Village Living | Issue Two

Page 1

Brought to you by The Village Retirement Group ISSUE TWO SEAS the day How to juggle volunteer work and village living All aboard the vacation of a lifetime villageliving Take a peek inside the surprising lives of our residents
RETIREMENT LIFE AFTER

Welcome Contents

Re tirement is your turn to shine. I am thrilled to announce our second publication of Village Living Magazine, for the residents of The Village Retirement Group. This publication is an effort to keep you informed about the latest happenings in and around our community, as well as provide a platform for you to share your stories and life experiences.

Inside Village Living Magazine you will find inspiring stories from your fellow residents, combined with updates on events and activities, and information on services and amenities available to you. We believe that this publication will be a valuable resource for our residents and will help to foster a sense of community and connection between the villages.

We are excited to see the positive impact this publication will have on our community, and we look forward to your participation and feedback. If you have any suggestions or ideas for content, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.

6. HEALTH

How to live well and keep mobile with physiotherapist, Miles Browning.

11. TRAVEL

Seas the day with travel tips and tricks for those considering taking a cruise.

12. GET TO KNOW

Meet the staff who make our villages feel like home.

15.

CROSSWORD

Put your mind to the test with a crossword puzzle.

16.

RECIPE

A fresh take on a classic pie.

2 | THE VILLAGE RETIREMENT GROUP 2023
Community

On the agenda

Very busy, lots on! Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening around The Villages in 2023.

MOVIE SHOWCASE

Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday mark movie day at The Village Taigum. Head down to the movie house to find out more.

MINI MARKET

Browse a selection of fashion, bags, teatowels, cards, jams, plants, and more at the annual Mini Market held by The Village Yeronga in April.

Coinciding with King Charles III’s Coronation in May, residents at The Village Coorparoo are invited to dine on an assortment of dainty sandwiches and delightful treats.

CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS LUNCHEON

The Carnival of Flowers is a cause for celebration, which is why The Village Toowoomba will hold a gourmet luncheon in September.

MOVEMBER

The Village Redcliffe will be holding Movember! Gents can nominate themselves to participate and enjoy a range of activities throughout the month –think movie screenings, men’s health talks, and a moustache competition.

| 3 THEVILLAGE.COM.AU
PHOTO BY TOOWOOMBA CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS VIA FB

Chari table affai r

Village Living spoke to resident Elvee Brisbane, who shares an uplifting message proving there’s more to volunteering than sausage sizzles and bake sales .

4 | THE VILLAGE RETIREMENT GROUP 2023

Although Elvee moved to The Village in October 2015, her volunteering venture started far before then – 30 years ago when she joined the Lioness Club.

Elvee was living in Glen Innes at the time, running a hotel with her husband (among other work like owning a fruit store and accounting duties). Eventually, she moved to Toowoomba and began volunteering at the Lions Club.

“Lions are involved in many activities, from fundraising to giving service,” says Elvee. Just last year they raised more than $28 million that went towards funding medical research, healthcare, assisting adults and children with disabilities, and emergency response services.

“As a member, I experience a number of personal benefits like leadership skills, a sense of selfworth, and I have even created lifelong friendships.”

When Elvee is not helping out at the Lions Club, you’ll likely find her at Hope Horizons or St Vincent’s Hospital – where administrative work and speaking with patients is what it’s all about.

Hope Horizons is a foundation dedicated to offering holistic and credible services to cancer patients. Their ultimate goal is to see free allied health services provided to those living with cancer – think counselling, exercise classes, social support, dental services, meditation, and more. “I love seeing the clients after their

treatments – they come out relaxed and always smiling,” says Elvee. Just when you thought one person couldn’t possibly volunteer her time anymore, Elvee also supports the Highfields Park Run every few weeks – a free community event encouraging participants to get out and about, all while promoting healthy exercise. Elvee’s kind nature and charitable soul not only serve as a blessing to our community but also confirms there’s a whole new chapter of life ahead. Some call it ‘retirement’ but really, it’s an opportunity for personal growth and meaningful relationships.

| 5 THEVILLAGE.COM.AU Profile
Got a story to tell? We’d love to hear it and you may be featured in an issue of Village Living
@HOPEHORIZONSTOOWOOMBA
ELVEE AT THE VILLAGE TOOWOOMBA

Hold your pace

Physiotherapist Miles Browning tells us how restoring function and activity levels is crucial for those over 65.

