RETIREMENT LIVING

BUNDALEER Lodge Nursing Home has celebrated 50 years of bringing quality nursing care to the older community.

It all began in 1969 when Robert, Beryl, William and Jack Renton decided to build an aged care facility.

The original building was 36 beds with onsite kitchen and laundry amenities.

During the first two weeks of opening, 15 residents were admitted with the staff consisting of one matron, three registered nurses, seven assistant nurses and six other staff including cook, kitchenhands, laundry staff and cleaners.

Matron Eshelby was the first Director of Nursing for Bundaleer Lodge Nursing Home, and lived onsite in an apartment.

During the 1970s an extension was Long-term staff member Sandra Logue in the early days and the new-look bedrooms. added to bring the number of beds to 76 and two decades later, another three wings were opened, followed by another in 2008.

Currently a new extension is awaiting approval and when complete, it will be a 171-bed aged care facility. Staff has grown from 17 to 130, with three members having been on staff for more than 35 years.

There have been many changes to the expectations of residents needing aged care. The original building had rooms with four beds, many double rooms and some singles. Ablution facilities were shared.

Over the years these rooms have been replaced by single rooms with private ensuites and a hairdressing salon, chapel, cinema, clinic, diversional therapy spaces, training rooms, and a café have been added.

The sister facility Algester Lodge opened in August 2002 with 67 resident and has expanded to 145 residents. Visit bundaleerlodge.com

NEW COMMUNITY WELCOMES RESIDENTS

NESTLED in the quiet suburb of Avoca, Spring Lakes Resort is welcoming its first residents to Bundaberg’s newest over 50s retirement community.

The retirement village is fast becoming a popular choice with its peaceful outlook over 12ha of river frontage, while being close to shopping centres, entertainment, dining and medical facilities.

Project Manager Grant Botica said the resort featured luxuriously appointed homes and first-class features specifically designed for low-maintenance living.

“We are the only retirement

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WHEN Roger and Julie Buttenshaw put their Halcyon Landing home up for sale, they were delighted to sell it in two days.

Halcyon’s sales agent Rebecca Reynolds had lined up buyers for the home as soon as it was listed.

The Buttenshaw’s new home at B by Halcyon won’t be ready until early next year, so they are using the time and the capital gains for an eight-month road trip.

Roger, a biology teacher for 41 years, and Julie, a medical receptionist, retired six years ago and bought their first motorhome.

“One of the first things we did after retiring was buy an existing home at Halcyon Landing,’’ Roger said. “We realised living at Halcyon made it easy to lock the house – know that it was safe and secure – and hit the road. We were travelling for about six months of the year, every year..”

He said that the current booming real estate market meant that making the move to a new architect-design house at B by Halcyon was financially easy.

“The block we have chosen points north, and this time we get to have input into the customisation of the new house, and we have chosen a design with a more open plan and bigger patio,” he said.

“The fact that we don’t pay entry or exit fees, or stamp duty, makes this move economically viable for us.’’

Both Roger and Julie agree that so far, the highlight of their travels has been a five-month trip around Australia in 2016 and 2017. They were delighted to catch up with seven other groups from Halcyon Landing in Western Australia and South Australia. Visit lifebeginsathalcyon.com.au

community that has a Burnett River outlook. That combines beautifully with our 9-hole golf course for a real sense of tranquillity,” he said.

While delivering quality builds was a priority, Spring Lakes Resort was also focused on providing more than just a home for its residents.

“We know that retirees are looking for a sense of community, where they know their neighbours as friends and can have a hit of golf or a catchup for morning tea,” Mr Botica said.

“And with our bowls green, pools, gym, community centre and much more, we have created a community for residents that has it all.”

Spring Lakes Resort, a gated community that is mainteance free, is the only over 50s resort in Bundaberg that offers off-the plan builds, or new homes that are ready to move in.

“For our new builds, residents have a choice of 12 designs, including options for caravan, RV and boat storage. All homes are pet friendly as well,” Mr Botica said. Call Lisa Blainey 1800 837 933 or visit springlakesresort.com.au