I can hardly believe we’re at the pointy end of the year already – I know they say the years get quicker as you get older, but YIKES!
I'm constantly referring to events that happened in May as "just a few months ago" and have lost my ability to recall correct timelines of events – thanks perimenopause!!
With the calendar starting to fill up with summer catch–ups and end–of–year celebrations, plus blocking out 'shopping days' to stay organised for Christmas, I can feel that beautiful energy settling in that only comes with this time of year.
As my kids are starting to talk about their letters to Santa and who's turn is it to pick the colour theme for the Christmas tree this year, I am filled with immense gratitude to be another year older (and maybe a little wiser!), surrounded by family and friends whom I adore and looking forward to the magic that Christmas brings to our home.
As we wrap up 2025, I'd like to thank our gorgeous 'On the Coast' community for another year and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and joyous New Year! May the best of your past be the worst of your future as you welcome in 2026!
Enjoy the Summer Coasties =)
Art Director Tanzie Carpenter tanzie@onthecoastpublications.com.au
Production Luke Carpenter luke@onthecoastpublications.com.au
trading as On the Coast Publications ABN 52 212 212 482 PO Box 3251, Bateau Bay NSW 2261
For advertising enquiries advertising@onthecoastpublications.com.au
For article contribution enquiries hello@onthecoastpublications.com.au
Tanzie & Luke xxxx
Imagery freepik.com
Photo Credits Page 11: Erin Brooks Page 19: Chris Osborne
Contributors
Dorian Mode, Lydia Thorpe, Sophie Doyle, Sam Woods, Jordi Woods, Blake Gray, Karen Gilbert, Selina Chapman, Sheree Orbell, Mia Eddy and Sam Savva. onthecoastpublications.com.au proudly supported by Subscribe to our online magazine here!
Rethinking
residential care
HOLY CROSS KINCUMBER BRINGS A NEW VISION TO THE CENTRAL COAST
As the landscape of aged care continues to evolve, a new development in Kincumber is quietly reshaping expectations. Holy Cross Kincumber is the newest Catholic Healthcare addition to aged care services in the Central Coast, opening in late 2025. This home offers a fresh approach to residential care, placing lifestyle, choice, and community at the centre of the experience.
Located just minutes from local shops and some of the Central Coast’s most iconic beaches, Holy Cross Kincumber is more than residential care, it’s a thoughtfully designed home.
CARE, CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY AT THE HEART
With six boutique households spread across three levels, the home reflects a growing shift away from an institutional model and towards an environment that feels familiar, warm and personal.
Each household features private rooms, some with balconies or courtyards, alongside shared spaces such as a kitchen, seating and dining areas.
With a vibrant central link that serves as the hub of community life, friends and family can gather with residents over coffee at the café or participate in events and activities in the versatile multi–function room.
Residents can also indulge their passions, whether it involves a
pampering session at the salon, working on their health and wellness at the gym, or finding spiritual connection in the serenity of the chapel.
These amenities aren’t just about convenience, they’re part of a broader philosophy that values autonomy, connection, and the simple pleasures of everyday life.
The home includes a dedicated Memory Support Wing and is built around Catholic Healthcare’s Inspirit model of care, which emphasises dignity, relationships and meaningful engagement. This approach responds to the changing expectations of older Australians, who increasingly seek environments that support clinical care and emotional wellbeing.
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
New residents will be welcomed from mid–November 2025, with exclusive tours available from early November. For those considering aged care options,
Holy Cross Kincumber represents a new chapter in residential care on the Central Coast. It’s a place where comfort meets choice, and where every detail has been considered to support a life well lived.
whether for themselves or a loved one, Holy Cross Kincumber is a great option that reflects the evolution of aged care.
Holy Cross Kincumber represents a new chapter in residential care on the Central Coast. It’s a place where comfort meets choice, and where every detail has been considered to support a life well lived.
Vintage Orange
A WINTER ESCAPE TO NSW’S HISTORIC CENTRAL WEST DELIVERS PEACOCKS, PUFFER JACKETS AND AWARD–WINNING COOL CLIMATE DROPS
WORDS BY DORIAN MODE PHOTOGRAPHY BY LYDIA THORPE
As we drive the Mitchell Highway to Orange, we watch the leafy countryside turn from the verdant green of Blue Mountains/Lithgow to the cinnamon brown of the Central West before finding our digs, Mayfield Vineyard.
Mayfield Vineyard’s history stretches back to 1815 when explorer William Charles Wentworth received the property as a Crown Grant from the Governor of NSW, a reward for his pioneering crossing of the Blue Mountains in 1813. The estate passed through various notable owners over the centuries, including Thomas Icely (famous for livestock breeding) and William ‘Parson’ Tom, who discovered Australia’s first payable gold at nearby Ophir and used his fortune to purchase Mayfield. Later owners included the Crawford Family, well–known English biscuit–making barons.
The property’s transformation into a vineyard began in 1999 when vines were first planted, officially launching Mayfield as a winemaking operation. In 2021, the Eastham Family acquired the estate and reunited previously sold parcels, expanding it back to 91 hectares and renewing the commitment to producing premium cool climate wines.
STAY: Overseers Cottage Mayfield has several historic cottages sprawled amongst the established gardens and vineyard, each with their own rustic charm and fully equipped kitchens. Our digs, the Overseers Cottage, offers beautiful views over the dam and vineyard, and you’re just a short stroll to the cellar door for wine tastings – not open mid–week during our stay.
Psst! We like that it’s close to town, too, if you follow the back road in via the aptly named Icely Road (it’s cold!) named after Mayfield’s, Thomas Icely.
On our first morning we are greeted by peacocks and wild geese threading among the nodding daffodils. The property, with it’s 100–year–old schoolhouse now for wine tasting, is romantic and undulating, with stunning views and a canopy of leafy trees.
DAY 1: Orange
After popping into town to see my wife’s old school chum at her recycled designer clothing shop, Frockwork Orange, we head to Dirty Janes (not my wife’s other friend). Like their sister shop in Canberra, this is a funky vintage warehouse with stallholders and a café.
