My Halcyon Days Magazine Autumn 2020

Autumn 2020

STRIPPING OFF FOR A GOOD CAUSE

A BETTER LIFE

PUP THERAPY

Southerners flocking to Queensland

Is your four-legged friend making you healthier?

BLOOMIN’ BEAUTIFUL

STREET PARTY

Gardening gurus share their tips for autumn

Step by step guide on how to throw the ultimate soiree

AUTUMN 2020 | 1

CONTENTS 4

7

8

COVER STORY

THE CUL-DE-SAC

PEOPLE

Nine brave men agreed to go “The Full Monty” for a great cause.

Celebrating the cul-de-sac neighbours.

Secret’s out! South East Queensland is the “Florida” of Australia.

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26

18

SOCIAL

HEALTH

LOCAL

Vision by Halcyon residents unite for the ultimate street party.

Autumn’s cool change brings a host of outdoor fitness options.

Halcyon Greens makes a splash with resort pool opening.

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40

UNRETIRING

RECIPES

TRAVEL

Columnist Geoff Shearer gives his two cents on vinyl coming full circle.

Easy entertaining just got a whole lot tastier.

Check out Australia’s top 10 caravan destinations for 2020.

Whilst all care has been taken in the preparation of the contained herein, no warranty can be given and interested parties must therefore rely on their enquiries. Prices and details correct at time of printing. Effective as at March 2020.

FOREWORD

IN THIS EDITION Welcome to the autumn edition of My Halcyon Days.

There’s an old saying that goes “to be a good neighbour is one of life’s richest joys”. I couldn’t agree more.

My wife Yvonne and I moved to Halcyon Waters 10 years ago.

After looking at different communities on the Gold Coast, it was the location of Hope Island that sold us on Halcyon Waters.

And while it’s been a big shift from many years of farm life, we now can’t imagine life without the support of our neighbours.

In the true spirit of lifestyle community living, this edition of My Halcyon Days brings you inside the gates to celebrate friendship, find your sense of adventure and enjoy life in the cul-de-sac.

The team at Vision by Halcyon share their tips on how to throw a street party, the ‘unretiring’ Geoff Shearer is back with a tale of slipped discs (and not of the spine variety), and the brave guys from Halcyon Greens strip down to their speedos to raise money for prostate cancer. If you need a reminder to get tested, this is it. Good on you, fellas!

Go pour a cuppa and enjoy this edition of My Halcyon Days.

Here’s to neighbours that become family.

Robert Groth, Halcyon Waters

SHARE YOUR HALCYON DAYS Want to share your Halcyon Days with us?

Send your story to myhalcyondays@halcyondays.com.au

Robert and Yvonne Groth Halcyon Waters homeowners AUTUMN 2020 | 3

COVER

The naked truth about prostate cancer BRAVE GREENS’ RESIDENTS BARE ALMOST-ALL TO RAISE $6000 TO FIGHT THE DISEASE.

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hen these nine brave men agreed to go “The Full Monty” to help raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer, little did they know Australia would watch on.

The fundraiser, held at Halcyon Greens in Pimpama, captured national public attention, appearing on television in Queensland and New South Wales and running in newspapers around the country.

The inspiration came from 1997 film The Full Monty which featured a group of unemployed mine workers from the northern England town of Sheffield who decide to strip to make some extra cash and was a huge box office hit.

While Greens’ dancers kept their speedos on, they did raise LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au

Richard Hayes

more than $6000 at the event to fight prostate cancer.

According to Cancer Council Australia, one in seven Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85.

Event organiser Richard Hayes said the idea came to him after hearing of five men in the community undergoing treatment for the disease.

“I’m celebrating 29 years since having a liver transplant and I’m Chairman of the Queensland branch of Transplant Australia so I’ve been raising funds and awareness for lots of different things over the years,” he said.

“I mentioned it to the neighbours and they all said, ‘no way!’

A conversation with Darrell Kleidon over Friday night drinks at the Recreation Club set the plan into motion.

“Darrell is in Stage 1 and I mentioned it to him and he said, ‘leave it with me’.”

Soon there was a group brave enough to get involved with choreographer Lola Talbot volunteering to teach them a routine.

“For the first few rehearsals, they were like Brown’s cows,” Richard laughed.

“They all wanted to change something and they’d spend 15 minutes talking about it, but they really nailed it in the end.”

Richard said the group planned to do more fundraisers down the track, hinting at a Village People tribute night.

FROM LEFT: Rob Allman, Ian Driver, Darryl Kleidon, Lola Talbot, John Simmons, Greg Davies, William Stevenson, Greg Deveison, Greg Clark, Kevin Eke

Fun Facts: • The movie was made with a tiny budget (about $5.8 million) and grossed almost $500m worldwide.

• Director Peter Cattaneo shot the final stripping sequence midway through the filming schedule. The actors had agreed to do one “naked” take only.

“Lola said she’s already got a costume for us as her husband is a firefighter … although there wasn’t a fireman in the Village People, “ he laughed.

• Cattaneo knew he couldn’t show full nudity on screen, so had the clever idea of shooting it from behind so the final shot was a row of bare backsides.

Richard and wife Anne moved to Greens almost a year ago from their home in Brisbane’s Camp Hill, after looking at countless “rightsizing” options.

“We looked all over the place from the Sunshine Coast to Toowoomba but we found the location of Greens and what it offered was perfect for us,” he said.

“A lot of people we know say we live in a retirement village and I get really frustrated and tell them it’s a 5-star resort,” he said.

“And when I tell them what we’ve got here, then they get it.”

Richard said the community spirit and sense of connection

Halcyon offered was a “bonus” on top of all of the facilities and amenities.

“Even for single men and women in their 50s and older, it’s a great place to be as there are so many things to do.

“It’s great to just go to the Rec Club on a Friday night for a few drinks and a chat.

“You don’t get that in a townhouse or a unit complex.”

Promotional poster from the 1997 film The Full Monty ©20th Century Fox

AUTUMN 2020 | 5

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Waiting on new image

Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie MP & Halcyon Joint Managing Directors Paul Melville and Dr Bevan Geissmann at the B by Halcyon launch on February 29

Life is better in the cul-de-sac T

here is a proverb which says: “Don’t buy the house. Buy the neighbourhood.” Our homeowners know this truth better than anyone.

active, connected and meaningful communities for people who have worked hard and were ready to enjoy the spoils of that labour.

By making the decision to come to Halcyon, they’ve joined amazing communities full of people filling their next chapter with fun, friendship, adventure and connection.

In 2020, we have seven thriving communities across our home of South East Queensland and we’re excited for two new Halcyon projects.

Whether it’s a street party, health and fitness activities, travelling groups or a chat over a cup of tea – life is certainly better in the ‘cul-de-sac’ of Halcyon.

The bonus is we make pretty amazing houses too!

When we met at a neighbourhood BBQ in Logan more than 15 years ago, we would never have dreamed how far we could take our idea.

