toowoomba Issue Three – October 2017
experience through the use of the Dales Pro-Green Plus woven carpet is used by champions around the world. We have used the best of the best equipment to ensure no divots and excellent longevity. The 33.3m x 11.40m bowling green will allow you to live the dream – just a few steps from your front door.
500 South Street, Glenvale Qld 4350
Get stuffed with Living Gems Chicken, Ham and Leek Pie My oh my! What a pie! Perfect for the still chilly nights. Warm your heart and soul with our Editor’s not-so-secret family recipe. We love using fresh local produce, so go to your nearest farmer’s market for the best cuts. Preparation time: Less than 30 min Serves: 4 Cooking time: Up to 40 min Equipment: 23cm round pie dish
Ingredients:
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 450ml chicken stock
• 50g plain flour
• 3 chicken breasts
• 200ml full cream milk
• 75g butter
• 2-3 tbsp white wine (optional)
• 2 leeks, trimmed and cut into 1cm slices
• 150ml double cream • 1 egg, beaten
Method: • Defrost puff pastry sheets • Heat the chicken stock in a lidded saucepan. Add the chicken breast and bring to a low simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for ten minutes. Remove the chicken breasts from the water with tongs and set aside. Pour the cooking juices into a large jug. • Melt 25g of the butter in a large heavy-based saucepan over a low heat. Stir in the leeks and fry gently for two minutes, stirring occasionally until just softened. Add the garlic and cook for a further minute. Add remaining butter and stir in the flour as soon as the butter has melted. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. • Slowly pour the milk into the pan, just a little at a time, stirring well between. Gradually add 250ml of the reserved stock and the wine,
if using. Stir until the sauce is smooth and thickened slightly. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for three minutes. • Season the mixture to taste with the salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and stir in the cream. Pour into a large bowl and cover the surface of the sauce with clingwrap to prevent a skin forming. Set aside to cool • Preheat the oven to 200°C. Put a baking tray in the oven to heat up. • Cut the chicken breasts into 3cm pieces. Stir in the chicken, ham and leeks into the cooled sauce. Pour the chicken filling into the pie dish. Brush the rim of the dish with beaten egg. • Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface approximately 4cm larger than the pie dish. Cover the pie dish with the pastry lid and press the edges together firmly to seal. Trim any excess pastry.
• 150g piece thickly carved ham, cut into 2cm chunks • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to season • Ready to roll puff pastry sheets (available frozen at Coles) • Make a small hole in the centre of the pie with the tip of a knife. Glaze the top of the pie with beaten egg. Bake on a preheated tray in the centre of the oven for 35–40 minutes or until the pie is golden brown all over and the filling is piping hot.
Chef’s top tips: • If you’re less inclined to make one big pie, you can use small ovenproof bowls instead. Just roll out the pastry to the desired dish size and voila! The pie mixture can be easily frozen to be used at another time. • Pair with some broccoli and pan-seared brussel sprouts. If you have a family recipe that you’d love to share with us – send it through to the Editor at: editor@livinggems.com.au.
Gem of a Home: $350,000 The Tulip design is a stylish two bedroom home with a stunning open-plan living and dining area. It boasts a designer kitchen, with top quality appliances and a lovely alfresco with private garden. • 1 bathroom, 1 en suite
• Remote control 1.5 car garage
• Walk in wardrobe
• Air conditioning
• 2 bedrooms
Call 1800 348 977 or email: shirley@livinggems.com.au for more information or to view our stunning range of homes www.livinggems.com.au | 1800 348 977
The Quality Cut – Toowoomba Issue Three – October 2017
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What’s on
October Murphy’s Creek Chilli Festival Sunday, 15 October, from 10am–4pm Murphy’s Creek Community Grounds Queensland’s Hottest Chilli Festival returns this year with more plated food options, more competitions and raffles, more tastings and even more stalls! Some of the best chilli offerings in the country will be at this festival. It’ll be hot, hot, hot!
FREE Hand Lettering 101
$95
Sunday, 15 October, from 9:30am–12pm CUA Community Hub, Toowoomba The art of hand lettering has exploded in recent years. This two and a half hour workshop is designed for beginners, walking through all the tips and tricks you need to know to get started on your own lettering journey.
Un-Wine-D With Watercolour
$55
Sunday, 15 October, from 2:30–4:30pm CUA Community Hub, Toowoomba This two hour workshop is designed for beginners, teaching you the basic techniques and skills whilst you relax and unwind with a glass of wine to get the creative juices flowing.
FREE The Farm Grounds Markets Saturday 28 October, 7am–12pm Toowoomba Showgrounds A market that advocates for the farmer, the grower, the producer and the artisan whilst promoting education and awareness. This market is being presented by a community that supports best practice farming and embraces innovation through sustainability.
FREE THE PCYC Markets Every Sunday 219A James St, Toowoomba Bargains include plants, meats, pottery, fruit and vegetables, seafood, flowers, goldfish, tools and knick-knacks. This market is on; rain, hail or shine!
Toowoomba Caravan & Leisure Expo
$12
20 October – 22 October, 9am–5pm Toowoomba Showgrounds Offering a vast range of products and services for getting outdoors and enjoying the warmer months ahead, this expo shows off the latest caravans, camper trailers and 4WD accessories, camping equipment and much more!
Celtic Festival of Queensland
FREE
Sunday, 29 October Railway Street, Helidon A celebration of all things Celtic. This is your opportunity to learn about your Celtic heritage and have fun at the same time. Food and drinks are available and there will be plenty of stalls to peruse for a memento or two.
$110 Leather 101 Saturday 28 October, 1:30–4:30pm CUA Community Hub, 476-482 Ruthven St, Toowoomba Keys, trinkets, bits and bobs will soon have a safe place to reside in one of our triangle leather purses or on-trend leather tassel key rings. Learn the art of leather craft as you dye, mould, cut and construct your way to making funky and fun pieces. Workshop includes: equipment and tools overview, guided demonstration, step-by-step instructions to create your own purse and key ring.