We take a poke around town – what is it with country people in puffer jackets
now? Ok, they’re warm, sure, but country folk used to have smart clothes: tweed coats, RM Williams boots, moleskin trousers. Now everyone looks like they stepped out of a mattress factory.
We then head over to pretty Cook Park in the centre of town. Here we find an aviary with some rather prosaic birds – three budgies, a withered cockatoo, some galahs – stuff you can see anywhere. My wife and I exchange sidelong glances in the manner of two seagulls. But we love the park’s Bastick Cottage, where two older ladies, engrossed in deadly conversation about irises, nod towards the CWA–style cakes and everything in the universe that can be crocheted.
DAY 2: Millthorpe
We visit the charming village of Millthorpe. The arrival of the railway in the 1870s transformed the settlement into a major agricultural hub, culminating in the construction of
Mayfield
Mayfield Vineyard
a large flour mill in 1882 that prompted the town’s name change to Millthorpe (‘thorpe’ means village) in 1884. During its heyday in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Millthorpe became one of NSW’s largest rail centres, shipping flour, chaff and potatoes across the state.
On the day we arrive, they are in preparation that day for the Orange Fire Festival – hopefully nothing to do with mass redundancies. The streets are abuzz with excited locals preparing to set the village ablaze, like a scene from the Wicker Man – if the weather holds. We love the groovy designer clothing shops and cafés, and a fabulous old mechanic’s workshop in the centre of town that hasn’t changed since the 1930s. It’s a lovely to stroll around the village. We lunch here.
DAY 3: Garden Time
On our final morning, we venture into Orange Botanic Gardens, a gracefully undulating 17–hectare sanctuary that perfectly complements Mayfield’s rustic charm. Officially opened in 1988 for Australia’s Bicentenary, these gardens weave together native bushland and exotic plantings in a tapestry that feels both curated and wonderfully wild. We meander along the Country Walk, discovering hidden corners where the original homestead garden mingles with heritage orchards and rose gardens. Between the two peaceful billabongs stands Bert Flugelman’s striking Federation Arch, its stainless–steel curves catching the morning light.
The gardens offer that same sense of timeless tranquillity we’ve found at Mayfield – a place where exotic trees from distant lands have put down roots alongside indigenous woodlands, creating something both nostalgic and eternally fresh.
DINING: Gourmet Pizza
We were so enchanted by our accommodation at Mayfield, we found ourselves reluctant to venture far for dinner most evenings. There’s something deeply satisfying about uncorking a bottle and watching the sun set over a picturesque vineyard from our cottage. Why eat in some cheerless restaurant? The cottage’s well–equipped kitchen and rustic charm made it easy to prepare simple meals and focus on what mattered most – the wine, the setting, and each other’s company.
We did, however, make one
MAYFIELD VINEYARD ESSENTIALS
memorable expedition to The Hub Gourmet Pizza Bar. The quality and creativity of their pizzas exceeded all expectations – this wasn’t your typical country pub fare but hip, beautifully crafted food that complemented the region’s reputation for culinary excellence.
CONCLUSION
Orange is blooooody cold in winter. But if you’re from the coast and find the cold a novelty, like we do, and your accommodation is toasty warm, it’s a fun weekend break. Post–55, you do enjoy a little quiet and Mayfield Vineyard delivers in spades.
On our final evening the vineyard was hosting a fire festival event of its own – the cheerful owner, who calls herself ‘Jeremy’ (after Clarkson’s Farm), was looking up at the sky saying it better not bloody rain, Caleb!
Located at 954 Icely Road, Orange NSW 2800, this historic estate offers award–winning cool climate wines and boutique accommodation across 6 heritage cottages. The cellar door operates in a charming 100–year–old schoolhouse with tastings Thursday to Sunday, 11am–5pm. Wine varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Rosé. The property features peacocks, geese, private lakes, and 91 hectares of rolling countryside just 10 minutes from Orange town centre. Accommodation ranges from 2–14 guests per cottage, all fully equipped with kitchens and rustic charm.
SPECIAL: Included in your stay at Mayfield Vineyard is a bottle of their premium Estate Range wine and a wine tasting experience for two at their cellar door – the perfect way to immerse yourself in the flavours of Orange.
Websites & Links
MAYFIELD VINEYARD: www.mayfieldvineyard.com.au
Award–winning wines, accommodation bookings, cellar door information and vineyard history. Wine club membership offers 15% off wines and 10% off accommodation.
Recycled designer clothing boutique in Orange specialising in pre–loved fashion, vintage finds, and sustainable style choices for the environmentally conscious shopper.
Contemporary art exhibitions, permanent collection featuring regional artists, and cultural events in the heart of Orange.
Orange Botanic Gardens
Bastick Cottage
Factbox #1
CHRISTMAS CONVERSATIONS: supporting independence at home
BY SOPHIE DOYLE – RETIREMENT AND AGED CARE SPECIALIST
Gathering for Christmas is about more than roast turkey or prawns and pavlova; it’s a special time when families reconnect, share stories, and notice the subtle changes that may be occurring in ageing parents or loved ones. This festive season, let’s make those conversations count by gently exploring how we can support independence at home, together.
AS AN ELDERLY PARENT:
maintaining independence with support As we grow older, daily tasks can become more challenging. You might notice it’s harder to keep up with housework, gardening, or even remembering appointments. While moving into residential aged care is one option, it’s not the only path. With the right planning and support, it’s possible to continue living safely and comfortably at home for many years.
Support doesn’t mean giving up control; in fact, it often means having more choice and confidence in your daily life. Help can come from family, friends, or professional services, and the costs may be subsidised by the Australian Government. Bringing support into your home can relieve pressure on your partner and family, making it easier to
continue living independently.
