Categories

Living Gems, Living Gems Caboolture, Living Gems Pacific Paradise, Living Gems Toowoomba, Opal by Living Gems

659

Living Gems celebrates Seniors Week

Throughout the state our community will come together to celebrate Seniors Week. This event is held from 18-26 August to recognise the value of the contribution older people have made in the workforce and community throughout their lives.

Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland coordinates Seniors Week on behalf of the Queensland Government. The event aims to improve community attitudes towards older people and to enhance community connections and relationships.

Living Gems is joining the celebrations this year, offering free morning tea and information sessions at four locations.

General Manager Vlad Pullich said that Seniors Week is a great opportunity for over 50s, seniors and retirees to see the vast lifestyle opportunities that are available.

“Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in all that this resort has to offer whilst enjoying a delicious morning tea in the country club.”

As well as the morning tea, the public can join in a variety of activities at each resort.

Enjoy a game of indoor carpet bowls, learn how to play croquet and enjoy line dancing at Opal by Living Gems. Living Gems Toowoomba is hosting a great information session, Living Gems Caboolture will have display homes open and you can learn how to play Mahjong at Living Gems Pacific Paradise.

For more information about Living Gems Seniors Week activities please call 1800 785 594 or visit www.livinggems.com.au/contact. Event information is also available on the COTA website and the Living Gems Facebook page.

26 Jul 2018

Living Gems, Living Gems Toowoomba

1460

Living Gems wins another Master Builders Award

Living Gems is celebrating again after another successful win at the recent Master Builders Award for the Downs and Western region on Friday, 20 July.

Living Gems Toowoomba is the second resort within the Living Gems portfolio to be awarded for the best Tourism and Leisure Facilities by industry judges. Living Gems Caboolture won the same award at the Brisbane Master Builders award evening only two weeks earlier.

The Living Gems difference is evident from the moment you drive through the designer entry gates. As you head down the main landscaped boulevard, the well-appointed features of the resort’s country club immediately draw your eye.

As you enter the country club, you are welcomed by the spectacular interior design of the ballroom, bar, dance floor and stage. Other facilities within the country club precinct include an indoor heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, golf simulator, hair salon, consultation room, conference room, games room, cinema, gym, arts and craft studio, workshop, commercial kitchen, library, music room, BBQ pavilion, undercover bowling green and tennis court.

General Manager Vlad Pullich said that the company is thrilled to receive the award a second time.

“This multimillion-dollar project was completed in April 2018 and offers a stylish and convivial space for residents to get together regularly for a drink or a bite to eat.”

“Living Gems has brought a high-quality of housing and lifestyle to Toowoomba. The company’s aim is to provide an improved quality of life with greater certainty for active over 50s seniors and retirees. This is why we offer such an extensive range of quality facilities in our new resorts.”

The public are invited to view the award wining country club and the resort’s facilities, located at 500 South Street, Toowoomba.

For more information
1800 785 594
livinggems.com.au
info@livinggem.com.au

Tags: award, country club, Living Gems Toowoomba, master builders award, tourism and leisure

25 Jul 2018

426

Southport Croquet Club visits Living Gems

Members of the Southport Croquet Club made their way to Opal by Living Gems Lifestyle resort in Logan Village on 17 July 2018.

Beryl Turner, Southport club captain, along with a group of eight members enjoyed a great day at the resort, having a go for the first time at the resort’s croquet court.

Living Gems has been sponsoring the club, located at 1 Queen Street, Southport for the last 12 months.

Mary Kerr and Diane Miller, home owners at Opal by Living Gems, are both club members at Southport. Mary said she didn’t start playing croquet until she moved into the resort but has always thought it was a game she would play in her retirement.

“Whilst Opal by Living Gems’ croquet field was under construction last year, home owners were invited to use the club’s facilities at Southport.”

“I’ve been playing croquet for two years, it is a fun sport. I am the president of the club and help organise two set games a week, on Sunday and Tuesday afternoon, as well as a number of other competitions throughout the year.”