We both had a vision of creating

It’s serendipitous that after 15 years of Halcyon, we’re getting the opportunity to bring our firstclass communities to two areas we know and love; Logan Reserve and Buderim.

give homeowners acreage-style living without the ride-on!

Joining our three Sunshine Coast communities is B by Halcyon, the first lifestyle community to be built in the foothills of the iconic town of Buderim.

It’s special for Bevan as his parents lived there for 30 years and is a great opportunity to put Halcyon’s unique stamp on the town.

B by Halcyon was officially launched on 29 February, which is the third Sunshine Coast community we’ve launched in a leap year.

We have both lived and operated small businesses in Logan for decades. We are proud of the people in Logan – which is arguably one of the most conveniently located areas in the region.

While we’re not particularly superstitious, just like 29 February – the communities we create are unique and special, but it is you who helps shape them into the thriving neighbourhoods they become.

Halcyon Rise will be a magnificent addition to Logan Reserve and will

Dr Bevan Geismann & Paul Melville, Joint Managing Directors AUTUMN 2020 | 7

Southerners come to Halcyon for sun, fun and friendship IT’S NO SECRET SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND IS THE “FLORIDA” OF AUSTRALIA. A PLACE WHERE THE WEATHER AND INFRASTRUCTURE ARE CONDUCIVE TO A BETTER LIFESTYLE.

H

alcyon’s communities have many homeowners who have migrated from the southern states for a life of sun, fun and friendship.

communities, wondering if we could make the move as we had a large acreage in Tasmania,” Susan, a former registered nurse and funeral celebrant said.

Here are a few of their stories.

“It was serendipitous really as we were driving around and saw the sign for Glades and came and had a look.

SUSAN AND IAN SNARE, HALCYON GLADES, MOVED FROM DEVONPORT Wanting to care for elderly parents and the allure of South East Queensland’s climate were the driving factors behind Susan and Ian’s move to Halcyon Glades.

The pair had raised their family near Devonport in Tasmania, but felt the time was right to come and be close to Susan’s parents who lived in Redcliffe.

“We were up here and had been looking around at a couple of

LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au

“We were impressed and liked the fact that there were no exit fees and we could get any capital gains plus the position suited us.”

Susan said she moved up four months before Ian, who was a counsellor specialising in men’s health in Tasmania.

She said one of the reasons they chose the community was because “we recognise that it could be so lonely in surburbia.”

“The sense of community and shared interests been very positive and allowed us to embrace retirement and to be able to have a ‘pack up and go’ lifestyle and to not worry about the house,” she said.

The pair have made a number of new friends and have joined many different interest groups, as well as continuing to indulge their passion for gardening – albeit on a smaller scale than in Tasmania.

“I swim everyday and do aquarobics and I love books, so I read a lot,” Susan said. “Ian is involved with the men’s singing group and he flies model planes, he loves to build things and he rides his motorcycle.”

Ian and Susan Snare, Halcyon Glades

AUTUMN 2020 | 9

Lynne and Trevor Renn with Allan and Heather Ogilvie, Halcyon Lakeside

HEATHER AND ALLAN OGILVIE, HALCYON LAKESIDE, MOVED FROM MELBOURNE

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he Ogilvie’s made the decision to follow the sun and move to Halcyon Lakeside from their native Melbourne in late 2016, when they were in their late 50s.

Former policeman Allan was working as an academic and was fortunate enough to be able to continue to work remotely, while Heather landed a job in the medical field when she arrived.

Now the pair, who were foundation homeowners at the Bli Bli community, have stopped working but find themselves LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au

incredibly busy with life at Halcyon.

“We were busy from day one,” Heather said. “There’s so many options here, and in fact you have to pace yourself at times.”

She said the pair were very active and participated in “lots of fitness” including yoga, pickleball, gym classes, golf, stand-up paddleboarding and other recreational activities.

“There’s so much scope here to be able to dabble in things you might not have tried, or had the opportunity to try before,” she said.

“I’ve tried mosaics and ukulele – which the kids thought was hilarious.”

One of the best elements of the move to Halcyon Lakeside is the friendships they have made.

“We made lovely new friends quite quickly and have formed really great friendships,” she said.

“It’s quite humbling to be surrounded by such lovely people.”

One of these friendships is with Lynne and Trevor Renn, who are close neighbours in their street.

“There are lots of cruise nuts here,” she said. “We’re heading off to cruise Canada and Alaska in May with them,” she said.

“We made a great choice when we moved to Halcyon. We have never regretted it.”

JANICE SMALLWOOD, HALCYON LANDING, MOVED FROM SYDNEY

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move to the Sunshine Coast was always on the cards for Janice, who had lived in her large family home in Abbotsford near Sydney Harbour for 45 years.

Her son lived in Maryborough while her daughter and grandchildren lived in Maroochydore and it was accepted she would join them.

“I needed to come up eventually because my family was here,” she said. “I wanted to move while I still had the ability to be able to do so and I had house-shopped for years.”

Janice had visited Halcyon Landing a few times and had fallen in love with the community.

“My granddaughter Kayla had always said that she wanted me to mind her babies and that she would get some if I moved up and on Christmas morning I opened my Christmas present from her and it was a baby singlet.

“I said, ‘I guess I’m moving to Queensland and everyone had a pink fit!”

There was one problem. Janice didn’t feel like she could leave Sydney as her older brother Stan had been very unwell and was living in a nursing home.

“I was worried about telling him but I went to see him and he was so happy and he told me he had had a dream and he was talking to his late wife in it,” “I had gone with two pockets full of tissues and I told him and he said ‘well, it’s about time!’ and

Janice Smallwood with granddaughter Kayla and great grandson Jack

we didn’t cry.”

“So I didn’t have to leave him, he was waiting for me to come up here.”

Janice has wasted no time in getting involved in Landing’s community, joining many different groups including Faith and Friendship, Alpha as well as the singing troupe which performs at nursing homes and other events.

“The group even performed at an ABBA-themed street party.”

And what happened with the baby singlet?

Janice’s great grandson Jack is now 18 months old and she loves that she gets to babysit.

AUTUMN 2020 | 11

Strong demand for B by Halcyon BUYERS ARE EAGERLY EXPLORING THE RAINFOREST RETREAT COMMUNITY

LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au

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he first release of homes at B by Halcyon have been sold prior to the official launch of the Buderim community, the strong demand prompting Halcyon to fast-track the second release of homes.

The release will feature a range of large luxury one and twostorey designs with lifts and Halcyon’s range of eco-friendly initiatives. They were unveiled

at the launch event at Lilies on the lagoon, Twin Waters on 29 February.

expertise in creating vibrant communities to this iconic town,” he said.

Halcyon’s Joint Managing Director Dr Bevan Geissmann said the demand reflected the quality of the unique offering, which is the first of its kind to be built in Buderim.