From 1 November 2025, the new Support at Home programme replaces Home Care Packages, offering flexible, coordinated services with a set budget at eight category levels. You can access help with meal preparation, cleaning, laundry, personal care, nursing, home maintenance, and transport. The first step is to contact My Aged Care (1800 200 422 or myagedcare.gov.au) for an eligibility assessment. If approved, you’ll be referred for a free assessment, usually at home, with a family member or support person present.
Choosing a care provider is important. Use the Find a Provider tool on the My Aged Care website, ask family or friends for recommendations, and compare services, fees, and staff qualifications.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions; feeling confident and comfortable with your provider is key.
Both the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Support at Home require a contribution from you, with the government funding the remainder. It’s wise to plan ahead, understand all fees, and seek financial advice to ensure you can comfortably cover your care costs and everyday living expenses. A licensed financial adviser can help structure your finances, reduce unnecessary costs, and potentially improve your eligibility for government support.
Most importantly, involve your family and plan ahead. Talk with trusted friends and relatives about your wishes. Listening to their thoughts can help
you make well–informed decisions that work for everyone. Sometimes, a team of professionals such as aged care consultants, financial advisers, and lawyers can guide you through the process. With the right support, you can make confident decisions and continue living life on your own terms.
AS AN ADULT CHILD: noticing changes and starting the conversation For adult children, Christmas is often the first time in months you’ve seen your parents in person. You might notice they’re not quite keeping up with things; perhaps the house isn’t as tidy, bills are piling up, or they seem forgetful or withdrawn. These signs can be worrying, but they’re also an opportunity to start a gentle, supportive conversation about future needs.
It’s natural to want to avoid difficult topics, but waiting until a crisis, like a fall or confusion over simple tasks, can lead to rushed, emotional decisions. The festive season is a chance to plan ahead, making accepting help feel more natural rather than a sudden, overwhelming admission of an inability to cope.
How do you bring up the topic without dampening the festive mood? Be observant, choose a quiet moment,
and encourage your parent to invite other trusted family members into the conversation. Ask for their permission to start researching and planning options for their future needs. The key is to plan early; early planning leads to the best outcomes.
Ask your parent if they’re registered with My Aged Care and whether they could use a little help at home to maintain their independence longer. While adult children can assist at times, you may not always be available, juggling work, your own children, health, and other priorities. The path to continued independence could be a Support at Home package. It’s worth exploring and considering together.
If the thought of having this conversation feels overwhelming, professional advisers can help. They can provide guidance and act as a neutral voice during emotional discussions, helping to ease tensions and keep the focus on planning for the future.
BRINGING
FAMILIES TOGETHER: a gift of independence
This Christmas, give your family the gift of open conversation and future planning. Whether you’re an elderly parent or an adult child, exploring new
Support at Home options can help everyone feel more secure and supported. With government–subsidised care, flexible packages, and professional advice, staying independent at home is more achievable than ever.
Aged care isn’t just about permanent residential care; it also includes home support to help you live independently longer. For more information, you can visit the My Aged Care website or arrange a conversation with a licensed financial adviser specialising in aged care, such as Sophie Doyle. Taking steps to plan ahead is the best way to ensure you or your loved ones can continue living life on your own terms, at home, where you feel most comfortable.
Call us on 02 4325 0884 erina@morgans.com.au
Visit us: Make an appointment at our new office in Erina 4/168 Central Coast Hwy, Erina –we’d love to see you.
QR code to brochure: Choosing to stay in your home brochure.
Sophie Doyle (AR#000470612) is a Retirement & Aged Care Specialist at Morgans Financial Limited (Morgans AFSL 235410 / ABN49 010 669 726). Sophie is passionate about helping people over 55 make informed decisions that empower them to step confidently into the next phase of life. She specialises in creating personalised financial strategies tailored to each client’s lifestyle, aspirations, and risk tolerance; enabling them to live a life full of meaning, purpose, and peace of mind. Disclaimer: While every care has been taken, Morgans Financial Limited makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the contents. The information is of a general nature only and has been prepared without consideration of your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making any decisions, you should consider the appropriateness for your personal investment objectives, financial situation or individual needs. We recommend you see a financial adviser, registered tax agent or legal adviser before making any decisions based on this information. Current at 10 October 2025.
Redefining your look: dressing for the woman you are!
BY SAM & JORDI WOODS
Have you recently looked in the mirror and felt like a stranger in your own clothes? Maybe you’ve entered a new season of life and suddenly, nothing in your wardrobe feels quite right. You’re not alone – and no, you’re not imagining it. Our style, bodies and wardrobes evolve as we mature, and it’s perfectly natural to feel a little lost when your go–to look no longer feels like you or is flattering.
Many women reach a point where they say, “I used to wear that, but I can’t pull it off anymore" or feel stuck in a loop of outfits that just don’t excite them. The daily struggle to find clothes that flatter rather than frustrate can feel like a never–ending cycle of disappointment. And let’s not even talk about how hard it is to find something that fits and feels good.
But here’s the truth: Your body isn’t the problem. The real issue? You’ve outgrown your old style and aren’t dressing to suit your body balance or your personality! We’re not talking about the outdated “pear” or “apple” body types. We’re talking about understanding your unique bone structure, your body’s natural balance and how to dress to enhance it, with clothes and accessories that compliment your character and identity. That’s where true confidence begins.
Below are three tips to start you on your journey to redefine your look and feel confident in the woman you are becoming.
Understand and accept your true body shape and how it’s changed over time . Learn to look for styles that flatter, not hide –our Body Analysis is a fabulous place to start! (www.vibrantconcepts.com.au)
Modernise the range of colours that you wear and try something new. You may also like to adapt your colour palette as your hair colour changes or you go grey by adding a more intensified or softer lipstick colour or accessory.
Master the art of online shopping so you can finally find what you need without the fitting room frustrations and constant returns. These days it is a necessary skill to learn if you want more shopping choices as a lot of items are not being stocked in the stores but rather as online exclusives. This is something we specialise in and can help you with at a virtual or face to face styling session!