Have you ever found yourself wondering if ageing can be reversed? Is prolonged life a healthy, happy one? And ultimately, is it possible to restore function and activity levels even as we age? The short answer to the latter is yes, according to accomplished professional and founder of Fizzio Clinics, Miles Browning.

Miles is one of the familiar faces seen in and around The Villages – having dedicated his career to improving the health and well-being of many. Miles’ professional journey has led him to the aged care sector, where 37 years of experience and expertise is put into practice.

“As people age, their bodies go through changes that can affect their mobility and physical abilities, such as reduced muscle mass, decreased bone density, and changes in their balance,” says Miles. But how can one combat these changes? Miles recommends seeking professional guidance, engaging in regular exercise, practicing fall prevention, eating a healthy diet, and managing chronic conditions accordingly.

When it comes to keeping mobile, there is a plethora of ways to do so (and they are easy to implement into daily routines) – think walking up hills, never sitting for too long, working on balance, and regular strength training.

Living at The Village means residents can access five-star healthcare services including consultations with Miles and his team. “We offer physiotherapy and remedial massage services to assist residents with injuries and managing chronic conditions. We also run a variety of different classes including therapeutic exercise, healthy ageing, balance, Pilates, and stretch classes,” says Miles.

All of their services are tailored to each individual need, something which the team prides itself on being able to do seamlessly.

“This is done by understanding the unique characteristics of each client’s presentation and developing a treatment plan with them to meet their goals,” says Miles.

Further information about services and programs can be found at fizzioclinics.com

| 7 THEVILLAGE.COM.AU
Health
MILES BROWNING AT THE VILLAGE YERONGA

How can I give back?

When it comes to giving back to the community, any action whether it be big or small can really make a difference. Find out what you can do to have a positive impact on those around you.

Donate your time

Donations aren’t always about giving large lump sums of money to charities and wondering where it will go – in fact, donating your time and experience is just as effective (if not, more!). Fortunately, there are a slew of community groups amoung The Villages that are always in search of new members to join and share their knowledge.

Random acts of kindness

A phrase we have all heard before, but one that should be put into action more often! A random act of kindness is an unpremeditated action towards another to offer kindness in any way or form. Try to achieve at least one act of kindness every day – it could be as simple as buying a stranger a coffee, sending a postcard to a loved one, or simply complimenting your friend. We have a sneaky feeling it might just make your day a tad brighter too.

Participate in fundraisers and charity events

Getting involved in fundraisers and charity events is not only beneficial to the cause at hand, but can also make for a great day out with friends and family! Whether you host a morning tea, organise an event in your community, or simply attend an upcoming charity day, there are plenty of ways you can lend a hand. Be sure to look to foundations and charities such as Hope Horizons, Cancer Council, and Rosies Homeless Charity to learn more about upcoming events or how to host your own.

Do your research

If you’re inspired to get more involved, then the first step is to do your research – find out what charities align with your morals and chat with friends to see if others are interested too. To find out more about how to give back in our Village communities, head to the website below.

8 | THE VILLAGE RETIREMENT GROUP 2023
Visit thevillage.com.au/how-can-i-give-backto-my-community
Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”

Engine er in re sidence

Don McKee’s engineering success story.

Iw as always going to be an engineer, I knew that,” says Yeronga resident Don McKee, former metallurgical engineer and institution founder. But perhaps his younger self never expected to create such an astonishing legacy.

Don’s career journey began as a broke university student with a scholarship and a dream. Like many students, he started to lose passion during his studies. It wasn’t until the final year of his degree when an inspirational character in the form of a lecturer (and year later colleague) came along to

change his mind. Don finished up with his degree and jumped into a post-graduate position where the same lecturer became his supervisor.

“When I finished my post-graduate PhD, my wife and I moved to Mt Isa and I worked there in the process plants and underground.” Then it was onto a mine in Colorado followed by another mine in Goulburn before he would finally return to Brisbane.

Once Don touched back down, he joined his former lecturer in a research position at an institution called Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre located in The University of Queensland. It was here where he conducted research that was directly important to the Australian and international mining industry.

“A few years later, we established a commercial entity called JK Tech in 1985. By that stage, a lot of the research was producing commercial products in the form of software. We figured we could establish a company that could sell software and provide consulting services worldwide.” And that is precisely what they did.

“Setting up this company was a bit of a novel thing at the time,” says Don. But the fact it still exists today proves just how remarkable it is.

