RETIREMENT LIVING

from Your Time Magazine Sunshine Coast - Sept 2022

ACTIVE LIVING

GEMLIFE is powering up its communities with an innovative renewable energy solution that is not only good for the planet but will reduce energy costs for homeowners.

GemLife director and CEO Adrian Puljich said that by setting up virtual power plants (VPPs) within its communities, the first at GemLife Palmwoods, the company was leading the sector by harnessing the sun’s clean renewable energy and reducing reliance on the power grid.

Designed to maximise environmental and economic benefits of solar power, a VPP is a network of homes with rooftop solar plus battery storage connected via smart technology.

“It is well-known that solar energy can’t be used when the sun goes down, so the battery component solves that issue,” Adrian said.

“Each home generates and stores energy during the day and shares energy stored in a battery where it is needed in the community. This may be among households, to power street lighting or even heating the community pool.”

GemLife supplies, installs, and maintains the system but homeowners reap the benefits by receiving low-cost energy during the day when solar power is generated and, thanks to the battery storage, also in the evenings.

GemLife’s solar solution ensures no upfront costs for solar, low daily supply fee, low-cost daytime power and low-cost night rates. Call 1800 718 414 or gemlife.com.au FORMER couple Russell Walter and Janelle Hudson are such good friends they have both bought homes at Stockland’s B by Halcyon.

The pair met in Townsville in 1989 when Russell was in the military. They were romantically involved for a few years before deciding they were better suited as best friends.

“There’s not a day that goes by when we don’t speak to each other,” Russell said. “We have kept a light-hearted relationship as this works well for us.”

The pair had been living in Camp Hill and Coorparoo in Brisbane’s south for many years when Janelle started to plan her retirement after a long career with Queensland Health.

“My sister suggested a move away from Camp Hill and into a community,” Janelle said. “I came to B by Halcyon and I was sold from the very beginning.”

Russell had been toying with the idea of selling his home and decided to accompany Janelle on a visit to the Halcyon community in Buderim.

“B by Halcyon had everything I didn’t know I was looking for,” Russell said. “I took one look and said ‘that’s me, I’m done’.”

They are both looking forward to moving to the community and creating a new lifestyle.

He is looking forward to getting fit and creating a daily training regime at the Wellness Centre while Janelle is excited about meeting new people and indulging in her passion for craft.

“We’re both ready to move forward and create a new lifestyle,” she said.

LIVING LIFE ON YOUR OWN TERMS WORK BEGINS ON STATE-OF-THE-ART CLUBHOUSE

SUNCARE has been specialising in the delivery of in-home services for older Australians since 1970, proving that getting older doesn’t have to mean moving into residential aged care.

It’s something that suits 91-year-old author Milton, and his wife who have a busy life at home.

“I couldn’t see myself going into a retirement village,” he says. “When you grow older, your whole life changes. You depend on people like Suncare for a lot of things. They are more like our family, the connection is so important, and they do so much for us. Nothing’s a trouble.”

Suncare’s dedicated support team helps guide customers through their in-home care options, explaining what services are available for the allocated funding.

From everyday services such as housekeeping and meal preparation to a lift to the shops, sharing a coffee or a garden tidy-up, Suncare knows how to make the most of options so clients can live life on their own terms. Suncare activities coordinator Nikki Cox with James Frew

The YouGov Suncare Community Services Customer Satisfaction Survey 2021, found Suncare customers were overwhelmingly satisfied with the service.

James Frew is a visitor to Suncare’s Boronia Cottage, a purpose-built home for short-term respite care on Bribie Island.

A retired jeweller, he lives with his granddaughter in Brisbane but fondly calls Boronia Cottage his home away from home, having stayed regularly since 2019.

“It feels like a holiday. I am confident with the qualified staff, who are always up for a conversation,” he says. Visit suncare.org.au THYME Lifestyle Resort Hervey Bay has officially started work on its new multimillion-dollar clubhouse as part of its health and wellbeing focus for homeowners in the over-50s lifestyle community.

Serenitas CEO Rob Nichols attended the sod-turning ceremony with homeowners who came out in support of the new project. “We are excited to be starting work on this world-class clubhouse, as it is a significant milestone in providing our homeowners with opportunities to socialise and access the superb recreational facilities,” he said.

“The clubhouse will be the focal point to connect the Thyme Hervey Bay community, acting as an extension of their own homes where friends and family will be welcomed in style at this beautiful coastal location.”

The clubhouse will have spectacular views over the resort’s lake and protected nature reserve and will feature luxurious facilities including an alfresco entertainment quarter, coffee lounge, bar and dining spaces, billiards, ten-pin bowling alley, bowling green, cinema, art and craft studio and library.

“Our focus is on creating a vibrant, active and engaging community while building on the many benefits of the resort’s close proximity to Hervey Bay,” Mr Nichols said.

The clubhouse is due for completion next year, creating new ways for the resort’s community to connect.”

Homes are now selling from $438,000. To book a private tour visit herveybay. thyme.com.au or call 1300 585 882.