Wear clothes that depict your “Style Words” and if you don’t know what your “Style Words” are, or how to adapt them to your wardrobe, reach out and book a Find My Style Session, or use Pinterest for some inspiration.
It’s not about dressing like you used to. It’s about dressing for the woman you are now – and the one you’re becoming – by enhancing your natural beauty with colour and style that is reflective of your next version!
Vibrantly yours,
Sam & Jordi Woods x
Understanding styling and fashion is one thing. Having a super natural flair for making everyday people look incredible is another. Once you’ve met Sam & Jordi Woods, it’s hard not to catch their infectious passion for dressing to match your own lifestyle, personality and charisma. Through their consultancy ‘Vibrant Concepts’, Sam & Jordi have transformed the lives of thousands. Let Sam & Jordi show you how to look and feel fabulous everyday at their Style Studio in Erina – learn the art of illusion dressing, colour matching, styling, translating
their unique VC Signature Styling Systems and services that are truly
Photo credit: Erin Brooks
Preserving your family history WITH JOHN RALPH'S CAMERA HOUSE ERINA
As we get ready to retire and downsize, the question of how to preserve family history may arise. The older recordings are bulky and can now be replaced by digital copies at a fraction of the size. Camera House can help with this transition.
The generations born in the late 1940s and the 1950s have seen family history go from Brownie Box cameras to 35mm cameras with slides, then prints, and now to digital. In those years, films have also changed from early 8mm, Super 8 to various forms of tape and now to hard drives and removable media. Each of these older forms of recording has rapidly evolved into the next leaving the family with boxes of slides, tapes, prints, negatives and older media cards. These generally take up space around the house and are in danger of being lost, particularly on the Coast, as mould eats its way through these precious records. Camera House owner, John Ralph, has experienced this problem himself with damaged slides and tapes. This has motivated him to expand the services of the Fountain Plaza store, to provide increased archiving services
with lower prices for bulk orders. Slides are prepared in a carousel and then copied using modern digital equipment, sourced from overseas, giving higher resolution than previously commonly available. By customers filling the carousels themselves, the price is kept to a minimum.
Greatest popularity has been for transferring tapes to DVD and once digitized, conversion to files that can be stored on USB or computer and viewed on current Smart TVs. Tape conversion was so popular that the store now has quadrupled the number of transfer stations to keep waiting times down. People are finding that many older photos have been damaged through the years. Either damp and mould have allowed fungus to grow or exposure to light has caused the colours to fade. This has created demand for local restoration services.
Pictures of all sizes can be improved. They are scanned or re–photographed
and then digitally enhanced to fix colours, physical damage and even add or remove people and items from the final picture. The new picture can be enlarged from the original to produce wall art and canvases.
Frequent questions asked of the store involve film. “Do you sell film?” – Yes. “Do you develop film?” – also Yes. “Do you scan film to digital?” – Yes. Whilst film is harder to get nowadays the store searches far and wide to keep stocks up. Also the in–store film developing is very popular especially with young people wishing to try out “Grandpa's camera”. The film can be developed and either printed or scanned to USB or Dropbox. And with more people travelling again, the number one question that is asked –“Do you do Passport Photos?” – Yes. They are done in the in–store studio, from baby to adult, including all overseas passports and are generally ready in about 10 minutes.
“Key Seniors in the Photolab – Leanne, Karen, Kat and Lyn help customers preserve their family history at John Ralph’s Camera House”
A Traveller's Tale
SHARED BY ONE OF OUR GUESTS – INSPIRED BY A NORFOLK ISLAND JOURNEY
When I booked my Norfolk Island trip with Palmers Tours, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Having travelled with other groups before, I knew organisation was key but what unfolded on this nine–day adventure was far beyond my expectations.
From the start, Palmers took care of everything so that all I needed to do was arrive with my suitcase and sense of wonder. Transfers, tours, meals, and seamless connections were all included meaning the only extra expenses I faced were drinks, lunches when I chose them, and souvenirs. The transparency of what was covered made me feel confident I’d made a smart decision.
What stood out most was the care shown by our guide, Lynne. She seemed to manage every detail, whether it was coordinating transport, ensuring we were comfortable, or smoothing over delays. Even when our return flight was delayed by an hour, the calm professionalism of the Palmers team made the wait easy. That kind of thoughtful service stays with you.
On Norfolk Island, life moves at a slower, gentler pace and that suits me just fine! We spent days out sightseeing, took time to wander village shops, even hired a car for part of the trip to explore at leisure. The world–class glass–bottom boat tour revealed brilliant coral gardens, while evening ghost tours and themed dinners brought the island’s history to life in unforgettable ways.
Even when our return flight was delayed by an hour, the calm professionalism of the Palmers team made the wait easy. That kind of thoughtful service stays with you
The night we journeyed through local homes for a progressive dinner, one table seven metres long, carved from Norfolk Pine will remain one of my most vivid travel memories.
The people of Norfolk Island were warm and welcoming. There is little crime, a sense of open calm, and the roads themselves tell a story: cows roaming free, chickens running across country lanes. The landscape is peaceful, unspoiled, and inviting. It’s exactly the kind of place you’d dream of discovering with a group of like–minded travellers, not in a rush but savouring each moment.
I will admit at first glance, the price of the trip made me pause. But once I reviewed the inclusions of accommodation, breakfasts, dinners, all transfers, guided tours, it became clear that it offered excellent value. The logistics worked so smoothly I often forgot the behind–the–scenes effort it must have taken.
When I returned home, the bus was waiting at Sydney Airport, and a transfer had been arranged to bring me right to my door. From start to finish, Palmers Tours made the entire journey feel effortless.
Would I travel with Palmers again? Absolutely. Their professionalism, warmth, and genuine attention to detail turned a holiday into a rich, heartfelt experience. If you want to travel with ease, purpose, and joy – trust Palmers Tours to get you there and bring you home with stories you’ll treasure.
www.palmerstours.com.au
info@palmerstours.com.au
WATERFORD
Privately Owned, Personally Connected
When Waterford Retirement Village was in the design stage, Director Mark Kamper considered what would create an ideal retirement lifestyle. Two key elements stood out: a warm, connected community and the comfort of village living.
