ADVERTISE



![]()



By GemLife Elimbah
HIGH demand for homes at GemLife Elimbah, the region’s newest luxury over-50s lifestyle resort, has prompted the early release of a further 20 homes.
Developed by GemLife, one of Australia’s leading over-50s lifestyle resort creators, the Elimbah community combines quality, comfort, and connection in a secure, master-planned environment designed for today’s active over 50s. Since launching earlier this year, GemLife Elimbah has drawn strong interest from local and interstate buyers keen to secure their place in this boutique development, which is ideally positioned between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
GemLife Elimbah Sales Manager Glenys Lowry said the response had exceeded expectations.
“We’re thrilled to see so many people embracing the GemLife lifestyle at Elimbah. The community feel, location, and quality of homes have really struck a chord,” she said.
The first release of Stage One is almost sold out, with the next homes in the second release now available to meet buyer demand.

GemLife also recently opened its on-site sales centre, giving visitors and potential homeowners the chance to explore the masterplan, view home designs and facades, browse colour and finishes boards, and speak directly with the friendly GemLife sales team.

The new centre provides a welcoming space for guests to get a true feel for the lifestyle and quality on offer.
Set within 26 hectares of lush landscape, including 8 hectares of untouched bushland, GemLife Elimbah invites residents to enjoy contemporary, low-maintenance homes
alongside $20 million in exceptional resort facilities – all in a peaceful, leafy setting designed for a balanced lifestyle.
Residents will enjoy a relaxed, resort-style lifestyle with access to first-class recreational and social facilities, including a future country club, pool, gym, bar,
cinema, bowling green, and more.
Buyers are encouraged to act quickly, with homes in the latest release already attracting strong early interest.
For more information about GemLife Elimbah call 1800 835 926 or visit www. gemlife.com.au/gel




THERE comes a point when life becomes less about keeping up and more about slowing down, soaking in the sunshine, and spending time on what truly matters. For many Sunshine Coast locals, that means finding a place that offers freedom, community, and comfort without moving too far from the lifestyle they love. Enter Living Gems Moreton Bay, a vibrant new over-50s resort community redefining what it means to downsize.
Perfectly positioned between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, Moreton Bay offers a blend of coastal charm and urban
connection. Here, unspoilt nature meets marinas, and the pace of life feels just right: relaxed, yet full of possibility. It is the ideal setting for a community that values balance, combining luxury and affordability, independence and togetherness, activity and relaxation.
At the heart of Living Gems Moreton Bay is a suite of multi-million-dollar resort facilities that would rival many boutique hotels. Residents can enjoy a dip in the sparkling pool, stretch out with yoga or challenge friends on the tennis or pickleball courts. There is even a private cinema,
ten-pin bowling alley, and residents’ workshop, all designed to bring people together through shared experiences and simple pleasures.
The centrepiece is the Country Club, where elegant design meets effortless comfort. By day, it is a hub for fitness classes and catch-ups over coffee. By night, it transforms into a social space where friends gather for drinks, dinners, and laughter. It is a resort lifestyle, reimagined for real life.

Each home at Living Gems Moreton Bay reflects a commitment to quality and contemporary design. Spacious, lowmaintenance layouts are filled with natural light, open-plan living areas, and modern kitchens that are perfect for entertaining or enjoying quiet moments at home. Thoughtful details such as

energy-efficient features and private alfresco spaces make every home both practical and indulgent.
Because Living Gems operates under a land lease model, homeowners enjoy a range of financial advantages: no stamp duty, no exit fees, and no deferred management fees. You own your home outright while leasing the land, which provides both flexibility and long-term security. Many residents may also be eligible for Commonwealth Rent Assistance, making this lifestyle even more accessible. For those who have built their lives on the Sunshine Coast, Living Gems Moreton Bay offers a natural next step, close to the people, places, and passions that matter most. It is a community where downsizing does not mean giving up anything. Instead, it opens the door to more time, more freedom, and more living.
New homes will be selling from early 2026, find out more at LivingGems.com.au.

cause of death in Australia, yet little is known about whether rural Australians are more likely to develop the condition than those in cities.
A new University of South Australia project –Re-ACTIVate – is working with regional communities to identify if country-based people are more susceptible to dementia and to develop prevention strategies tailored to rural areas.
Re-ACTIVate will assess modifiable dementia risk factors among older rural people, then co-design a practical prevention toolkit that meets the needs of rural communities. The study builds upon UniSA’s earlier ACTIVate research, which found that how older people spend their time can affect cognition and brain volume.
Lead researcher and cognitive ageing expert Associate Professor Ashleigh Smith said the study will compare dementia risk
between rural and urban adults.
“We know there are at least 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia, which include things like smoking, diet, exercise and social isolation and we have data on how these risk factors affect people living in Australian cities,” she said.
“We also know that people living in rural and remote communities face different challenges, including access to health services, continuity of care, fewer places to be physically active, and different work and social patterns.
“This project will examine the lifestyle behaviours that increase dementia risk in rural and regional communities, then work with those same communities to co-design early prevention strategies.” PhD candidate Britt Burton said there is a critical need for a public health strategy targeting dementia risk in rural Australia.