As time went on, Don became the head of Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre and later developed the Sustainable Minerals Institute within UQ – this group also flourishes on today.

Despite heading up not one, but two, impressive businesses, Don says his biggest career accomplishment is nothing to do with these. Rather it dates back to his time in Mt Isa. It was here that he developed a computer system to control trains underground. “It was the best bit of professional work I ever did,” says Don.

Don ends his career tale with: “I’ve been very fortunate to have been involved with the minerals industry for my professional life.”

| 9 Got a story to tell? We’d love to hear it and you may be featured in an issue of Village Living
Profile
DON MCKEE AT THE VILLAGE YERONGA

On the block

Our favourite boutiques and eateries around The Villages.

BARE TRAP SHOES

The search for shoes can certainly be a tiresome affair. Yes, it’s nice to have options but it can get overwhelming with such an abundance of sandals, sneakers, and heels always popping up in stores. So, in an effort to make your quest easier, we recommend narrowing your search and checking out Bare Trap Shoes. Located in Redcliffe and Taigum, this shoe haven has been supplying shoes to Australian women for over 25 years. They are renowned for their styles that are not only elegant but also incredibly comfortable.

PORTOFINO FASHION

Established in 1981, Portofino Fashion has been designing and manufacturing its exclusive range of clothing in Brisbane for years. They never fail to supply exceptional, stylish, and well-priced pieces through their online store as well as host multiple fashion parades and pop-up shops! These events are integral to the Portofino business and make for a great way to boost the already marvellous community spirit.

SMILING THAI

Run by husband-and-wife duo, Smiling Thai is a small and unassuming restaurant situated in Toowoomba. Don’t let the facade fool you, locals know this is the spot to go for authentic Thai feasts. Open Monday to Friday 10am – 8pm and Saturday 11am – 8pm.

VANILLA HOUSE

Few independent boutiques are as beloved as Vanilla House – an adored shopping location in Coorparoo with a slew of artisanal goodies. Vanilla House stocks everything from bespoke gifts and homewares to furniture, fashion and bedazzled accessories. The best part? Vanilla House is a family-run business and it’s always important to support local. @VANILLAHOUSECOORPAROO

10 |
COUPON 15% OFF IN STORE Present this coupon to recieve valid until 07.05.2023 VANILLA HOUSE T&C’s: Valid for full priced items, excludes books and original artwork, not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. COUPON PORTOFINO FASHION T&C’s: Cannot be combined with any other copon, discounts, offers, or promotions. One time use only. Not redeemable for gift card purchases. Void if altered, copied, transferred, or sold. Percentage discount excludes shipping and handling. Cannot be used for prior purchases. Other restrictions may apply. 10% OFF Use code BBRTBERC1KMV valid until 30.06.2023 to recieve online or at an event portofinofashion.com.au

SEAS the day

It’s never too late to start living your bucket list!

Enjoying an all-inclusive holiday to the world’s most beautiful ports is certainly something we could all use more of. And although cruising can seem like a daunting excursion, we think that the mecca of untouched beaches, endless wilderness, and crystal-clear waters that you can expect from a cruise is worth it – after all, that’s what holiday dreams are made of!

S o, if you’re interested in taking a cruise but have never been on one (or perhaps it’s been a while since you last set sail) then here’s what you should know and why it might just be the best option for your next trip.

TIPS AND TRICKS

Booking a cruise comes with many perks, for starters, it’s usually all-inclusive so you can enjoy the perfect balance of exploration and security – spend your days exploring far-flung destinations and know that your comfortable cabin awaits you at the end of the day. You also only have to unpack once even as you travel from place to place. The convenience is unmatched with everything you need on just the one ship – from restaurants and cafes to pools and activities. If you’re already mentally gazing into the ocean from your riviera deck, then it’s time to book. Look to Royal Caribbean, Coral Expeditions, and Princess Cruises as some of the top cruise lines and let the adventure begin!

• Book 6 to 12 months in advance for the best prices.

• The best floor to sleep on is any below deck seven (the lower and more central you are, the less roll and sway you will feel).

• Don’t feel like you have to do it all. It’s okay to miss a few activities. After all, you’re on vacation so sit back and relax!

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

• A lanyard to hold your cabin key.

• Be sure to pack your essentials in your carry-on (swimmers, medication, and your phone charger). This is because your luggage will likely be taken when you board and later placed in your room by a porter – so you’ll want your necessities on hand.