The picturesque setting between Kincumber Broadwater and the scenic Kincumba Mountain, with its walking trails and rich wildlife, added to the appeal. It was here that Mark, along with a group of long–time business colleagues and friends, opened Waterford Retirement Village in 2001.
While Mark has been involved in a range of professional business pursuits, these days he spends most of his time farming sheep and cattle on his Bathurst property. His diverse experience in both business and farming has shaped his approach in creating a warm, connected community at Waterford. He genuinely values personal connections, making regular visits to Waterford to welcome new residents and ensure they feel part of the community. Mark also enjoys catching up with familiar faces to hear their thoughts. Commitment to personal connections is reflected in the way the village operates, always striving to assist residents within the boundaries of regulations.
This charming village is home to 134 residents living in 99 villas and apartments. Options include one, two, and three bedroom layouts, with some featuring courtyards or dual outdoor living areas.
With leafy surrounds and birdsong in the air, Waterford offers a tranquil environment. Residents, ranging from their 60s to mid–90s, lead active lives. Some play golf or bowls, while others
cycle or explore the nearby walking tracks. Residents respect each others privacy and personal space while always offering a friendly smile.
A PET–FRIENDLY COMMUNITY
For some, pets are a cherished part of life at Waterford. They bring warmth to the village, offer companionship, and help their owners stay active, connected, and emotionally fulfilled.
With a strong sense of community on Mark and his co–directors' wish list, they created Katandra Lodge –Waterford's vibrant community centre. It's larger than those found in many villages of similar size and is a much–loved hub.
Katandra Lodge features a heated indoor pool, a café, gym, craft room, billiards room, library, hair salon, and meeting spaces. Residents enjoy a variety of activities, including fitness classes, yoga, bingo, book club, happy hour, mahjong, and movie screenings.
They also have access to services from visiting professionals, such as massage therapists, podiatrists, and audiologists.
A village minibus offers transport for shopping trips, and volunteers are available to assist with appointments when needed.
A VISION FULFILLED
From the start, Mark and his colleagues set out to create more than just a place to live – they aimed to build a vibrant community where residents could enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle. Today, they take pride in having brought that vision to life.
Discover Waterford for yourself.
If you're looking for a welcoming community and a place to truly feel at home, be sure to add Waterford to your inspection list!
Mark and his family on their farm
MEMORIES FROM HOME
– a reflection from four Coasties
BY BLAKE GRAY, PRINCIPAL AT APEX ESTATE AGENTS
Summer will soon be upon us and Coasties usually can’t get enough of it. It bares many gifts. The weather is warm and inviting. School, university and work take a break. To add to the enjoyment there’s a sprinkling of special events and holidays to celebrate. It’s the time of the year when long–lasting memories are created. It’s also a time for nostalgia. I interviewed four Coasties to find out a little bit about their memories from home, how it is that they came to live on the Central Coast and why they love it.
QUESTIONS
1. Where were you born and what kind of home did you grow up in?
2. What is something that you remember about your home growing up; sounds, smells, features?
3. Why did you move to the Central Coast?
4. One sentenc e to describe the suburb in which you live.
I was born in The Entrance, Central Coast. I grew up in a family of 6 in a small, post–war style, 2–bedroom home in The Entrance.
We were a typical post–war, single income household family and even though money was not abundant, we ate really well and had a blast. I remember that my parents had their own bedroom and us 3 kids shared the second. When the fourth child was born, my parents slept in the dining room while us girls shared one bedroom and the boys shared the other. I remember the pink carpet with a cherry red pattern in it. We also had a wide hallway off the front door where my father had placed a piano.
5. What is your favourite summer activity on the Central Coast?
6. Favourite room in your home and why?
7. Advic e for anyone thinking of moving to the Central Coast?
8. Powerful memory from family holidays?
We were always here. My dad worked as a piano technician at Paling’s Piano Tuner in Gosford, Central Coast. One day he was visiting a client (my not yet grandmother) for a routine piano repair and noticed a young woman in the client’s family photos, and immediately asked if he could meet her. That young woman was my mother.
Very green, lovely trees, good vibe.
I love going to the Beach. Particularly Blue Lagoon, or Shelly, or Toowoon Bay.
My home was built in 1967. I like my living room because it’s open plan, with massive windows and has a good vide inside.
If you’re looking to move to the Central Coast then you should because it has something for everyone. It’s a mix of rural, suburban and beachside houses.
I have a memory of The Entrance Beach being so full of life. The Surf Club had music playing out over the beach during the day, and they had big, tough, rubber floats for hire. Between the ages of 10–18, I spent lots of time there with my friends and siblings.
Mitch from Bateau Bay – age 65 1
I was born at a public hospital in Waverley, Eastern suburbs of Sydney in 1960. I grew up as the middle child in a family of 5 in North St Marys, Western Sydney, in a small, single level, 3–bedroom home in housing commission.
I have fond memories of the neighbourhood. Although it was quite poor – a working class environment –the people around me were some of the friendliest.
My family moved here when I was about 12 years old because my father (Kenneth) got a promising job opportunity on the Central Coast.
Bateau Bay is great.
My favourite holiday activity as a kid was surfing all up and down the coastline.
The lounge room because I like watching sports and that’s where the big TV is.
You can’t go wrong, so do it.
It’s not necessarily a memory from the holidays, but my warmest memory is the births of my two boys.
I was born in Southport, Gold Coast and grew up in a family of 5 in Narraweena on the Northern Beaches. It was a small, 1950s, 3–bedroom, fibro home.
I remember the horrible gas stove we had to light and the parquet floor in the hallway that we used to slide up and down with our socks on – after mum had polished it. Romance.
Bushy, great climate.
I love walking around the Tuggerah Lake Walking Track and Cycleway, or riding my bike.
I think my studio, because that’s my creative space.