“We have had a few tournaments including one with the neighbouring resort, Ruby by Living Gems. It was a great event, we will probably organise another soon.”

“A lot of the home owners here enjoy the game. We usually play a variation of croquet called “golf croquet” – it is the most popular and easiest of the four types of the game.”

Southport Croquet Club President, John Turner said the visit to Opal by Living Gems was a fun day.

“The group enjoyed a BBQ lunch, cakes of all kinds and more importantly got to play a game or two on the court within the resort.”

“I’d like to thank Opal by Living Gems for allowing us to make the visit and enjoy some time on their court and meet with the home owners.”

Opal by Living Gems is open seven days from 10am to 4pm. To book a personal resort and display home tour call Dennis on (07) 5547 2333 or pop in any day to 42 Quinzeh Creek Road, Logan Village.

21 Jul 2018

Living Gems, Living Gems Caboolture

625

40 years of connections discovered at Living Gems

When Sandy Sinclair moved into her new home at Living Gems Caboolture she never had anticipated the wonderful friendships she has formed, particularly with home owner Pam Taylor, with whom she had unknowingly shared a parallel history.

After running into each other a number of times at the resort, Pam and Sandy became fast friends. It didn’t take long before they discovered that they share 40 years of connections.

Sandy said they could trace their first connection to their schooling days and then to later in life when she and her late husband were living in Moranbah.

“It turned out that one of my good friends during my school years, going back over 50 years, has been Pams best friend for over 40 years during their time living in both Moranbah and Yeppoon,” says Sandy. “The second connection we worked out was via my brother; he was working with Pam’s late husband as an electrician in Moranbah mine for a number of years and Pam got to know my brother and his family really well.”

“Pam and I were in transitional villas at the same time whilst we waited for our homes to be built. It is amazing that we are now neighbours in the same resort with so many past connections.”

Originally from Mt Morgan, Sandy moved down to Brisbane at the age of 25, then she and her late partner decided to move to Bundaberg seven years ago. She eventually discovered Living Gems Caboolture and found that the lifestyle and community here was exactly what she was looking for.

“I really feel at home here and I am now living much closer to my daughter which is lovely.”

The Living Gems lifestyle suits Sandy perfectly. Her and Pam enjoy a number of the activities together at the resort including arts and craft, mah-jong and they always enjoy a game of ten-pin bowls with new friends. There are always monthly bus trips and other social outings to enjoy.

“We are having an absolutely wonderful time here at Living Gems. Today we are off to see a show in town with the rest of the ladies’ group and last night we took the resort bus down to the local RSL club for dinner.”

“I have also been making the most of the heated indoor pool since it was completed last month; it is a pleasant temperature even in the cooler weather.”

When she has a spare moment in her busy social calendar, Sandy is enjoying the comforts of her new home.

“I am very happy in my new home, I chose the Opal design for the wonderful combined living, dining and kitchen area – there is so much light and breeze. The sun filters nicely through my alfresco blinds and creates a lovely space to enjoy a morning cup of tea.”

20 Jul 2018

1476

Opal by Living Gems relay team close in on fundraising goal

Relay for Life team, Opal by Living Gems, have been powering on to meet their fundraising goal of $10,000 by 7 October 2018. The current total is now over $7,000 thanks to the efforts of the home owners at Opal by Living Gems as well as their family and friends.

The team have raised funds from various events as well as raffling items donated by local businesses in Logan Village.

Team captain, Nola Green said they are well on their way to meet their goal after the recent success of their Biggest Morning Tea event and Pie Drive.

“The Biggest Morning Tea was a really wonderful event, I think everyone had a great time and we raised just over $1,900 on the day.”

“Special guests at the recent Biggest Morning Tea included: Logan City Councillor Laurie Koranski and Cancer Council Queensland personnel – Megan Connors, Senior Co-ordinator, Regional Fundraising; Jane Haylock, Chair Jimboomba Branch; and Amanda Power, Senior Coordinator, Special Projects Relay for Life. All were impressed with the “terrific event” and with the current amount raised.”