• Magnetic clips – surprisingly, cruise cabin walls are metal so be sure to use magnetic clips to hang items from the wall and avoid cluttered counter space.

Travel

Get to know

Say hello to some of the familiar faces that help keep our Villages up and running.

EMMA FULLERTON Sales Manager | The Village Redcliffe & Taigum

Best career advice you’ve ever received? It is more important to be interested than to be interesting. In my job I spend most of my time chatting to people about retirement living and am constantly fascinated by the people I have had the chance to meet.

When you’re not at The Village, what are you doing? I love live music so I spend a lot of my free time going to live shows with my friends. My husband is in a band so I get to enjoy music and spending time with him at the same time.

MICHELE DONOGHOE Business Support | The Village Redcliffe

If you wrote a book about your career, what would you title it and why? “Always reach for the stars!” I believe that we never stop learning and growing – I’m midpoint through my life, and I’ve found myself studying a business degree. It’s amazing the things that I have learnt so far, and I look forward to learning and growing further.

Most treasured memory from your time at The Village? The first time I sang a few songs for our residents. It was at one of our monthly events and I will never forget the smiles on their faces and how happy the whole room felt whilst I performed some of the songs that brought back happy memories for our residents. I will forever treasure that feeling!

YASMIN HADFIELD Village Manager

| The Village On The Downs

Who or what inspires you most in your career? My family. I have three daughters and growing up in today’s world at times can be really tough… but in them I see their strength and resilience. I see their kindness and compassion for others. They inspire me every day to be the best version of myself.

A motivational quote you love: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

THE VILLAGE RETIREMENT GROUP 2023 12 |

MARNI GILLETT Business Support | The Village Coorparoo

A motivational quote you love? “Treat everyone with politeness and kindness, not because they are nice, but because you are.”

What do you love most about your job? I love the human interaction. I see so many people each day, from residents to tradies and I enjoy all my encounters with them. The Village is such a positive place – people are genuinely happy to be here, and that makes it a great place to work.

Describe yourself in three words: Bubbly, devoted, engaging.

MARK RICCA Group Facilities and Asset Manager | The Village Retirement Group

What does your role with The Village Retirement Group entail? My role is to establish a framework for full supervision and control of high-value assets throughout our Villages including strategies for acquiring, operating, maintaining, renewing, and retiring assets.

What do you do in your spare time? I own five forty-year old sports tourers and two Harley Davidsons. So, on the weekends you’ll find me riding my motorbike or out on the water on my Jetski.

DAVID VANN Maintenance | The Village Coorparoo

What’s your favourite task to do at work? I actually find mowing quite relaxing. Hearing the positive responses from the residents is worth the effort.

Best career advice you’ve ever received? Find something you enjoy doing and make that your career.

What’s your favourite 70s or 80s jam? The Saints – I’m Stranded.

LEANNE CHRISTENSEN Village Operations Manager | The Village Retirement Group

Favourite book of all time? The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay. It’s such a powerful story about values and principles and is written in a beautiful and captivating way. It’s difficult to put down once you start reading.

What is your greatest career accomplishment? I’d have to say managing a Village during the Covid lockdowns in 2020. I think all staff that worked through that period did an incredible job in very challenging circumstances!

| 13

Frame your face

Master personal style with frames that finally fit your face.

Glasses play a major role in personal style (which can make the hunt for spectacles trying at the best of times). Fortunately, we understand the struggle, so we’ve created this comprehensive guide to ensure

you select the right frame for your face shape. To get started, you’ll need to consider your own face structure – is it diamond, square, triangle or round? Once you’ve made your decision, look to the corresponding blurb to find out what’s best for you!

Square face shape

Square faces, the perfect frame for your chiselled jawline is round (be sure to steer clear from thin, angular frames). Rounded styles will soften your edges and complement your features.

Round face shape

Rounded and oval-shaped faces with full cheeks and rounded chins – square is the shape for you! In fact, the sharper angle the more flattering it will be (we will let you in on a secret, it’s all about the contrast)!

Triangle face shape

Triangle or heart-shaped faces will find that they have broad foreheads, and their face becomes narrower at the chin. If this sounds like you then your best style is anything that’s rectangular. Be sure to opt for a subtle or even rimless frame for the best effect.

Diamond face shape

Diamond-shaped faces are narrow at the eye line and jawline yet have prominent cheekbones. If that’s you, then opt for oval frames and try out glasses that angle towards the top corner of your face!