No matter what you’re into, shopping, the outdoors, sport etc, everything is close.
I always looked forward to the Christmas holidays because the kids were home for a longer period of time.
I was born in Kogarah, South of Sydney. As a kid I grew up in a newly completed, 3–bedroom, blonde brick home in Liverpool, in a new estate, with lots of vacant land around.
The school I attended was also new, in fact we were the first group of kids at the school, which meant my group were always the oldest – other students came in under us in the following years. Our home in Liverpool bordered the Hume Highway. This was before the infrastructure – no concrete barriers, no treeline, nothing – which meant that you heard every sound from the highway.
Initially we purchased an investment property in Forresters Beach which had a granny flat on it, which we used as a weekender. Eventually I moved into this property years later.
Great position, great ocean view, great neighbours.
I live opposite the beach so love walking along Blue Bay Beach.
My lounge room because I can watch TV, look out at the ocean and people watch.
The beaches are some of the best around, the parking is not a problem, there’s little to no pollution so if you like the outdoors, then it’s for you.
Holidaying with the family in Toowoon Bay some 20+ years ago. I have fond memories of exploring the rockpools and coral at low tide with my two sons.
Photo credit: Chris Osborne
How Pilates can benefit us as we age
BY KAREN GILBERT, PILATES TEACHER
Joseph Pilates was a man ahead of his time. Born in Germany during the industrial boom of the late 19th century, Joseph was a sickly child. During his teenage years he became fascinated with anatomy, physiology and physical fitness. He explored many body conditioning methods such as gymnastics, boxing, martial arts and yoga to strengthen and improve both his physical self and his mind.
During World War One, Joseph was interned in an army camp in England where he taught the inmates wrestling and martial arts. He also used his knowledge of anatomy and exercise to rehabilitate injured soldiers. With no equipment except what could be found on camp, Joseph utilised pulleys, bed springs and metal bed frames as gym equipment. Some of the equipment he ‘invented’ is still in use in Pilates studios today (Reformers/Barrel).
After the war, Joseph moved to America where he opened an exercise studio in New York City. He called his method of exercise, Contrology and soon established a large following in the New York dance community. Contrology exercises connected mind, body and breath to strengthen core postural muscles and keep the body balanced. His methodology worked and students flocked to his studio for fitness training and rehabilitation. Joseph believed that the new industrialised world he lived in was slowly destroying people’s posture and health. Fast forward to the 21st century and turns out he was
100% right! Slouched postures, rounded shoulders, forward thrusting heads, protruding tummies and sore backs are sadly today’s norm.
So why should I choose Pilates? Staying mobile and active as we age becomes more challenging once we reach our 50s and yet staying strong, fit and healthy is more critical than ever. Pilates is a low impact form of exercise that not only helps with balance, flexibility and strength, it can enhance your overall wellbeing. A good Pilates
class incorporates mind, body and breath and offers many benefits by improving:
Strength – we all lose muscle as we age at a rate of around 3–5% every decade which then accelerates significantly once we reach 60. Pilates not only builds core strength but weight bearing and resistance exercises build up muscle and help build stronger and denser bones which is particularly important for women after menopause.
Flexibility – as we age, muscles shorten, tighten and become stiff. Pilates exercises are carefully designed to strengthen and lengthen muscles while moving joints through a wide and adjustable range of motion. Exercises are adaptable and can be increased or decreased to suit age and ability.
Posture – postural changes happen slowly over decades and in this world of computers, tablets and devices we spend a lot of time hunched forward in chairs and at tables. Pilates focuses on spinal alignment and helps to restore a more natural posture. The ability to stand upright is taken for granted but very few of us have good posture once we reach midlife and it can take a long time to correct deep rooted poor posture.
Balance – This is one of the most important reasons why people over 50 should incorporate Pilates into their lives. According to the National Seniors webpage 2025 “Falls are the
leading cause of hospitalisation and death in Australia, and seniors are the most common age group affected.” Carefully chosen Pilates exercises challenge the participant and help to improve balance. Equipment can be used to create an unstable surface and balance can be tested with rollers and wobble cushions. By improving balance, we reduce the risk of falls.
Stress Relief – “Breathing is the first act of life and the last” said Joseph Pilates, but very few of us know how to breathe properly. Pilates exercises incorporate mindful breathing which not only facilitates exercises but also promotes relaxation and reduces tension. A good Pilates class will spend time focussing on learning to breathe with exercises to open the rib cage and improve lung function.
So where do I go from here? Pilates classes are popular in most areas these days and an online search will bring up the studios closest to you. There are a few options to consider:
Studio Pilates – great for rehabilitation, smaller numbers, one on one training, large equipment ($$$)
Reformer Pilates – group sessions, can be fast paced, fitness workout, different class levels ($$)
Mat Pilates – group class, use mat and small apparatus, exercises tailored to class ability ($)
Whatever you decide for your Pilates journey, you won’t regret it. Pilates is more than just exercise. It is an investment in your long–term health and Joseph Pilates knew this when he said –
“If at the age of 30 you are stiff and out of shape, you are old. If at 60 you are supple and strong then you are young”
Karen Gilbert is 56 and has been teaching mat Pilates for over 15 years. She loves sharing her knowledge with clients and currently teaches weekly classes in Wyongah. Karen works in aged care so she understands the importance of keeping fit and ageing well. For more information go to www.bitofastretch.life
NEW TRICKS. Embracing change and joy at any age
BY SELINA CHAPMAN, PSYCHOLOGIST AT HEART AND MIND COLLECTIVE
Adapting to change is not something that gets easier the more we have travelled around the sun. As we collect lived experiences, adjusting to change can become more complicated and challenging than ever before. In many respects, there can be more changes later in life such as changes in identity and sense of self, different family dynamics, an end to a long–term relationship, working or living arrangements and changes in health and functioning.
Change can be welcomed and positive, however what about when it all gets too much, and our quality of life is significantly impacted or impaired?