“The pie drive finished last week, and it was a great way to raise funds. We sold 448 pies to the home owners here at Opal by Living Gems and we were very happy with the resulting $511.”

Nola said the Opal by Living Gems Relay team still have a number of events planned as they get closer to the event day.

“We will be hosting a breakfast for Father’s Day and we also have a sausage sizzle at Logan Village Woolworths on 5 August and 9 September.”

The team will complete a walking relay around a set course in Jimboomba for 18 hours, from Saturday 6 October to Sunday 7 October, 2018 from 3pm – 9am at Hills College.

Relay for Life is a fun and moving overnight event hosted by Cancer Council that aims to raise vital funds for Cancer Council’s research, prevention and support services.

You can donate to the Opal by Living Gems team via the Relay for Life website and selecting their team page. You will receive a receipt for your donation.

For more information about Relay for Life visit www.relayforlife.org.au or for more information about Living Gems resorts call 1800 785 594.

Tags: relay for life

17 Jul 2018

514

Jean and Alec enjoy community at Living Gems

Jean and Alec Berrington, homeowners at Sapphire by Living Gems, share a glimpse inside their lives in this resort community designed for over 50s.

Once you step inside a Living Gems resort you enter a whole new world and escape the surrounding suburbia. The supportive community within is committed to a different lifestyle, with regular social activities. Security is uppermost; there is even a resident-run “street watch”.

The gated resort offers peace of mind for homeowners, especially for Jean and Alec who often enjoy travelling by car. Close neighbours help each other and ‘keep an eye’ on properties when residents are travelling or in hospital.

“We have lived here for 16 years and in that time, we have travelled extensively. Our most recent trips were down to Adelaide to visit some friends, then up to Cairns.”

After discovering a better life at Living Gems, Jean and Alec couldn’t wait to tell their friends and anyone else!

“We enjoy a quiet neighbourhood, stairs-free home, local shops and a lovely community. There is so much to love about our lifestyle at Living Gems.”

“When we first took a look around the resort all those years ago, we thought: we could live here! Each home is individual, which drew us to selecting a home in Sapphire by Living Gems above other resorts.”

“The public just doesn’t know what is available in the over 50s housing market – we love to use our home as a referral tool to sell our friends on the idea of living within this type of community.”

Although every Living Gems resort has a very busy social calendar, it should be noted that you have the freedom to do as little or as much as you like.

Jean and Alec enjoy a peaceful life in their beautiful, open plan home. They have a great position within the resort, it captures the summer breeze beautifully and is surrounded by lovely gardens.

06 Jul 2018

408

Meet your Neighbours: Keith and Gwen

Originally from the United Kingdom, Keith Revell made the move over 40 years ago to Brisbane where he met his wife Gwen.

Not long after our two wonderful children were born we moved to New Guinea for three years, from there we chose to settle in Redcliffe until our children went on to university. After a stint in Melbourne and over 30 years in a stressful Corporate role we eventually moved to Heritage Park seeking a quieter, less stressful life and bought a newsagency.

The business thrived, and we quickly learnt that this was not going to be a quiet life! We sold the newsagency after six years and took a gap year, which has 10 years and counting, we are still contemplating when we will retire!

Having made the decision to downsize we continued our search for a quiet life and stumbled upon Opal by Living Gems whilst researching over 50s lifestyle resorts. We actually placed a deposit on a site at Ruby by Living Gems first, but we both agreed that Opal by Living Gems was where our hearts were most happy.

We have been living here for three years now and it suits us perfectly. Our house is located on the boundary of the resort which is lovely for our little Maltese who loves to rub noses with the horses through the fences of the bordering property.

Gwen and I love the lifestyle here, we regularly take our dog for an early morning walk through the lovely parkland that adjoins the resort. You get to see the mist over the lake if you’re awake early enough. There is so much wildlife around and you get to listen to the birds sing – it’s bliss, and not a car can be heard!

We like to pop down to the local Woolworths shopping centre which is only a five-minute walk. The centre has almost everything, it’s just missing a coffee shop!