“B by Halcyon is our fourth community on the Sunshine Coast and what we’re creating will be something very special in terms of facilities, luxury homes and our commitment to sustainable living”

“We’re very excited to be able to bring our passion and

AUTUMN 2020 | 13

The blue-chip 42 hectare site located at 56-62 Whites Road has been carefully designed to complement the natural beauty of the environment.

Homeowners at B by Halcyon will be the first community in Australia to have a Tesla as its shared car.

The Model 3 Tesla with panoramic roof will sit at the community’s charging station for use by the homeowners.

LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au

Dr Geissmann said the Tesla car was one of many initiatives which cement Halcyon’s commitment to sustainability and lowering the carbon footprint.

“Together with partners such as Tesla, our homes are designed to meet an 8-star energy rating with environmentally sensitive materials including Hebel and steel, triple insulation as well as solar panels and solar hot water as standard.

B by Halcyon’s main recreation centre will also be powered by Tesla batteries, ensuring a more cost-effective and efficient use of energy.

Project Director Chris Carley said B by Halcyon has also received six-leaf EnviroDevelopment certification from the Urban Development Industry Australia (UDIA).

This means the community has minimal impact on the environment, encourages safe,

healthy and active lifestyles, and delivers lower household energy use and running costs,” Mr Carley said.

“Not only is it responsible to employ cutting-edge technology to ensure the community is energy efficient, it also saves homeowners a lot of money.”

B by Halcyon will feature six hectares of lakes and private open space less than 10 minutes from Sunshine Plaza.

The community will have a sport and recreation precinct to include a Creative Arts pavilion as well as health and wellness precinct for fitness classes, a yoga lawn, gym, day spa, magnesium lap pool and beauty salon.

Halcyon has commenced the initial stage of the $200m project with first homes expected to be delivered in September 2020.

NOW SELLING Release 1 sold out with Release 2 available from the 1 April 2020.

Homes priced from $529,000.

Call 1800 626 488 or visit LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au to discover more.

AUTUMN 2020 | 15

SOCIAL

Sue Parkes, Vision by Halcyon

How to throw a street party

WORDS: ANNE DIAMOND

LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au

SHARED BIRTHDAYS AND ENDURING FRIENDSHIPS ARE THE INSPIRATION FOR VISION BY HALCYON’S ANNUAL MEGA STREET PARTY.

Kevin Bourke, Allan Welsh, Anne Diamond at Vision by Halcyon

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any homeowners moved into the community at around the same time, so there was a group of us looking to connect with neighbours and other people in the community.

Our street parties started by having sundowners at Cockatoo Corner, the nickname we have for the bend in our street.

In the process of getting to know people, we discovered at least seven of us are November babies, which is the genesis of what has now become our annual major street event.

There have been several great nights over the years since then, however now they have gone from a spontaneous catch-up to an organised soiree.

As dedicated Chief Party Organiser, I will door knock everyone and try and get a date which suits, which can sometimes be very difficult. We’re all very busy!

I then create a spreadsheet and assign different food for everyone to bring as there’s nothing worse than having everyone bring a salad or a dessert, so I make sure

we’re covered for dessert, meat, nibblies as well as other party food. Of course, there’s always a communal punch, which can often be incredibly lethal.

A contingency plan for rainy weather is always a good idea, so a friendly neighbour may donate their garage for the occasion – which can often turn out to be a dance floor.

While the parties are always fun, they’re a great representation of the goodwill and friendships throughout our community at Vision by Halcyon.

There are many events throughout the year, including a men’s breakfast held once a month where they get together and talk.

There’s also a women’s lunch, which is normally in January.

Whether someone is new to the Gold Coast or they’re looking for advice or a recommendation, we all have mutual support for one another.

That community connection and engagement is what really makes the true Halcyon spirit.

Anne’s tips for planning a street party: 1. D oorknock the neighbourhood 2. Agree on a date 3. Prepare a spreadsheet with all the catering details 4. Assign who is going to bring what food so there is a good mix of sweet and savoury 5. BYO drinks, although a communal punch is always fun 6. Organise music – create a party playlist from Spotify 7. H ave a contingency plan for inclement weather 8. Enjoy!

AUTUMN 2020 | 17

Our cycling group is a wonderful bunch of people and we love going away with them.�

Exercise can improve energy levels, keep minds sharp, and can lighten moods and fight depression.

Strength training = strong bones Cardio sessions = serious disease prevention Core workouts = improved balance

Lesley Hamilton and Ken Daniels, Halcyon Landing LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au

H E A LT H

Find your fit AUTUMN’S COOL CHANGE FIRMLY DIVIDES PEOPLE INTO TWO CAMPS.

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n one camp are those who revel in the chance to get out and get active in the newly brisk air; in the other, those who’d prefer to hibernate indoors until the warmth of spring returns.

workout of choice into a fun leisure activity.

activity eventually gave way to another pursuit.

“Our cycling group is a wonderful bunch of people and we love going away with them,” Ken said.

“Lesley was a champion athlete in her youth, and I took up athletics at 37,” he said.

As we get older, the benefits of exercise and an active lifestyle become increasingly clear.

“Most recently, we went to New Zealand and did several rides through Napier.”

“We both participated in Masters Athletics in track and field up until I was 75 years old.”

Halcyon communities are full of homeowners who have discovered fun ways to keep fit; whether that involves bracing the crisp autumn climate or tailoring a workout away from the seasonal elements.

Both Ken and Lesley started cycling at school, but the leisure

“I hadn’t cycled for a long time and have loved picking it back up again.”

Rosemary Wright is firmly in favour of exploring the great outdoors. The Halcyon Waters homeowner is an avid bushwalker who takes to trails and tracks every Thursday with a regular hiking group.

“Being immersed in nature in all its variety is so beautiful and such a privilege. It’s a very peaceful thing to do and calming for the mind.”

Rosemary said.

Rosemary has walked almost every trail in the Lamington National Park and is particularly proud of hiking the 22km Binna Burra to O’Reilly’s track, a walk that took seven hours to complete.

Halcyon Landing’s Ken Daniels and Lesley Hamilton also extol the enjoyment of exercising with a group of people. The married couple are avid cyclists, broadening their

Rosemary and Malcolm Wright, Halcyon Waters

AUTUMN 2020 | 19

Double the celebration with Friends of Halcyon Referral Program

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t Halcyon we believe word of mouth is the best marketing of all. After all, who knows Halcyon better than those who are part of our nine communities?

To prove just how much we value word of mouth recommendations, we’re excited to announce our new, revamped Halcyon Referral Program.

How the Friends of Halcyon Referral Program works Homeowners who successfully refer family and friends to Halcyon will receive $1,500 to spend as they like, plus an additional $500 to donate to a charity of their choice.

Plus, the referred person will also receive $1,500 to spend as they like, and $500 to donate to a charity of their choice.