With change, particularly when we have it thrust upon us suddenly, we have a complex range of emotional responses that can conflict with rational thoughts and understanding. As complicated beings, these challenging concepts co–exist, causing grief and loss and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
Unfortunately, feeling purpose–less and useless increases the risk of suicide in older Australians and the figures are shocking. Australians over 65 can become more vulnerable with increased
risk factors associated with self–harm and suicide (Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing).
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, males over 85 years of age are the highest rated population group for suicide. It is a real and concerning figure that for every 100,000 people in this age and gender group, 32.7 people ended their own lives, with data showing this number is increasing, every year.
Why is the suicide rate higher for older men in Australia?
Suicide is complicated and varied in its cause, however we do know that several risk factors are associated with suicide such as experiencing grief over
the loss of a spouse or partner, increased ill health and a decline in functioning. Changes in mobility, social networks, community connections and health, all contribute to increases in feeling isolated, alone and unsupported. In summary we can conceptualize this as falling under the umbrella of loneliness.
A 2007 study by Dr Mandy Stanley reported that feeling lonely is “a diverse and complex experience, bound to the context in which it is understood and perceived and not synonymous with social isolation”.
What we have learnt is the need to feel part of a community, a found family, and society is always going to
males over 85 years of age are the highest rated population group for suicide
be important regardless of age. Humans have a need to belong, to feel accepted and feel social connections for happiness and wellbeing.
Some statistics state that Australians over 65 who experience loneliness are “1.9 times more likely to experience depression, 1.2 times more likely to experience generalised anxiety, and 1.4 times more likely to report suicidal ideation than non–lonely counterparts”, (Ogrin et al, 2021).
Understanding and knowing change is part of life is not the same as acknowledging one’s own changes, especially when they are part of an increased reliance on others, or a decline in our functioning and independence.
Factors that can contribute to loneliness can include feeling like a burden on others and a reluctance to ask for help. We may want to cling to our past sense of self rather than adjust to a new way of being and living.
While it is not easy to radically accept
change, there can be much to gain from letting go of dysfunctional ideals and embrace the now for a more rewarding future.
There are many wonderful things that can be done to ease the pain of loneliness whatever our individual situation may be.
Important factors for improved mental and emotional health encompass the person holistically, as each component can support and compound for greater successful outcomes. Good physical health is a priority too. Importantly, addressing the need for social connection and purpose, is integral for a healthy sense of self and a positive outlook.
Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, love studying, hate gardening or are not sure what you may like, there are people, places and experiences waiting for you to find them.
Some ideas (not exhaustive) can include the following:
Create a bucket list and complete them.
Engage in hobbies and interests.
Have a routine.
Join a community interest group.
Keep healthy, eating well, exercising.
Keep in touch with family and friends.
Learn a new skill, craft, or language.
Sleep well.
Speak to a professional mental health worker.
Travel.
Volunteer.
Australians over 65 who experience loneliness are “1.9 times more likely to experience depression, 1.2 times more likely to experience generalised anxiety, and 1.4 times more likely to report suicidal ideation than non–lonely counterparts
Whatever intrigues your imagination, there are activities and adventures that will improve your quality of life and add meaning and joy. There is no such thing as too late to start something new. Why not now?
Take Care, Selina
as having extra help as and when we
Selina Chapman is a psychologist at The Heart and Mind Collective in North Gosford. She works with individuals of all ages seeking empowerment and support. Selina says, “Seeking support for mental health is about maintaining emotional and mental wellbeing as well
need it”.
EARNING isn’t everything –THE VALUE OF NON–FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS IN RELATIONSHIPS
BY SHEREE ORBELL, SOLICITOR DIRECTOR AND MIA EDDY, PARALEGAL AT ORBELL FAMILY LAWYERS
Behind every happy home are countless unseen efforts, like school drop–offs, home–cooked meals, late–night laundry, and quiet support during tough times. These acts of care may not appear on a payslip, but under Australian law, they count for a lot when it comes to dividing property after separation. When a relationship ends, dividing property isn’t just about who earned the most money. Non–financial contributions, including raising children, managing the home, and supporting a partner’s career, are just as important.
Mia Eddy, Paralegal and Sheree Orbell, Solicitor Director at Orbell Family Lawyers, explain that although unpaid and often less visible, non–financial contributions are recognised under Australian family law as vital to the functioning of a household or relationship. They are carefully considered to ensure a fair and equitable property settlement.
What are non–financial contributions? Non–financial contributions refer to the time, effort, and energy a person invests in a relationship or household that isn’t compensated with money. These efforts vary from family to family, but all play a key role in the wellbeing and success of the household.
Even though these efforts don’t generate income, Australian family law recognises their value when deciding how to divide property fairly. Common examples include:
Managing the household: Cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, budgeting, and keeping the household organised and running smoothly.
Parenting and childcare: Providing emotional support, making decisions, managing routines, and caring for children, often while putting personal goals or careers on hold.
Renovations or home improvements: DIY projects, repairs, or skilled trade
work that increase the value or comfort of the home.
Caring for family members: Supporting elderly or unwell relatives, which requires time, patience, and emotional energy.
Building and maintaining social networks: Staying connected with family, friends, and school communities, which helps create a strong support system for everyone.
How are these contributions valued? Property settlements in Australia are governed by the Family Law Act 1975, which recognises both financial and non–financial contributions. Homemakers and stay–at–home parents are explicitly acknowledged for their efforts, and courts assess these alongside income–based contributions to achieve fairness.
Unlike wages or savings accounts, non–financial contributions are harder to measure. A range of factors are considered when assessing their value, including:
The length of the relationship and the extent of the homemaking role.
The number and ages of children cared for.
How one partner’s support allowed the other to advance their career or earn more income.
Whether the homemaker received outside help, such as a cleaner, nanny, or family assistance.
In long–term relationships, non–financial contributions often carry significant weight. There’s no precise formula for translating them into a dollar figure, instead, broad discretion is applied, taking into account the full picture of the relationship.