Gwen and I love to join in the Thursday tennis night at the resort, Gwen plays, and I cheer her on from the sidelines with our dog. Later in the evening we all put together a BBQ and sit around the fire pit and soak up the ambiance.

A great bonus about living here is that you’ll find almost everything you need in one place! I run a monthly computer class, and am on the Residents’ committee, while Gwen will enjoy a game of mah-jong or indoor bowls. You can do things together or separately. There are so many activities going on – it is like being on a cruise, from Hawaiian Night to live concerts!

Now that we have found our slice of serenity we are beginning to get back into volunteering. I am involved with a number of not-for-profits in the legal industry and Gwen and I have just recently volunteered at the Commonwealth Games which was a wonderful experience.

For more information about Opal by Living Gems please call 1800 785 594 or email dennis@livinggems.com.au

02 Jul 2018

662

Colin and Barbara enjoy another year at Living Gems

Having spent most of their lives in England, Colin and Barbara Bennett decided in 1988 it was time for a change. Armed with a handful of ideas of places to live, they weighed up the pros and cons. They agreed Canada would be too cold, New Zealand would be too much like home but Australia – well, that sounded perfect to them.

Edens Landing and Rosemount Farm are where Colin and Barbara first called home in Australia for 14 years until they heard about Living Gems in Eagleby.

“At the time Sapphire by Living Gems, or Sapphire Gardens as it was known then, was in the early stages of construction,” says Colin, “the concept was very new in the market and the designs were state-of-the-art.”

“The homes are some of the best built homes we’ve inspected, and our home is now worth three times as much as when we bought it 16 years ago!”

Colin and Barbara have brought their dream home to life, with no expense spared. Cathedral ceilings and cleverly positioned half height walls create a unique space beautifully tailored to suit their active lifestyle.

“We are still very happy with our decision to move here, we love the size of the homes and the size of the village itself.”

Colin and Barbara are happy to report that they will never need to move again.

“This is our forever home, we have never lived anywhere else as long as we will live here.”

Colin and Barbara take regular holidays around Australia in their motorhome, they recently returned from a 14-month trip across the country. They agree, it is wonderful to know they can pick up and go whenever it tickles their fancy and know that their home is within a secure gated resort.

26 Jun 2018

Living Gems, Living Gems Toowoomba

1904

John and Jenny say yes to Living Gems

Having recently emigrated from New Zealand early this year, Living Gems homeowners John and Jenny Pierson have been enjoying the warmer weather. The Pierson’s tell us more about how they have been enjoying Australia and Living Gems so far.

I am originally from Picton, at the top of the South Island and John is from Invercargill at the bottom. After we married we moved around New Zealand with John’s work at Shell Oil (NZ) Ltd before retiring to Blenheim in 1994. We both became involved with the local car club and John also helped run the snooker section at the Clubs of Marlborough, while I worked as a researcher and cataloguer at the local museum.

We had contemplated the move over to Australia for some time, and when we were the last of our family in New Zealand we thought it was time to go!

We arrived early this year and house sat for my brother who owns a home in Cranley. We fell in love with the Toowoomba area and decided this is where we wanted to stay, so we bought a car and house and the rest is history!

We stumbled upon Living Gems Toowoomba accidentally – we were looking at a different estate across the road. We couldn’t locate the sales office and that is when we saw Living Gems Toowoomba across the road, with our interest piqued we set off. The sales team showed us some pamphlets as we toured around the resort and we were sold! Everything fell into place wonderfully, we were seeking a larger home, but the two-bedroom Camelia design is what we settled on as it was already built.

We are very happy with our new home, I use the alfresco area as my conservatory and John loves the study nook which is now his home office. We both agree that the combined lounge, dining and kitchen offer a spacious design and it is so easy to live in.

We were really struggling to find a home that had everything that we wanted, but we found it here straight away. There are fans and ducted air conditioning all throughout the home and the bedroom which was a bonus for us! We haven’t needed to use the heating yet because the house stays so nice and warm, but we have tried out the gas fireplace to see how it works.