Giving back to the community In 2020, Halcyon aims to donate $150,000 to charity through the Halcyon Referral Program.

For those not sure where to donate, our homeowners love to support Cancer Council, Diabetes Australia, DV Connect, Story Dogs, RSPCA.

Currently, the program’s 474 Dog Teams help almost 2,400 kids in 310 Australian schools each week.

According to Founder Janine Sigley, donations to sponsor a Dog Team are vital to continue the great work of Story Dogs.

Halcyon has a proud 15-year history of working with many different Australian charities.

“It costs approximately $500 per year to put a Dog Team into a primary school. As Story Dogs is a non-profit organisation, all monies raised go directly to putting more dogs into schools to help more children become life-long readers,” Janine said.

Story Dogs is a reading support program that involves primary school kids sitting down and reading to a dog and its handler for 20 minutes once a week.

“The accepting nature of dogs gives this program its magic and helps children relax, open up and have fun while reading to a friendly, calm dog.”

How your referral could pay it forward

For more information about the Halcyon Referral Program please visit lifebeginsathalcyon.com.au/ Halcyon-referral-program Terms and conditions apply.

LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au

PETS

I know everyone in the place by their dog and I always bump into them when they’re out walking.”

Peter and Susan Fay, Halcyon Greens

Chin wags and tail wags Z

oe and Geoffrey may be “hand-me-ups” but Peter and Susan Fay can’t imagine life without them.

The Halcyon Greens couple first inherited Zoe, their placid 11-anda-half-year-old chocolate Labrador from their son when he moved away eight years ago.

Geoffrey, a rambunctious five-yearold long-haired mini dachshund, joined the family by default three years ago when they agreed to look after him while their son was on holidays.

“The two get along so well, even though they are complete opposites,” Peter says.

Aiding the fur-family dynamic is Greens’ welcoming pet-friendly environment.

Peter estimates up to half of his

neighbours own dogs and while he can rattle off the names of each furry companion, admits he doesn’t always know the names of their human handlers.

“Dogs are a great leveller,” he says.

“I know everyone in the place by their dog and I always bump into them when they’re out walking.

I reckon a half hour walk takes closer to two hours by the time we all stop to talk.”

The impact of pets on an owner’s physical wellbeing is welldocumented.

A 2017 Swedish study found dog-ownership reduced the risk of death by 33 percent, the risk of cardiovascular-related death by 36 percent and the risk of a heart attack by 11 percent in people aged 40-80.

Another US study found dogwalkers were fitter and trimmer and more likely to meet recommended physical activity levels than nonwalkers.

Equally important are the mental and emotional benefits that come from pet-ownership.

Peter can be spotted strolling along the community’s walking tracks daily with Zoe and Geoffrey in tow and often takes the older dog out to explore the trails through Pimpama.

“Zoe, in particular, keeps me moving and active,” he says.

“I had my knees replaced a few years ago so she really helps with my exercise; I wouldn’t be walking as much as I do without the dogs.”

AUTUMN 2020 | 21

CUSHION STYLING 101

1. Fluff it up

How to style the perfect guest bedroom CREATING A HOME AWAY FROM HOME IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK

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2. Karate chop

t’s time to pack away the clean washing, clear out the fishing rods and turn your spare bedroom into a calming oasis for your next guest.

LAURE’S TIPS FOR STYLING YOUR GUEST BEDROOM

According to stylist Laure Bebbington from Coco Republic, the best bedrooms always feel like home.

1.Determine the general layout and how much space you have

“No matter where you are in the world, a well-styled bedroom can always bring a good night’s sleep and sense of home,” Laure said.

“The guest bedroom is one of my favourite rooms to style as you can have fun with your bedding, artwork and furniture.”

The key? Take more risks than you would your bedroom!

3. Display your handiwork LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au

Consider your ideal layout based on the space available.

I always recommend putting the bed up against a wall rather than a window. If space permits, two bedside tables are also nice for proportion. If you can only fit one, ensure the bed is put off the wall slightly.

2.Furniture Choose your furniture to scale.

If you have a smaller bedroom, downsize the bed to a double or queen size. It’s better to not overcrowd the room. If you have

Laure Bebbington, stylist Coco Republic

more space to play with, add an occasional chair to the corner with a small ottoman at the end of the bed.

3.Choose inviting colours and tones Whether you choose a bed head, wallpaper or feature paint, it’s important to consider what’s happening behind the bed. This is a major focal point and a great way to incorporate colour. I regularly specify a ‘grass cloth’ wallpaper due to its lovely textural quality.

4.Mix up the bed linen When it comes to bed linen, mix it up! Using different colours and textures is important. This could be through subtle ruffles or piping. If in doubt, white linen is classic and fresh.

5.Scatter decorative pillows Start off with four standard pillows and add two decorative cushions. I stick to larger decorative cushions and typically don’t go any larger than 50cm as they look out of place. I like to fluff and ‘karate chop’ the cushion as it makes for a more ‘lived in’ look.

Incorporate a candle, cosy book, picture frame and a little bunch of florals.”

6.The final styling touches On a bedside table, I like to incorporate a candle, cosy book, picture frame and a little bunch of florals. Mirrors in a bedroom are a great way to make a room appear bigger.

Don’t forget to add scent!

I especially love lavender, sandalwood and vetiver.

AUTUMN 2020 | 23

Brisbane CBD

Brisbane Airport 30 mins

30 mins

Logan Motorway 12 mins

Marsden Park Shopping Centre 7 mins

M1 Motorway to Gold Coast & Brisbane

INSPIRED BY A SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE AND A CONNECTION TO THE LAND, HALCYON’S NEWEST COMMUNITY HALCYON RISE OFFERS THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.

Rise and shine 30 mins from the city INSPIRED BY A SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE AND A CONNECTION TO THE LAND, OUR NEXT COMMUNITY IS SET TO OFFER THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.

LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au

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ettled more than 170 years ago as a rich agricultural region of dairy, grazing and crop farming, Logan Reserve exudes a classic country character.

Located on an elevated site with picturesque views of the Logan River treeline, the securely gated community provides inspired country living without the maintenance (or the ride-on mower!)

Halcyon Rise is a stone’s throw from the M1 and Logan Motorways and a 30 minute drive from the bright lights of Brisbane and the sandy beaches of the Gold Coast.

10 mins

Logan Hyperdome 15 mins

Train Station 10 mins

Windaroo Lakes Golf Club

Logan Hospital

17 mins

10 mins

Waterford Plaza Shopping Centre 7 mins

The community has been thoughtfully masterplanned to reflect the rich history of the region and is overlooking 100 acres of parklands and nestled alongside the Logan River.

Halcyon Rise will feature quality homes built to Halcyon’s awardwinning standard, but at our most affordable price range starting from $365,000.

Discover a wide array of pursuits, pastimes and longheld passions within this authentic community’s $5 million recreational offering which includes precincts devoted to sporting, creative,

health and wellness pursuits.