THE VILLAGE RETIREMENT GROUP 2023 14 |

Crossword puzzle

While away the hours with a mind-bending, word-defying, brain squashing puzzle.

ACROSS

8. Most intimate (6)

9. Former St. George Dragons pro rugby hooker and national captain (3,5)

10. “Iron Gloves”, Test wicketkeeper (3,5)

11. Sort of (2,1,3)

12. Gun butts (6)

13. What you usually see in a mirror (8)

14. Rare Queensland spidereating flying mammal (6-6,3)

18. Patriotic (4,4)

21. Refuse to accept (6)

23. Deadeye Annie (6)

24. For the few (8)

25. Ghastly (8)

26. SA leader --- Marshall (6)

DOWN

1. Not too many (3,2,3)

2. Vast (6)

3. Gets cracking (6,2)

4. Long NW Australian coastal strip (6,4,5)

5. Instead (2,4)

6. Worried (8).

7. East Mediterranean democracy (6)

15. Inhabitants (8)

16. Playful dolphin relative (8)

17. Place for old documents (8)

19. Grounds (6)

20. Give the pink slip (3,3)

22. Bullying seabird (6)

| 15 THEVILLAGE.COM.AU
ANSWERS ON PAGE 23

SHEPHERD’S PIE with a twist

Enjoy a potato, root vegetable, and maple pecan shepherd’s pie.

A fresh take on a classic pie

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE FILLING

1 ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil

600g beef mince

1 onion

3 garlic cloves (minced)

1 tsp ground cumin

2 tsp paprika

1 zucchini (chopped)

2 carrots (chopped)

2 tbsp plain flour

2 tbsp of tomato paste

2 cups vegetable stock

2 tsp brown sugar FOR THE MASH

800g potato (peeled and chopped)

1 tbsp water

1 tbsp chives (finely chopped)

MAPLE PECAN TOPPING:

1 cup of pecans

2 tbsp brown sugar

½ tsp grown cinnamon

1 tbsp maple syrup

METHOD

FOR THE FILLING

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees fan forced.

Heat oil in a frying pan over a medium heat and add mince. Cook for 5 minutes.

Add the onion, garlic, cumin, and paprika. Cook for another 3 minutes.

Add the zucchini and carrots. Cook for 5-10 minutes or until the vegetables have softened.

Add the flour, paste, stock, and sugar. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5 more minutes or until the filling has thickened.

Take the mixture off heat and let cool for 10 minutes.

FOR THE MASH

Place the potato and water in a microwave safe bowl, cover, and microwave on high for 8 minutes. Drain the mixture and mash roughly.

Stir in chives.

MAPLE PECAN TOPPING

Combine pecans, sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup in a bowl.

TO ASSEMBLE

Transfer the filling into a 6-8cm baking dish, add the mash and pecan topping and bake for 20 minutes.

Let cool for 10 minutes and enjoy!

16 | THE VILLAGE RETIREMENT GROUP 2023

Pretty as a picture

Take

Whether you’re an accomplished artist or a raw beginner, the art group at The Village Redcliffe is on the hunt for new members, meeting every Tuesday at the Health & Wellness Centre, between the hours of 9am and 2pm.

It’s here where you can immerse yourself in the world of art and take the opportunity to extend your experience into new fields of artistic endeavours.

Running for over eight years, the art group has seen a lot of change throughout its time. But there’s always been one common denominator – the thriving

community feel, where members get to bask in each other’s company and experiment with art however they like.

The group is currently made up of just two members, Pamela and Anne, who are eager to encourage others to join in on the fun.

“I’d love to see half a dozen or more people meeting here on a Tuesday, enjoying each other’s company and doing a variety of arts,” says Pamela.

Intrigued? Be sure to get involved and head down to the Wellness Centre to see what it’s all about.

| 17 THEVILLAGE.COM.AU
We aren’t the world’s best, we just relax and enjoy the art.”
PAMELA AT THE VILLAGE REDCLIFFE
a peek inside The Village Redcliffe art studio.

In conversation with...

Ray Steward

Bor n with a green thumb and a heart of gold, Ray Steward was always destined to share his passion for gardening and allow others to bask in the beauty of nature.

“When I was just a boy, I longed to be a sheep farmer, but that quickly changed when I got involved with the vegetable and flower garden at my high school,” says Ray.