I have been enjoying swimming in the heated indoor pool and John enjoys the games room for snooker and cards. All the facilities here are such a great bonus – one of the selling points for us.

We have attended a few community events within the resort, it has been lovely meeting all the other homeowners here at Living Gems Toowoomba – we are thoroughly enjoying ourselves here.

Our family are now green with envy and are thinking of buying here as well!

For more information about Living Gems Toowoomba call 1800 348 977 or email shirley@livinggems.com.au.

20 Jun 2018

761

Looking to buy into a lifestyle resort?

If you’re considering right-sizing your lifestyle as part of your retirement plan, then the question of how to finance this next stage of life can be daunting for some.

It is an often-stated view that Baby Boomers are typically cash poor and asset rich, making right-sizing an attractive way to free up the equity in your home.

Living Gems General Manager Vlad Pullich, said that Opal by Living Gems is designed for active over 50s and offers a popular formula to home ownership which is beneficial financially and offers peace of mind to homeowners.

“Premium and affordable homes are available as part of a master planned community,” says Mr Pullich, “Homeowners can relax and enjoy the freedom of onsite management as well as the security of living within a gated resort.”

“Homes at Living Gems Toowoomba start at $350,000 and homes Opal by Living Gems start as low as $282,000. Buyers have the option of two or three-bedroom homes with two bathrooms and impressive interiors and stylish standard inclusions.”

“If the average family home sells for $450,000, buyers can use part of this equity to buy into a lifestyle resort and allow the remainder to work as an investment.”

Living Gems sales manager Victoria Dent said that each resort is located close to local amenities and picturesque day trip locations.

“Marcoola beach is only five minutes from Living Gems Pacific Paradise, one of Queensland’s best beaches. Homeowners also drive 30 minutes to reach Noosa and enjoy scenic walks through the National Park.”

“Living Gems Toowoomba is positioned in the beautiful Darling Downs region, home to the Toowoomba Flower Festival and an array of wonderful parks and gardens.”

“The Glass House Mountains are a short 20-minute drive from Living Gems Caboolture, a truly breathtaking destination. Homeowners also have easy access to Brisbane City which is 55 minutes from the resort.”

“Homeowners at Opal by Living Gems enjoy the resort walking trails that follow Quinzeh Creek and loop around the resort lake. Mount Tamborine is also within 30 minutes of the resort.”

“The premium, high-set country clubs are the centrepiece of each resort and has been designed on a grand scale. The country clubs are the central hub of activity, catering to a myriad of recreational activities.”

“The facilities include the following: a bar, lounge area, ballroom with dance floor, theatre stage, change rooms, commercial kitchen, meeting room, arts and crafts room, workshop, cinema, music room, hair salon, library, games room consultation room, BBQ pavilion, lawn bowls, heated swimming pool, spa, sauna and a tennis court.”

“Homes at the resort are stamp duty exempt, also, there are no deferred management fees to worry about when purchasing a home with Living Gems.”

To book a personal tour of the resort and display homes call 1800 785 594 or email info@livinggems.com.au

11 Jun 2018

467

Living Gems promotes active lifestyle

In the new of today, we hear regularly how being physically active and maintaining muscle strength is an essential part of living a happy and healthy lifestyle. Staying active can enhance balance, improve muscle tone and help us live longer and happier lives. Many studies suggest that just 30 minutes a day of exercise can help to keep our bodies fit and healthy.

Living Gems lifestyle resorts are designed with active over 50s in mind. The vast range of premium resort facilities available to residents can assist them in reaching these precious 30 minutes of activity a day. Homeowners stay active and healthy by using facilities such as the heated swimming pool, gym, tennis, and lawn bowls, just to name a few.

Outdoor classes are regularly organised by residents to make use of these fantastic facilities and resort grounds. Walking groups tour around the resort, aqua aerobics classes take place regularly as well as tennis tournaments. Homeowners of neighbouring Living Gems resorts even go head-to-head in lawn bowls competitions, using the state-of-the-art bowling green located in every resort.