Adventure seekers will be well served with our largest boat and caravan CCTV gated storage area, which has direct connection to Logan Reserve Road and to the community.

Be the first to discover and benefit from our prelaunch early bird deals.

Choose from 15 different home designs, priced from $365,000.

Call 1800 626 488 or visit LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au to discover more.

HALCYON RISE HOMES

• Halcyon’s most • • • •

affordable homes to date with our signature quality Quintessential South East Queensland design Superior fittings and finishes Customisation options Superior energy rating with 2.4kW solar panel as standard

AUTUMN 2020 | 25

Yvonne Allman, Rob Allman and Sue Davies, supplied by News Corp

LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au

Australia’s biggest lifestyle is set to get even better in 2020.

HALCYON GREENS IS A COMMUNITY CLASS ALL OF ITS OWN.

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he jewel in Halcyon Greens’ crown – a six-acre recreational oasis – is set to get even bigger in 2020 with the opening of the final stage of the recreational precinct.

Due to open in April this year, The Lodge features a 40-seat Gold Class-style cinema, library, fireplace, kitchen and bar, small stage and a private lounge area.

The new addition to the $15 million recreational precinct comes hot on the heels of the celebrated opening of a spectacular outdoor resort pool in time for summer.

Surrounding the resort pool is a sunken firepit perfect for afternoon meets, sun lounges, a beach entry and a disability rail for ease of access.

Within the landscaped recreational precinct, homeowners can also enjoy

a heated 25m indoor pool, spa, gym and circuit room, Recreation Club, kitchen, bar, hair salon, beauty treatment rooms and bocce court.

A glass-encased hallway links the Recreation Club to The Pavilion which opens to eight pickleball courts, a tennis court and a championship-size bowling green, all floodlit so homeowners can play well into the evening.

The Pavilion also offers BBQ facilities, kitchenette, function space and billiards area.

Halcyon Greens Project Director Glenn Nugent said the recreational precinct is truly at the heart of the community.

“The impressive resort pool is the final piece of the puzzle for stage 2 of the recreational precinct,” Glenn said.

“This is a place where homeowners can socialise, relax, exercise and experience all that Halcyon Greens has to offer.

“We hope homeowners spend many enjoyable years with family and friends around the pool.”

Halcyon Greens will have more than 500 homes on completion.

Pimpama has experienced huge growth in the last few years and the suburb will continue to have more services and shopping options.

A new railway station will be built as well as an emergency services hub, while upgrades continue to Exit 49.

Visit LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au to watch the pool opening video

AUTUMN 2020 | 27

PEOPLE

Every party needs music

MASTERING THE ART OF LIVING WORDS: ROBERT MILLER

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was 54 when our youngest child moved out. According to my wife Julie, that’s when the next bunch of ‘children’ moved in.

It wasn’t exactly freedom I found after our four kids left home, but I certainly had more time on my hands.

It’s safe to say our spare room is now my music room. I’ve got quite the collection!

For me, ‘mastering the art of living’ means keeping a keen interest in what you love, and devoting attention and time to it.

That’s when I fell back in love with music. I’ve been listening to music my whole life and played drums in my early years.

I believe you should have someone to love, somewhere to live and something to look forward to. It’s always been our life motto.

My passion for music had been reinvigorated and one day I thought, I’m going to give the guitar another go. If not now, when?

We’ve now called Halcyon Greens home for a year and in that time, we’ve made great friends and I’ve joined the Halcyon Greens Music Group.

It’s quite funny because all my knowledge of music from the past 50 years came rushing through my head and I taught myself to play again.

There’s 12 of us who rehearse every week. It’s always a great catch-up and we all love to play, sing and learn different songs. It keeps the mind young.

I’ve gained an appreciation for different types of guitars and sounds and now have a collection of 10 guitars, including a ukulele and a keyboard.

We’re not ready to go on the road just yet. But, watch this space!

LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au

I believe you should have someone to love, somewhere to live and something to look forward to.

It’s always been our life motto.”

Robert Miller, supplied by News Corp

AUTUMN 2020 | 29

Gardens bloom as cool change looms AS HOT AND HUMID SUMMER DAYS FADE INTO MEMORY, YARDS ARE ABUZZ WITH GARDENERS AND GREEN-THUMBS. OUR GURUS FROM HALCYON PARKS OFFER THEIR TIPS ON TURNING YOUR PATCH OF DIRT INTO AN OASIS.

PAM LEITH “We have lived at Halcyon Parks for the past five years and enjoy working in our garden.

We always water regularly in the early morning, never at night as this promotes funguses to appear on your plants.

Our lawn is watered thoroughly once a week, not every day, as this saves on water and keeps our lawn green and healthy.

Our plants are watered for approximately five minutes with our watering system daily except in winter, when it’s every second or third day.

We fertilise regularly – this is very important, as is spraying our plants with the appropriate spray if we notice any disease appearing on foliage.

We prune each season as this keeps shrubs in good shape and promotes healthy growth for the following season.

We plant annuals for colour in our garden each summer, winter and autumn.

LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au

Pam Leith, Halcyon Parks

LOCAL

Bob Bradford, Halcyon Parks

BOB BRADFORD “I grow flowers and roses as well as vegetables in my garden and I grow orchids and elkhorns in the big trees that line the walkway next to my house.

Orchids need a liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks and need to be watered if it’s really dry, I tend to give the ones in the walkway a drink every couple of weeks.

I grow all my vegetables in goodsized pots because I have a small backyard and don’t want to dig it all up.

You have to pick what you plant according to the season.

Autumn is very good for beans.

Even though they’re a winter crop, you can start planting them when the hot weather is gone.

You can grow corn year-round and I also have a lot of pumpkins growing at the moment.

I planted dwarf orange and mandarin trees so they’re easy to manage and don’t come over the top of the fence and annoy my neighbours.

They only started fruiting last year so I expect more this winter.

Orchids need a liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks and need to be watered if it’s really dry.”

Whatever I can’t eat, I give to my neighbours.”

AUTUMN 2020 | 31

CAROL FORD, HALCYON PARKS

“I’ve always loved succulents but I only started growing them a few years ago.

People gave me cuttings so I learnt what I needed to know from Pinterest and figured out the rest on my own.

They’re very low maintenance, they don’t need a lot of water and I’m amazed at how quickly they multiply.

As you get older, succulents are great to have in your garden because they’re so easy to plant, you don’t even have to dig a hole!

You can put them in anything – teacups, pots or the garden – just take a stick, poke a hole in the soil and drop the cutting in.

I use a pebble mulch on mine, starting with a base of small pebbles then another layer of small to medium-sized pebbles then top with rocks of different shapes and colours.

Succulents are especially great for people who go away a lot with their caravans as they’re very easy for someone else to look after.”

GREEN THUMB?

These tips and tricks will help to keep your garden bright and bountiful into the cooler months.