“I had discovered a love for gardening, and when I left school, I went on to study horticulture at university in Sydney.”

Ray landed his first job at the Sydney Botanical Gardens while he was studying and ended up staying there for 11 years, dabbling in development and management before packing his bags and heading off to Adelaide to become the field supervisor for the local botanic gardens.

Then it was time to relocate again, this time to the humble town of Albury for five years. “I was in charge of all the parks there. It was a smaller job than what I had finished up doing in Brisbane,” says Ray.

It wasn’t until 1970 when Ray was appointed to be Manager of the Parks Department for the Brisbane City Council that he decided to stay put and get started on a new project, and that was when the curation of the city’s second botanical garden finally commenced.

“The site was originally covered in weeds and rubbish, it was nothing special,” says Ray.

But once the lake at the back of the gardens was built and the first curator was appointed, the slopes of Mt Coot-Tha were well and truly on their way to becoming the gorgeous gardens we know and love today.

Although Ray is now retired and has put down the gardening tools, he is still surrounded by many work-related mementos and botanical artworks displayed in his Taigum home, showing just how committed he was to his field of work.

RAY’S TOP THREE TIPS TO MAINTAIN A GARDEN:

1. Always use plenty of mulch.

2. Select the right plants for the right place.

3. Australian plants are the way to go.

18 | THE VILLAGE
GROUP 2023
RETIREMENT
RAY
AT THE VILLAGE TAIGUM
The garden enthusiast behind the creation of the Mt Coot-Tha Botanical Gardens.

Des Zagami

The beginning of Des Zagami’s life dates back to 1940 in the hamlet of Coalbank – an unassuming and rural community in the Toowoomba region. “Not to be found on any map. Never has been, never will be,” according to Des.

Eventually, his family settled in the humble suburb of Morningside (just east of Brisbane city). This allowed Des to graduate from St Laurence’s College and enter the workforce through a sixyear cadetship in Architecture.

Sometime later, Des met the love of his life, Eileen. It was fate that brought the pair together on the occasion of his parents’ 25th wedding anniversary to be precise. Ironically, the duo celebrated their 56th year of wedded bliss last December.

After their wedding in 1966, they set sail for a five-year long honeymoon in Fiji. It was here where Des accomplished his proudest and most memorable career achievement, while, Eileen taught at an all-Fijian secondary girl’s school – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for both of them.

Des worked with the Fiji Government to design and construct the Royal Reception Hall in the grounds of the Prime Minister’s residence to mark the

celebration of Fiji’s Independence in 1971. On this occasion, he was afforded the opportunity to meet (the now) King Charles III, and later he was offered a position as a project Architect with the Southern Electric Authority in Queensland.

They moved back to their roots in Brisbane and continued to enjoy their exciting new career and family adventure. In 1988 Des was appointed Director and CEO of the Queensland Cultural Centre Trust which owned and operated the Queensland Cultural Centre comprising QPAC, Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Museum, State Library, and Queensland Theatre Company. In this role Des

had oversight of initial expressions of interest from local and overseas Architectural consortiums for the design and development of QAGOMA, Brisbane’s backbone in all things arts and culture. For the final 12 years prior to his retirement in 2010, Des held the position of Director of Planning and Building in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane.

Although these few words only touch upon a small portion of Des’ career, it’s clear he has lived a life of profound talent and love. With three kids and four grandchildren, Des and Eileen’s life journey has been a rich and rewarding one, something to be justifiably proud of.The pair now call The Village Coorparoo home.

| 19 THEVILLAGE.COM.AU
DES AND EILEEN AT THE VILLAGE COORPAROO
Join
us as we shine a light on a talented resident who has made his stamp on many impressive architectural projects throughout Australia and beyond.
Village spotlight

Feel the beat

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

Taigum book club member, Christine Ferster, shares her top three books!

If eel a lot of reward from making people happy,” says Warren Curtis, and that’s exactly what he does on a weekly basis. Warren is an avid movie and theatre lover who resides in The Village Taigum. It’s there where he organises weekly movie showcases, monthly musical screenings, and upcoming trips to QPAC.

It seems like Brisbane’s arts and cultural scene is growing bigger and bigger every day!

And with such a thriving creative scene, it’s no surprise 2023 is jam-packed with award-winning shows – such as Hamilton, Moulin Rouge, and The Tap Pack.