Living Gems lifestyle resorts pride themselves on accommodating those from all walks of life, but the one thing all our residents have in common is a phenomenal sense of community and a wonderful welcoming attitude. Our resorts are open to all like-minded individuals who wish to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle – without breaking the bank.

Our pet-friendly and gated communities offer homes with two or three bedrooms, all with premium inclusions as standard. There is so much on offer; residents are truly spoilt for choice!

Homeowners can relax in the library, join friends in the music room, take up art and crafts or enjoy happy hour in the country club all while taking in great conversation and good company. There are so many possibilities at Living Gems resorts – all they need is you!

For more information or to receive an information pack, call 1800 785 594 or email info@livinggems.com.au

03 Jun 2018

Living Gems, Living Gems Pacific Paradise

516

Living Gems Homeowners making a difference

Homeowners Jan and Barry Smith have spent their working lives in a nomadic fashion, moving all over New South Wales, from Boorowa to Dubbo and everywhere in between. 12 months ago, they made the move to Living Gems Pacific Paradise and aren’t planning on leaving anytime soon. Jan tells us more about their lifestyle since moving in to the resort.

We moved around plenty whilst Barry was working as a banker, mine accountant and school bursar and myself as a teacher in New South Wales. Eventually we settled in Batemans Bay and enjoy the coastal lifestyle there for 13 years until we decided to make the move up the Sunshine Coast. We lived in Buderim for three and a half years before discovering Living Gems Pacific Paradise.

My sister was already looking to buy here at Living Gems Pacific Paradise, so we thought we would come and have a look around. Barry and I decided that this would be the perfect place to live and we’ve been thoroughly enjoying the lifestyle ever since. We both love the incredible sense of community here; everyone is very friendly, social and supportive. We chose the right resort.

My sister, Helen and I have been very involved with the social committee, the committee was only in its early stages when we first moved here, but since the opening of our country club at the end of 2017 numbers have been growing.

As chair of the committee I have been busy organising everything from craft groups to monthly catered meals. Our committee recently organised a Biggest Morning Tea event to help raise funds for cancer.

Cancer has touched my family many times, so this is a cause that is close to my heart. I had previously held the event when living in Batemans Bay and raised $17,000 over five years, so I thought let’s see what we can do at Living Gems.

All the homeowners provided the food; we had sandwiches and cakes and opened the bar to serve champagne and orange juice. Local businesses donated prizes that we could raffle off and, in the end, we raised $1140 – more than twice our goal! 60 homeowners and friends attended, it was a wonderful way to raise awareness and a donation for the cause.

Last Sunday we fired up the industrial ovens in the country club, greased the egg rings, lined our baking trays and out came delicious bacon and egg rolls – a masterpiece that we decided should be repeated every month.

There is always something happening at our little resort. We all enjoy “Friday at Five”, the monthly happy hour event hosted in the country club. Members of the social committee help out by serving up the drinks at the bar. Every month we have a lady’s day out in the resort bus, the last trip was to Montville including morning tea at Secrets on the Lake.

Next month, we will have Christmas in July and a band will be coming to play 60s rock music on 13 July for our Black Friday themed night.

It is wonderful to be surrounded by friends and family, enjoying great food, drink and entertainment. Barry and I are hardly ever home!

More information
1800 785 594
victoria@livinggems.com.au

26 May 2018

628

Living Gems residents’ top effort for cancer research

Last year, Relay for Life team Opal by Living Gems, raised $7500 for cancer research. This year the team have started their fundraising efforts early in hopes to surpass last year’s donation.

Living Gems residents and team captain Nola Green said last year they hadn’t heard of the Relay for Life until attending an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event.

“After speaking to some representatives from Cancer Council, we came home and put together a team of fifty. We didn’t start fundraising until May 2017 but still managed to collect $7500, which we were very happy with.”

“This year we have renewed vigour, we achieved second place in the fundraising last year, so this year we aim to be first.”

At the closing ceremony of last year’s event, the Opal by Living Gems team were also presented the ‘Spirit of Relay’ trophy, which is awarded to an individual or team that displayed exemplary effort.