By Rebecca Whitaker
RANGECARE is helping individuals redefine what it means to live independently. For many, ageing or managing health challenges can feel isolating, but with the right support, independence becomes not only possible but deeply fulfilling.
RangeCare’s approach is grounded in compassion, care, and connection, offering services that empower people to live life
mission is the belief that independence doesn’t mean doing everything alone. It means having access to support that respects your choices, encourages your wellbeing, and connects you with others in meaningful ways.
Every service from inhome personal and nursing care to wellness programs and overnight respite is designed to meet people where they are, physically and emotionally.
RangeCare’s commitment

encouraged to make decisions about their care, supported by professionals who act with kindness and respect.
Whether it’s help with cooking, cleaning, or more specialised care, the focus remains on nurturing personal agency and promoting safety.
But RangeCare is more than a care provider; it’s a community. Through vibrant social centres and in-home companionship programs, clients build relationships that matter.
These spaces foster connection, reduce loneliness, and create opportunities for joy and engagement.
Technology support helps individuals stay digitally connected and safe, while home modifications and maintenance services ensure that living environments remain accessible and secure.
Nutritious meal delivery, recreational outings, and wellness activities further

You’re Invited to Join Us! Discover Friendship and Fun. At RangeCare Social Centres, we believe that staying active and social is key to a happy life!
Free Trials Now Available
What is included in a Free Trial Day:
Morning tea
Hot lunch
Dessert
Join in the daily activities
Your welcome to attend for Morning Tea only 10am – 11.30am or join in for the day 10am – 2pm.
Feel free to bring a carer, family member or friend to the trial day.
We have spaces available at all our Social Centres in Flaxton, Gympie, Nambour. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your social life and make lasting memories.
For more information call the RangeCare office on 07 5445 7044

health, but emotional and social wellbeing.
It’s this holistic approach that makes RangeCare a trusted partner in life, not just a service provider.
“We believe independence doesn’t mean doing everything alone,” says a RangeCare spokesperson.
To learn more or explore how RangeCare can support you or a loved one, visit rangecare.com.au or call 07 5445 7044. Because independence thrives when compassion, care, and connection come together. RangeCare is here every step of the way.












By GemLife
STRONG demand for GemLife Moreton Bay’s exclusive lakeside residences has seen nearly half of the architectdesigned Emerald Collection homes already sold.
Nestled beside tranquil lakes and bordered by conservation parkland, this exclusive range of two-bedroom plus multipurpose-room homes
has resonated with over50s seeking something truly special – luxury, low-maintenance living in a stunning natural setting.
Each one of the four house designs on offer has been thoughtfully designed to celebrate its surroundings, with panoramic water outlooks captured through wraparound outdoor living spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows.
“These homes have been
incredibly well-received,” said Samantha Stevens, GemLife Moreton Bay Sales Manager. “With expansive alfresco areas, premium finishes and uninterrupted water views, it’s easy to see why they’re proving so popular.”
Inside, the homes feature a curated selection of high-end inclusions, including designer kitchens with fluted cabinetry and a full suite of Gaggenau appliances – oven, cooktop,
rangehood, dishwasher and microwave – plus signature entrance doors, floating-effect vanities, and spacious walk-in robes with built-in drawers and shelving.
Offering between 253.78 and 254.64 square metres of living space and priced from $1.4 million, these homes combine elegant design with everyday functionality.
Proudly Australia’s first over-50s land lease
community to achieve a 5 Star Green Star –Communities rating, GemLife Moreton Bay brings sustainability and style together.
To discover lakeside living at its finest, visit the display home, tour the stylish Summer House with resortstyle pool, and preview the soon-to-be-completed $18 million Country Club. For more information, call the sales team on 1800 418 605 today.

WHAT an amazing place Fort Lytton is to visit!
Thirteen members of the Combined Probus Club of the Glass House Mountains Inc. travelled by bus with Mystic Mountain Tours and driver Lyn on October 22 for their monthly outing. The day came together beautifully thanks to the organisation of Outings Coordinator Cheryl. Members enjoyed a guided tour with Park Ranger Daley Donnelly, who shared fascinating stories and history of the Fort, followed by a delicious lunch at the Rabbit Hole Café in Wynnum.The group was especially impressed with Mystic Mountain Tours’ new, comfortable bus.
GHM Probus members are active retirees who










WHY travel down the coast when you have a hearing clinic locally in Maleny? Ben Small is the owner and operator of Sounds Good Sunshine Coast. His experience of nearly 30 years in the hearing industry means you will get the best advice and information possible when you make an enquiry.
Ben is a local of Maleny, and the clinic is situated at 8/43 Maple Street, best accessed via Bicentenary Lane, and opposite the Neighbourhood Centre. The clinic is open
appointment. Sounds Good also do home visit appointments for those who cannot make it into the clinic, so best to call ahead before visiting the clinic in person.
With Christmas just around the corner, Sounds Good has been assisting many people get their hearing needs under control.
The take up of the FREE assessment has enabled many clients to have a check-up, or to take further steps on the way to improved hearing.
is an important part in feeling included and not being left out or frustrated at not being able to follow conversations with family and friends.
To make and appointment for a check up call Ben on 0410 467 090.
Sounds Good is an independent clinic and has access to all makes and models of hearing aids and repairs. If your looking at having your existing aids serviced and checked or looking at doing a trial or upgrading give Ben a call to discuss your options.