So, if you consider yourself a musical buff, regular theatre-goer, or just want to try something new, then plunging yourself into Brisbane’s cultural waters is the way to go (and happens to be easy to do in The Villages).

A Gentleman In Moscow

Erotic Stories For Punjabi Widows

The Bees

20 | THE VILLAGE RETIREMENT GROUP 2023
Arts and culture
WARREN AT THE VILLAGE TAIGUM

Move on in

If Gweneth Pilling can do it, you can too! Why moving back from across the ditch was a great decision.

Relocating overseas is a huge decision – and even more so as a widow – but after living in New Zealand for 37 years, Gweneth Pilling decided to pack up her life and head back to the Sunshine State (aka The Village Redcliffe). We asked Gweneth all the reasons why she made the move...

What was the main reason you wanted to return?

My main reason for moving was my family, most of whom live close to The Village. My sister, Alison Milford actually lives here too. I have no children, so it made sense to move back to be closer to family.

Tell us about the decision-making process you went through?

Making the decision to move was easy – the hard part was having to sell my previous home and saying goodbye to all my friends. Then I had to try to purchase a villa here and be able to fund everything! I received great help from Emma Fullerton from the sales team.

Are you glad you made the move?

Yes, I enjoy my life here! Previously I travelled from NZ each year to see my family, but now I see them every week. I get to attend lots of family events now, ones that I used to miss out on.

How do you spend your days in the Village?

I’ve been very fortunate in making some marvellous friends. I go to Happy Hour every Friday night and I help sell the raffle tickets on Fridays. Everyone enjoys the raffles and the company of other like-minded residents. I’ve made three close friends and we went on a super cruise of the Pacific before Christmas. We join together for drinks and meals. Redcliffe has an excellent entertainment centre and we are off to the theatre soon to see a local production of Oklahoma.

Profile
GWENETH PILLING AT THE VILLAGE REDCLIFFE

From toA B

It’s normal for driving capabilities to change as we get older, and although there are lots of seniors without keys, that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone over a certain age should cease to drive ever again. As long as you’re aware of what to look out for, prepare, and avoid, then you can enjoy h aving your own four wheels for many years to come.

How does age affect driving?

Everyone ages differently, so there is no set cut-off when it comes to driving. But that means it’s crucial to understand (and be aware of) your health conditions, because they might just impact your driving capabilities. Decreased vision, impaired hearing, slow motor reflexes, and worsening health conditions are all key factors to consider. If you’re concerned about any of these then be sure to visit your local GP and seek their guidance and advice.

License requirements

A recent law passed in August 2022 whereby all Queensland drivers aged 75 years and over are required to carry a valid medical certificate to grant the ability to drive a motor vehicle. Without this medical certificate, you could face a fine or

lose your license. But how do you get one? Once you’ve had your 75th birthday you must continue to have annual medical assessments where your doctor will issue or re-issue the certificate.

Safety tips

There are a multitude of obvious safety tips that have been ingrained into us for years – avoiding distractions, wearing a seat belt, and adhering to the speed limit. These are things we all know and respect, but attending a road safety course won’t hurt, especially if you want to brush up on your skills. Recently, residents at The Village Redcliffe joined the RACQ Years Ahead Program with the intention of covering topics like recent changes to road rules, medical considerations when driving, and alternative transport options like motorised wheelchairs.

DID YOU KNOW...

The world’s first speeding ticket was given to someone driving at 12km per hour? Oh how times have changed!

22 | THE VILLAGE RETIREMENT GROUP 2023

Love notes

Thank you for the kind words! We love receiving feedback, but at the end of the day, we wouldn’t be what we are today without your support! We’re so grateful to work with each and every one of you –your stories and ventures are beyond inspiring. So, as our thanks to you, we promise to continue listening and working hard to make your experience at The Village the best it can be. Yours truly, The Village Retirement Group.

| 23 THEVILLAGE.COM.AU
Down: 1 One or two, 2 Cosmic, 3 Starts in, 4 Eighty Mile Beach, 5 In lieu, 6 Harassed, 7 Israel, 15 Dwellers, 16 Porpoise, 17 Archives, 19 Reason, 20 Lay off, 22 Jaeger. Across: 8 Inmost, 9 Ian Walsh, 10 Rod Marsh, 11 In a way, 12 Stocks, 13 Yourself, 14 Golden-tipped bat, 18 True blue, 21 Reject, 23 Oakley, 24 Esoteric, 25 Horrific, 26 Steven. CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.