“Last year was a fantastic weekend and everyone who came enjoyed themselves, we are all looking forward to this year’s event.”

“I find Relay for Life the perfect fundraising initiative as it is for all cancers and the 18 hour relay event is a good way to show that cancer never sleeps.”

“There are so many people in our society that have been touched by cancer, it is a terrible disease, it makes me happy to know I can help.”

The team have been hosting events since the beginning of the year to kick start their fundraising initiatives.

“We have been hosting monthly BBQs in the Opal by Living Gems resort and we recently held our ‘Swimming for Life’ event which was great fun, residents competed in individual and team events.”

“You can come and support our team at the upcoming Opal by Living Gems Open Day, on 29 April, where we will be selling raffle tickets and sharing information about Cancer Council.”

“I would like to thank all the residents and Living Gems management for their continued support this year, so far we have raised $2000,” says Nola.

The team will complete a walking relay around a set course in Jimboomba for 18 hours, from 3pm Saturday, 6 October to 9am Sunday, 7 October.

Relay for Life is a fun and moving overnight event hosted by Cancer Council that aims to raise vital funds for Cancer Council’s research, prevention and support services.

You can donate to the Opal by Living Gems team via the Relay for Life website and selecting their team page, you will receive a receipt for your donation.

For more information about Relay for Life visit www.relayforlife.org.au or for more information about Living Gems resorts call 1800 785 594.

21 May 2018

Living Gems, Living Gems Toowoomba, Opal by Living Gems

695

Retirement living: where to start?

For those planning their retirement, the question of how to finance this next stage of life can be daunting for some.

While the government offers the Age Pension, $826.20 for singles and $1245.60 for couples paid fortnightly, this is not always necessarily enough to live on.

There are a number of options to get extra cash in your pocket, such as a reverse mortgage, but is this the best solution?

It is an often-stated view that Baby Boomers are typically cash poor and asset rich, making right-sizing an attractive way to free up the equity in your home.

Right-sizing is the process of finding a home that better suits your wants and needs. This process offers the opportunity to free up your time and to focus on the things that are most important to you.

Over 50s resort-style communities are among some of the most popular retirement living accommodation options in Australia. There are an overwhelming number to choose from with close to 200 communities in Australia.

Lifestyle resorts across Australia offer different styles of living from multi-story apartments to duplexes and full-sized homes at prices for every budget.

Living Gems lifestyle resorts offer a popular formula to home ownership; they are beneficial financially and offer homeowners peace of mind.

“We make dreams possible because we make them affordable.”

Living Gems is a Queensland based, family owned and operated lifestyle resort company, with eight resort locations across south-east Queensland.

Living Gems general manager, Vlad Pullich says free standing homes in the Toowoomba and Logan Village resorts start as low as $350,000 and offer an impressive set of standard inclusions.

“Our aim is to provide a resort lifestyle for active over 50s, seniors and retirees which is why we offer such an extensive range of premium facilities in our new resorts.”

“The recent opening of the multi-million-dollar country club in our Toowoomba resort is an exciting milestone. It is the newest addition to the resort”

“The country club is fitted with a lounge, bar, ballroom and a cinema.”

“Other facilities include a heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, BBQ pavilion, gym, bowling green, tennis court, games room, hair salon, library, music room, workshop plus an art and craft studio.”

“With everything you need in one place you don’t have any hefty membership fees or travel fees that other gyms and sporting clubs would normally charge,” says Mr Pullich.

For more information

1800 785 594

www.livinggems.com.au

06 Apr 2018

952

The Commonwealth Games Volunteers of Living Gems

Volunteers are from left to right: Mervyn and Betty Handley, Leonie Thompson, Helen Dwyer and Bill Elliott.

Living Gems residents around south-east Queensland are getting set for the Commonwealth Games. Over 22 home owners will be participating in the Commonwealth Games 2018 in a multitude of ways.

In the middle of it all are our Living Gems Gold Coast volunteers Mervyn and Betty Handley, Helen Dwyer and Bill Elliot, as well as Baton Bearer Leonie Thompson.