ORCHIDS Cooler weather means slugs and snails, who love to eat orchid spikes and flowers.

Unfortunately baiting is the best way to keep their munching at bay – try putting out a dish of beer for an organic option.

SUCCULENTS Early autumn is the perfect time to propagate succulents. If you have succulents spilling over baskets or pots, why not snip a few pieces and create some cuttings that you can gift to others?

FLORALS Marigold, carnation, cornflower, everlasting daisy, and viola are just a few of the best flower varieties to plant in autumn across South East Queensland.

Your garden will be bursting with bright beautiful blooms.

LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au

Slipped disc Words: Geoff Shearer

A stalwart journalist for News Ltd for 20 years and a former TV Week Features Editor, Geoff Shearer is one the country’s most admired arts and entertainment writers. He’s taken a step into semi-retirement to concentrate on his fiction writing, while relishing the chance to share his unique take on life with My Halcyon Days’ readers.

T

here’s a revolution going on.

And, you know what, I’m jolly well not going to be part of it.

You may, or may not have noticed, but for the past year, local op shops and marketplaces have been inundated with used DVDs and CDs. People are frantically off-loading their collections. Why? Because we now have media streaming services that come with their own back-catalogue of movies and TV series. If they’ve got your favourite flicks; then why have those rows and rows of plastic DVD cases chockering up your Ikea Billy bookcases, right?

Meanwhile, music is being “de-disced” thanks to streaming services and digital music retailers.

Revenue from digital sales is now greater than physical format sales.

That tipping point was reached back in 2014 my friends; which is when your local music shop may have shut down or started selling white goods to survive.

But we’ve been through this before, haven’t we. Vinyl records were killed off by music cassettes which in turn were killed off by CDs. VHS tapes were killed off by DVDs. The only problem is the old formats refused to die.

I know it can be a confusing time going through “format fatalities” (My mum, God bless her, struggled with the concept that VHS was replaced by Digital Versatile Discs. She’d phone and ask: “Now, are there any VDs I can give you for Christmas?”

So wrong, on at least two levels) – but maybe we shouldn’t rush this latest revolution. Call me a “disc-o-saur” but I’m hanging on to my silvery round metallic things. Viva la disca!

You see, it’s just like looking down on that Zenith Solid State record player you had in the ’70s – what goes around, comes around. Vinyl records are big sellers again and some musicians have dabbled with releasing on cassette. And there is a burgeoning number of collectors for VHS tapes.

It all comes full circle, doesn’t it.

AUTUMN 2020 | 33

LAST CHANCE FINAL HOMES NOW SELLING

WINNER 2018 HIA Queensland Specialised Housing

PRICED FROM $399,000 Final homes are now selling at Halcyon Glades, judged Queensland's best in 2018 by the Housing Industry Association (HIA). Get in quick to secure your new lifestyle today in a modern, award-winning home specifically designed to adapt to life’s changing needs.

Display homes open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Saturday 34 Ardrossan Road, Caboolture Simply Google ‘Life Begins at Halcyon’ or phone 1800 814 567 LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au No Exit Fees | No Rentals | No Stamp Duty | No Hidden Fees | No Worries

Book club

BOOKS

With Judith Masters, Halcyon Lakeside

Masters is a retired magazine publisher and, writing as J udith J Mary Masters, is the author of three novels, Julia’s Story,

To Love, Honour and Betray and Return to Prior Park, all of which are stocked in Halcyon community libraries. You can read excerpts from these books at www.jmarymasters.com. She is currently working on her next novel and has a major historical novel in the planning stage. These books are Judith’s top reads for autumn.

FORCE OF NATURE

By Jane Harper

CONVICT COLONY

By David Hill

The latest outing for Federal Police Agent Aaron Falk – introduced in Harper’s bestselling debut, The Dry – takes us to the fictional Giralang Ranges where five women are reluctant participants in a corporate team-building hike.

The tension mounts when only four emerge, bedraggled, at the end. Falk has a particular interest in the whereabouts of the missing bushwalker, a whistleblower in a money laundering case.

As the women gradually reveal what really happened, a picture emerges of deep-seated distrust, intimidation and violence. In Force of Nature, Harper again ramps up the psychological tension as lives unravel and layers of civilised behaviour peel away.

Historian David Hill examines the high-risk British venture to found a convict colony on the other side of the world in a fresh and compelling way. We’re reminded it was the American War of Independence that forced Britain to seek this new site. Botany Bay was chosen only when all other options had been eliminated. What Hill reveals is the brutal beginnings of our successful nation and especially the bleak outlook for female convicts in the earliest days and the corrupt military who profited excessively.

There is a familiar cast of early governors, military officers and notable families but it was Lachlan Macquarie’s arrival as governor in 1810 that really turned the tide.

Published by Macmillan Australia

Published by Allen & Unwin

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN: THE QUEEN, THE DRESSER AND THE WARDROBE

By Angela Kelly LVO Published by Harper Colins

Queen Elizabeth II’s dedication to her role as sovereign is widely admired. If you have ever wondered how she is so immaculately turned out for every public appearance, this is the book for you. It’s fascinating to learn how the Queen’s outfits are chosen and the myths and “secret meanings” that are debunked along the way. And what a job Angela Kelly has! She is the Queen’s personal advisor, curator and senior dresser as well as the in-house dress designer, joining the Royal Household in 1994 as assistant dresser. This book gives the reader a rare insight behind the scenes in the royal household.

AUTUMN 2020 | 35

A worldy friendship We still have plenty of places to tick off the bucket list.”

LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au

E

xploring the history of China and bike riding through the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand are just two destinations Karen Lynn and Lee McGregor have experienced together.

The pair made an instant connection and immediately became friends after meeting at Halcyon Landing five years ago.

“We became friends from the get-go,” Karen said.

“There’s some people you just click with and Lee and I have been friends ever since.”

T R AV E L

These days, Lee and Karen said their friendship goes well beyond the gates, with most of their time spent travelling the world together.

“We both have a penchant for travel and experiencing different cultures,” Karen said.

“There’s nothing better than meeting down-to-earth people and getting out of your daily bubble.”

Lee added: “We both lost our husbands many years ago, so it’s lovely to have someone to share those special travel memories with.”

Travelling together is an affordable option for Karen and Lee, who share accommodation and tour costs.

“Our trips vary in price,” Lee said.

“Sometimes it’s a spur-of-themoment, cheap and cheerful TripA-Deal option and other times it may be group travel with Intrepid,” Lee said.

“Our kids say, ‘go for it!’,” Karen laughed. “We still have plenty of places to tick off the bucket list.”

To keep fit for travel, Lee and Karen are part of the Halcyon Landing bike riding group.

“Budget travel or not, we have lots of fun and have never had a bad experience.

“There’s a big group of us who love to ride and even this can take us away on lovely trips,” Lee said.