Homemaking isn’t just about keeping a household running, it’s about building the foundation that allows the whole family to thrive
The ongoing impact
When determining a property settlement, the future needs of each party are also considered. A person who has spent years caring for children or managing the household may face financial challenges when re–entering the workforce.
Career breaks can lead to lower superannuation balances, reduced savings, and loss of professional momentum. Retraining or further study may also be needed to re–enter employment. Recognising this, adjustments are made when dividing property to reflect those long–term sacrifices and the impact they’ve had
on each partner’s financial future.
“Homemaking isn’t just about keeping a household running, it’s about building the foundation that allows the whole family to thrive.”
Turning fairness into recognition Non–financial contributions like caring for children, managing the home, or supporting a partner’s ambitions are the backbone of family life. They make it possible for the other partner to pursue career goals and generate financial income, which in turn benefits
everyone in the household.
Australian law recognises that while these contributions may be less visible, they are no less valuable. Every relationship is unique, and the law aims to ensure both financial and non–financial efforts are properly acknowledged when dividing assets.
By recognising the full range of contributions made during a relationship, the law strives to achieve not only fairness, but dignity, for everyone involved.
Struggling to hear? Your glasses might be the solution
BY SAM SAVVA, PRACTICE MANAGER AND FRAME STYLIST AT ADRENALINE OPTOMETRY
Introducing Nuance Audio Glasses: See Clearly. Hear Brilliantly. Live Fully.
Imagine slipping on a pair of glasses that not only help you see clearly but also let you hear the world in high definition. No wires, no bulky hearing aids, just a sleek, modern frame that looks like regular eyewear. Nuance Audio Glasses, the world’s first invisible hearing solution for mild–to–moderate hearing loss.
Now available right here on the Central Coast, these cutting–edge glasses combine vision correction and discreet hearing enhancement into one stylish package, empowering you to see and hear life in full clarity.
Hearing loss is more common than most people realise and it affects everyone as they age. It almost doubles with each passing decade. Yet fewer than 20% of adults who need hearing support actually use hearing aids.
Why? For many, the idea of wearing a hearing aid still carries a certain stigma. People don’t want to feel older or stand out. That’s where Nuance Audio Glasses come in, designed to look like premium eyewear while subtly improving your hearing in everyday life.
They’re comfortable, clever, and completely discreet. From the outside, no one would ever guess they contain advanced hearing technology.
Nuance Audio Glasses feature beamforming microphones and open–ear speakers that deliver crisp, natural sound without blocking your ears. You’ll hear conversations, music, and ambient sounds more clearly – while still being aware of your surroundings.
With a simple double–tap on the right temple, you can switch between two intelligent hearing modes:
Frontal mode: Focuses on speech and conversation in front of you – ideal
for noisy cafés, meetings, or family dinners.
All–mode: Amplifies everything around you, letting you enjoy the full soundscape of the world.
It’s an effortless, natural experience. No more struggling to hear in busy places, or asking people to repeat themselves, just clear, comfortable hearing that adapts to your life.
Sound travels through the outer ear to the eardrum, which vibrates and moves three tiny bones, the ossicles that amplify the sound and send it to the cochlea in the inner ear. The cochlea converts these vibrations into electrical signals that the brain recognises as sound. When this system weakens with age or noise exposure, speech can become distorted. Nuance Audio Glasses enhance and clarify sound naturally, supporting your hearing without overwhelming it.
How it works? Pairing your Nuance Audio Glasses is a breeze. Simply create an account on the Nuance Audio App, press and hold the multifunction button until the blue light blinks, and you’re connected.
The app acts as your personal hearing
Hearing loss is more common than most people realise and it affects everyone as they age. It almost doubles with each passing decade. Yet fewer than 20% of adults who need hearing support actually use hearing aids
dashboard, allowing you to:
Adjust volume and sound modes.
Switch between listening environments.
Personalise your settings to suit your lifestyle.
It’s compatible with both iOS and Android, and for added convenience, an optional remote control lets you adjust volume or change modes with a single click.
Charging is just as seamless – place your glasses on their wireless charging
pad, and they’ll be ready for another full day of use. The slim, travel–friendly design of the pad means you can charge your glasses anywhere – at home, in your office, or even while you travel.
Technology aside, Nuance Audio Glasses look and feel fantastic. Created with sophisticated, gender–neutral
styling, they reflect the latest in eyewear design – refined, elegant, and versatile.
The frames feature overextended stainless–steel hinges for durability and a flexible fit across different face shapes. They weigh and feel just like high–end optical glasses, ensuring all–day comfort without pressure or bulk. Suitable for single vision and progressive lenses with an option of plano (zero prescription) with Transitions® GenS lenses, which automatically adjust to changing light conditions.
In short – these glasses look good, feel great, and work beautifully.
Designed for people who live life to the fullest, active, social, and always on the go these glasses keep you connected wherever the day takes you. Whether you’re catching up with friends at Terrigal Beach House, powering through a busy workday, or sharing laughs over dinner in town, Nuance Audio Glasses
help you tune into every moment clearly, comfortably, and with confidence.
Everyone deserves to enjoy the richness of sound – not just to hear, but to listen and engage fully with the world around them. Nuance Audio Glasses make that possible by blending hearing enhancement into eyewear that people actually want to wear.
It’s hearing technology that fits your lifestyle, not the other way around.
You can experience Nuance Audio Glasses by Luxottica at Adrenaline Optometry, located at 1/15 Church Street, Terrigal –call us on 02 4339 0900 or visit adrenalineoptometry.com.au
We’ll help you explore frame styles, fit your prescription lenses, and guide you through the simple app setup so you can experience every feature with confidence.
Sam Savaa, Practice Manager at Adrenaline Optometry, is dedicated to helping clients find eyewear that not only looks great but also fits perfectly. A fan of daily contact lenses himself on weekends, Sam knows firsthand how convenient and comfortable they can be for an active lifestyle. Reference: Luxottica Group (2025). Nuance Audio Glasses – Official Product Information. Internal and public Luxottica resources.