Leonie Thompson carrying the baton through the Labrador segment.

For 70-year-old Leonie Thompson, age is just a number, and won’t hold her back from her yearly marathons and boxing hobby.

“I love to exercise – running being my favourite. I have attended 173 Park Run’s with a PB of 33.27 minutes, but I tend to average 34-35 minutes,” says Ms Thompson.

“Volunteering has always been a big part of my life, I have spent the last 20 years attending fund raising marathons for various charities.”

“It was so exciting, and I felt so proud to participate in the Queen’s Baton Relay event. My whole family, my gems and my jewels, were there to watch as I carried the baton through the Labrador segment on Easter Monday.”

“I am also really looking forward to participating in the five kilometre Gold Run! I get a lovely golden shirt to wear and at the end of the course we can cheer on the GC2018 Marathon runners at the closing stage of their run.”

Keith Revell surrounded by family and friends.

Keith Revell, baton bearer in the Queen’s Baton Relay, tells of the exciting and exhilarating experience carrying the baton through the Beenleigh segment on Easter Sunday.

“It was such an honour to be nominated, and then to be chosen, from so many other very worthy nominees. It was a privilege that was very humbling.”

“To be in the bus talking with the other runners was inspiring and to hear so many uplifting stories of their contributions to improve their communities.”

Keith says as well as participating in the Queen’s Baton Relay he will also be volunteering at the games along with four other home owners from Opal by Living Gems.

“At Opal there are four residents volunteering in various capacities at the Commonwealth games, myself as a fleet driver based at Fleet Depot Central for all our visiting officials and dignitaries; my wife, Gwen as a commonwealth games association assistant based at the Athletes Games Village; Lyn Yensch also as a fleet driver, based at the Athletes Village and Wendy Broxham who is based in the Hockey venue.”

Julie Harrison ready for action as a fleet driver volunteer.

Sapphire by Living Gems resident Julie Harrison has been working two days with one day off as a fleet driver. She has been driving GC2018 officials around since 20 March and will finish on 18 April.

“I decided to volunteer for this once in a life time opportunity to tackle something exciting and different. It is quite an honour to have been selected as one of the 15,000 volunteers from the 40,000 that applied.”

“I have to give full marks to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC), everything has been really well organised, and I am really enjoying the experience. I have had the opportunity to meet so many different people from all around the world,” says Ms Harrison.

Tags: Commonwealth Games, Living Gems, Queen's Baton Relay, Volunteer

06 Mar 2018

918

Right-sizing the Living Gems way: how to find the right home

Often referred to as downsizing, right-sizing is the process of finding a home that better suits your wants and needs. We prefer this term over downsizing, as it suggests you are giving up something, rather than trying something new.

There are plenty of moments throughout our lives where we will have recognised the need to right-size our home. We make space in the beginning for our children; we collect so many furnishings and items as they grow up, that by the time they leave the nest we’re left asking ourselves, what now?

Right-sizing offers you the opportunity to free up your time and to focus on the things that are most important to you. Be that an old hobby you’d like to start again, or something different altogether.

There are so many benefits to picking up where you are and moving into a space that better caters to your lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to try something new; move to that countryside suburb, or that breezy coastal town you’ve always loved.

Embrace the fear of missing out and use it as a motivational tool to push yourself to new heights; ask yourself what your heart desires.

It is important to take care to choose a home that you could see yourself in for a long time – moving is not anybody’s favourite task.

Right-sizing is a great opportunity to sort through the things you have collected throughout your life, keeping the things most important to you and getting rid of the rest.

Rather than a large, high-maintenance, suburban home with all the trimmings – opt for a home in a community with these facilities included. Living Gems Pacific Paradise offers residents all the facilities they could desire, without the hassle of maintenance. Relax in the spa, swim laps in the heated swimming pool, work out in the gym, start a new project in the hobby and craft room or put on your dancing shoes and join in the many social events.

Tags: downsizing, fear of missing out, Living Gems, moving home, rightsizing

13 Mar 2017

1134