“Although we did get stuck in the typhoon in China last year, but it was completely fine and all part of the fun.”

“We’ve been on rides through Victoria, South Australia and New Zealand, we really enjoy getting out in the fresh air with a big group of great people.

Asked if their families get jealous of their adventures, Karen said their kids love to see them explore the world together.

“That’s one of the best things about living in a community, you certainly have no issues finding someone who’s up for an adventure.”

Lake Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand

AUTUMN 2020 | 37

Socialising made simple

ENTERTAINING FRIENDS AND FAMILY IS A WONDERFUL WAY TO WHILE AWAY THE TIME.

Whether you’re hosting Saturday sundowners or Monday morning tea, we’ve found three fast and failsafe recipes to ensure you always have something on hand to serve your guests.

3. Then add an assortment of bread and crackers to hold your cheese and fruit. Select at least two types of bread and/or crackers.

• Bread: Crostini, baguette, croutons, breadsticks.

• Crackers: Water crackers,

sesame, cheese, grain, whole wheat, pretzels.

4. Last but not least, add pizazz with a variety of tasty accompaniments to fill the gaps on your board. Select at least three accompaniments.

• Nuts: Almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios.

• Spreads: preserves, chutney, tapenade, honey.

HOW TO MAKE A CHEESE BOARD 1. Cheese is the heart and soul of the platter. Select at least two types of your favourite cheese, aiming for a mix of textures and tastes:

• Hard cheese: Parmesan, Cheddar, Pecorino.

• Semi-hard cheese: Gruyere, Gouda, Provolone, Swiss.

• Semi-soft cheese: Fontina, Gorgonzola, Blue.

• Soft cheese: Burrata

Mozzarella, Brie, Feta, Goat.

LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au

2. Next, add seasonal fruits for a colourful crunch. Again, aim for a minimum of two different types of fruits, perhaps one sweet-flavoured and one tangy:

• Grapes, apples, pears, peaches,

strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, plums, figs, olives.

• Slice and toss in some lemon juice to keep from browning.

• Chocolate: Plain chocolate bars (chopped), chocolate covered nuts.

• Dried Fruit: Apricots, figs, dates,

sultanas, cranberries, crystallized ginger.

• Dips: Pesto, hummus, guacamole, salsa.

• Charcuterie: Smoked meats,

cured meats, roasted meats.

• Greens (for garnish): Rosemary, thyme, oregano.

Recipe adapted from Feel Good Foodie

HEALTHY BANANA BREAD This tasty loaf is a delicious baked treat for morning and afternoon tea guests.

Method

Ingredients

melted coconut oil

2. In a large bowl, whisk the oil and honey together. Add the eggs and beat well, then whisk in the mashed bananas and milk.

(about 2 1/2 medium or 2 large bananas)

3. Add the baking soda, vanilla, salt and cinnamon and whisk to blend.

Switch to a wooden spoon and stir in the flour until just combined. Some lumps are fine.

flour or regular whole wheat flour

5. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the loaf pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool for 20 minutes before slicing.

• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil or • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup • 2 eggs • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas

• 1/4 cup milk or water • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1 3/4 cups white whole wheat

1. Preheat oven to 165 degrees Celcius and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

4. Pour the batter into prepared loaf pan and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon.

Recipe adapted from Cookie and Kate

5-INGREDIENT RAW ALMOND JOY BITES This healthy snack is ready in five minutes and pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients

• 12 Medjool dates • 12 raw almonds • 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

• 2 teaspoons coconut oil, melted • 2 teaspoons maple syrup

Method 1. In a small bowl, mix shredded coconut, coconut oil and maple syrup until mixture is sticky (you can add a couple drops of water to help).

2. Slit dates in half lengthwise and remove pits.

3. Spoon coconut mixture into dates and top with an almond.

4. Enjoy as is or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Recipe & image from Feel Good Foodie AUTUMN 2020 | 39

T R AV E L

Hit the road AN ISOLATED OUTBACK TOWN, REMOTE RAINFOREST AND A WORLD HERITAGE-LISTED ISLAND ARE TOP OF CARAVANERS’ ITINERARIES IN 2020.

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desire to get off the beaten track and away from tourist throngs has caravan owners planning visits to Birdsville, Cape York and Fraser Island.

Matthew Kurvink of Sunshine Coast-based caravan manufacturer Bushtracker said the hottest destinations for 2020 reflected a growing trend towards discovering untouched spots and exploring hidden gems.

“You’ll often come across some other caravaners and campers but essentially, these places are like your own private spot: no queuing, no crowds,” Matt said.

“One of the most popular destinations among our customers is Birdsville.

“It’s quite an iconic outback town and the scenery is harsh and desolate but beautiful in its own way.”

Matt nominated far north Queensland as another bucketlist destination, from the coastline beyond Cairns, through the Daintree LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au

Rainforest and to the tip of Cape York.

“It’s quite lovely and the remoteness is an appeal for many travellers,” he said.

“Obviously, it’s best to avoid the wet season and if you plan to go past Weipa, you need to get into off-road vehicles.”

Closer to home, travellers are discovering the appeal of Fraser Island.

Matt said this destination particularly appealed to new caravan owners and those looking for shorter getaways.

“Fraser Island doesn’t need big caravans. You can comfortably take smaller caravans and camper trailers and still explore its beauty,” he said.

Halcyon Glades’ Kevin and Jan Stevens bought their first caravan when they retired and have spent the 15 years since criss-crossing Australia.

2020’s top caravanning spots 1. Birdsville, QLD 2. Daintree Rainforest and Cape York, QLD 3. Fraser Island, QLD 4. Blue Mountains, NSW 5. Karijini National Park, WA 6. Great Ocean Road, VIC 7. Kosciusko National Park, NSW 8. Pork Stephens, NSW 9. Litchfield National Park, NT 10. Margaret River, WA

“It’s an easy way to see Australia and we like the life, especially meeting other caravaners because everyone is always friendly in caravan parks,” Jan says.

“We had a camper trailer before we started caravanning and we like taking our home with us, instead of packing and unpacking all the time.”

The couple used to travel for up to 12 months at a time but now prefer smaller trips.

An exploration of Western Australia still holds fond memories for the couple with Jan nominating three remote areas in the vast state as their favourite spots: Karajini, The Bungle Bungles and Mitchell Falls.

“We love the colours of the desert and how it’s actually quite touristfriendly, particularly at our age,” she said.

“There’s not a lot of rough walking and in the Kimberleys, you can almost drive right up to the gorges and look down.”

Kevin is a keen fisherman and while the couple are yet to lock in their 2020 travel plans, a few trips to wellstocked dams and rivers are on the cards.

“Queen Mary Falls out the back of Warwick is a lovely place to go,” Jan said.

“We’d also like to make a trip down the NSW coastline to visit friends; we had to cut our last trip short because of the bushfires.

I think people need to go and visit bushfire-affected communities, they shouldn’t stop going to these places.