Care is now supporting clients under the newly launched Support at Home program, which replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November, the biggest change in aged care services in more than a decade. Support at Home, introduced following recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care, is designed to give people more choice and control over the care they receive, helping them to maintain independence, wellbeing,
the system has changed, our priority remains the same – ensuring our clients continue to receive highquality support in their own homes” said General Manager Clare Mullins.
Under the new program, clients have access to a wide range of services tailored to their individual needs including personal care, domestic assistance, transport, social support, respite, allied health services, and home modifications.
“Our staff have been
and their families to provide personalised advice, answer questions, and ensure a smooth transition into the new program” Clare said. “We will continue to provide compassionate, reliable, and professional care, helping people remain independent and connected with their community.”
For more information about Support at Home and how Glasshouse Country Care can assist, contact the office on 07 5494 6948 or visit www.ghcare.org.au.
































By Lynette and Ian Evans
WE were married 54 years ago in Camberwell, Melbourne. We lived in Victoria until our decision to come to Queensland for family reasons in 2020. Ian worked in the bank for ten years and Lynette was an office worker. We entered our first hotel in Wangaratta in 1979 with longtime friends, Rod and Marie. Rod and Marie were the youngest people to be granted a liquor licence. This was the beginning of a totally different lifestyle in the hospitality industry. We stayed in Wangaratta for three and half years and enjoyed the lifestyle greatly. After this time, we decided to travel Australia in our caravans. Travelling was great and we broadened our horizons. We travelled from Broken Hill to Queensland via Packsaddle, Wilcannia and Cobar where we learned to play ‘Two Up’ on Anzac Day. We travelled slowly up the Queensland Coast to Cairns. Along the way we explored the area and visited the islands.
THE WRITE STUFF - Do you








At Cairns, we left our caravans and camped our way up to Cape York. Remember there were no sealed roads in the early 1980s, only deep wash outs and bridges built with tree trunks. We ventured across to Weipa using an old army truck from World War 2. At the same time, a truck was delivering cool room equipment for a supermarket in Weipa. He just bashed through trees and bushes. Prior to this, they shipped equipment around the Cape. Then we went up to the Cape visiting small towns on the way. There was one pub in a town with an honesty system as the publican went missing frequently, in another, a butchery made of
wire mesh. At one town a truck brought down several electricity poles, so no electricity for a few days. Another town had horse races with only two horses in some races.
We caught barramundi in the Jardine River for dinner before crossing the river to Bamaga and the tip of Australia. All the while, we were on the lookout for crocodiles and snakes. We also stocked upon red wine flagons in Cairns and cooled them off in creeks and rivers as we travelled. The Jardine was about 40 metres wide at the crossing. We did not take our vehicles but used the local aboriginal vehicle.


time of profound sorrow. Whatever it is, we’d love to hear
looking for a perfect story, just honest writing so give
a go and send
editorial@gcnews.com.au
Normanton and Karumba. Normanton had a purple hotel in the heart of the town. Karumba is a prawn port and at that time, it was a very rough town. On our travels to Darwin, we lost three tyres from the heat on the road. We scavenged at a tip for tyre rims to make it to the next town.

At Darwin, we managed the Berrimah Hotel for twelve months which was a working man’s hotel. In the early 80s, Darwin was a town with a mixed population from everywhere. Ian found it very challenging at the Berrimah Hotel with its many indigenous people.








After a year in Darwin, we travelled back to Melbourne via the west coast and across the Nullabor. The northern part of Western Australia was untouched and raw. Lynette took her sewing machine around Australia and did not even use it!
Back in Melbourne, we resumed working in hospitality for many years. Overall, Ian worked in fourteen pubs and clubs including leases and management.
PROBUS Clubs across Queensland continue to enrich the lives of retired and semi-retired seniors, offering a lively mix of social activities, travel opportunities, guest speakers, and outings, all centred around fun, friendship, and fellowship.
The Maleny Probus Club embodies this spirit, welcoming locals who want to stay active, social, and connected within their community.
The Club is part of a worldwide organisation of Probus groups that are non-political, non-sectarian, not-for-profit, and purely focused on enjoyment and companionship in retirement.
Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 9.45am at the Maleny Uniting Church on the Maleny–Landsborough Road. Each gathering features an engaging guest speaker, morning tea, and plenty of conversation and laughter.Non-members are invited to come along and experience a meeting for free, with a $10 fee applying to subsequent visits.
Details about upcoming speakers, excursions, and events are regularly shared on the Probus Club of Maleny Facebook page a great way to see what the group is up to and to get involved in this vibrant local community. More details call 0428 942 288.