Kevin and Jan Stevens and their dog Lucy, Halcyon Glades

“They’re a bit burnt out but will recover.”

AUTUMN 2020 | 41

Nothing like a retirement village MORE AUSTRALIANS SEEK A LIFE WITH STYLE IN RETIREMENT

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ifestyle communities have experienced significant growth over the past few years as more Australians recognise their appeal - being more like a luxury holiday resort than a retirement village.

Halcyon joint managing director Dr Bevan Geissmann said lifestyle communities are an excellent choice for active and healthy people in the early stages of their retirement, or for those over 50s who are maybe in the transition stage.

“They’ve closed the work and child-rearing chapters of their

LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au

lives to embrace some serious ‘me time’,” Dr Geissmann said.

“Whereas retirement villages are about care and companionship, we’re more like resorts - it’s fun, friendly and all about enjoying yourself.

“We design and create our communities to meet the high expectations of this generation, who are more focussed on lifestyle and luxury than their parents were in retirement.

“They also insist on quality and want good value for their hard-

earned money.”

By offering a simpler financial structure than retirement villages, and the ability for eligible residents to claim rent assistance, Manufactured Home Estates (MHEs) can make retirement more comfortable on the cash front.

How does the MHE model work?

Under the MHE model, residents purchase their home and then rent the land on which their dwelling sits. They don’t pay stamp duty, exit fees or deferred management fees, and they keep all their capital gains

when they sell.

What type of homes do lifestyle communities offer?

There’s different home designs to suit individual needs. Ranging from two to three bedroom homes, two bathroom, study nooks, entertaining areas and large kitchens.

Is there stamp duty on my purchase?

No, there is no stamp duty payable on the purchase of your home.

If I sell my house down the track, are there exit fees?

When you sell a Halcyon home all capital gains are yours and there are no exit fees.

What are the homes built from?

Key elements of our house construction are Hebel cladding and steel framing. Hebel cladding is an aerated concrete product which

when rendered, and along with our Colorbond roof, provides a very contemporary look.

Hebel Powerpanel is a CSR product and has been selected for its cyclone rating, acoustics and insulation qualities.

What does the weekly site fee cover?

Your weekly site fees include local council rates, water charges in some communities and any government charges.

Are rentals permitted at Halcyon?

Our houses are steel framed which we believe provides a superior solution to timber framing.

No, only owner occupiers are permitted. There are no rentals.

Are homes protected against termites?

Can you own a pet in a lifestyle community?

Yes, all homes are protected from termites in accordance with local council building regulations and Australian Standards.

It is well recognised that pets help to improve the quality of life for many homeowners and as such Halcyon under certain circumstances welcomes pets. There is a pet approval process in place and acceptance of a pet is based on the best interest of the pet and the general community.

Our homes are constructed with steel framing for added peace of mind.

To find out more about lifestyle communities visit our website at LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au or call 1800 626 488.

AUTUMN 2020 | 43

Sylvia Deveney, Maxine Wharton, Chris Carley, Barb and Rex Wickes

Karen and Peter Upton

OFFICIAL LAUNCH B BY HALCYON SATURDAY 29 MARCH 2020 On a dazzling day, B by Halcyon was officially launched at Novotel Twin Waters. Guests heard about B by Halcyon’s 8-star energy rating initiatives, as well as a Tesla Model 3, which will be available as a community shared car. Interest in the exciting new community at Buderim has been very strong with the first release already sold out.

LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au

Alan and Gail McMillan

Barb and Rex Wickes

Prue and Ron Moore

Katrina Burke and Donna Osborne Ross and Jan Mathie

Robert Boone and Brian Redriff

Marie May and Elizabeth Edwards

Barbara Robinson

FULL MONTY NIGHT

Julie Midson, Bruce Midson and Jenny King Sue Davies and Chris Bell

Bill Smith and Roy Beattie

HALCYON GREENS SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2020 Nine brave mates from Halcyon Greens stripped down to their speedos to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer.

The men put up their hands to take part in the Full Monty performance, with $6,000 raised on the night.

AUTUMN 2020 | 45

Halcyon communities

Judged Australia’s best lifestyle communities...

Thank you

Please phone 1800 626 488 for more information on our communities.

Nestled in the foothills of Buderim and wrapped in sub-tropical rainforest, B by Halcyon offers a retreat to nature just minutes from beaches. Here, you can lose yourself in creative pursuits, a health and wellness journey or the sense of community. Be in the moment. Be yourself.

B by Halcyon.

42 Whites Rd, Buderim - Display homes open 10am - 4pm Mon-Sat

Halcyon Greens GAINSBOROUGH GREENS - PIMPAMA

Downsize to an acreage lifestyle 30 minutes from the Brisbane CBD. Located in Logan Reserve and set on 100 picturesque acres fronting the Logan River. This sprawling community is tribute to the traditional South East Queensland lifestyle amid open spaces, rolling hills and with deep agricultural roots 8 Halcyon Way, Logan Reserve. Enquiries received at Halcyon Greens, Mon - Sat 9am-4pm

Halcyon Lakeside BLI BLI

Located just five minutes from the centre of Bli Bli and situated within the masterplanned Parklakes 2 community, Halcyon Lakeside features 5-star resort facilities, over 6km of connected walking tracks and 450m of lake frontage set against a natural backdrop of undulating hills.

Halcyon Lakeside was judged Australia’s best in 2019 by the UDIA. 1 Halcyon Way, Bli Bli - Display homes open 9am - 4pm, Monday to Saturday

LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au

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

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

Halcyon Glades C A BOOLT UR E

Situated at Caboolture north is Halcyon Glades; a tree change located halfway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Halcyon Glades offers the best of both worlds and includes all the hallmarks of an award-winning Halcyon community.

34 Ardrossan Road, Caboolture - Display homes open 9am - 4pm, Monday to Saturday

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

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

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

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

Halcyon Waters

Halcyon Parks

HOPE ISLAND

CALOUNDRA

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

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

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

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

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WINNER

Na onal Awards for Excellence

2019

WINNER 2018 HIA Queensland Specialised Housing

AUTUMN 2020 | 47

Australia’s biggest lifestyle

R 7 YEAOLF G FREE KAGE PAC*T&Cs apply

Set on 34 hectares, Halcyon Greens is surrounded by a nature reserve and the Gainsborough Greens Golf Club.

Display homes open Monday to Saturday 9am to 4pm 7 Halcyon Drive, Pimpama 1800 626 488 LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au

The six acre 5-star resort facilities form the heart of the community with everything you need on your doorstep to do as much or as little as you like.

Each of our spacious, architecturally designed homes gives you lowcost, low-maintenance living.

You can choose from a range of floorplans, facades, colour schemes and home customisations to truly make it yours.

LAUNCHING SOON Located 30 mins from Brisbane CBD. New Homes priced from $365,000. Enquire now.