Les ‘Sprout’ Bean considers himself one of the lucky ones when it came to serving in the Vietnam War.As an electronics technician in the Signals Corp, he was sent to Vietnam and Singapore for signals exercises.“I was also in Vung Tao for a while where we sent communications back to Australia and New Zealand throughout the war. We had to carry a rifle, but I’m pleased to say I never had to fire a shot in anger. You could say mine was a pretty cushy job,” said the Amber by Living Gems veteran.Les returned several times to Nui Dat where he worked from an air-conditioned building.“I had it pretty good although the airport close by did get mortared at one stage, but we were okay and not in any danger.”Les was 17 when he joined the Army in June 1963 – a tour of duty that would last some 23 years.“Most of my time was spent from Victoria to Queensland...

Anticipation is building for the 19 April grand opening of the Country Club at Amber by Living Gems.The $10.5 million two-storey building is the jewel in the crown of the Logan Village resort with homeowners counting down the days until they can enjoy the full range of activities and facilities that the Country Club will offer.“This month sees the finishing touches taking place to transform the interior into a chic and modern facility that homeowners will love spending time in,” said Living Gems CEO Adrian Puljich.“Just a few weeks ago, the golf simulator was installed, which will excite many of our experienced golfers and will no doubt encourage new players to give the sport a try,” he said.“I know the games room will be very popular and residents will be keen to perfect their strike on the ten-pin bowling lanes which are now ready for the first games.”The Country Club is ready to host large gatherings with the commercial kitchen...

Couple taking all the hard work out of downsizingIndulging in fun, physical activities to keep fit and healthy instead of spending time undertaking endless maintenance around a large house, garden, and acreage was the inspiration behind Ross and Rhonda Lillistone’s recent move to Amber by Living Gems over50s lifestyle resort.Previously, the couple lived for 19 years on a property at Esk and with Ross, 69, enduring some health concerns, they decided they would downsize while they were still young enough to enjoy all the first-class facilities available within the Living Gems community.“We also wanted to be closer to family, especially our daughter who has undergone some brutal cancer treatment over the past 15 months, and ensure whatever happens in the future, we would be there if she needs us while also being safe, secure and totally independent ourselves. Living here allows us to do that without being a burden on our family,” said Rhonda, 72.The decision to move to Amber...

There is a reason why so many people love living in leafy Logan Village. Not only is there a charming village atmosphere but there is also plenty to do right on your doorstep.Learn to belly dance Fridays, 9:30am - 10:30am Get fit and have a lot of fun in the process. Belly dancing improves fitness levels, coordination, rhythm and balance. Bring a few friends and enjoy learning a new skill in a safe and friendly environment. The cost is only $5 per week. Address: Logan Village Lions Community Hall, 21-23 Wharf Street, Logan Village For more information: bit.ly/3OHKlVm Time for tai-chi Fridays, 9am - 10am If belly dancing is not your thing, then why not try the gentle martial art of tai-chi. Tai-chi can enhance balance, strength and coordination. Improve flexibility as well as physical and mental wellbeing with these classes. Join for $5 per week. Address: Logan Village Green, 11-15 Logan Street, Logan Village For more information: bit.ly/3uxLQOZ Sunday markets Sundays, 6am to 12pm Whether you’re looking for farm-fresh fruit and...

The first of Amber by Living Gems’ exclusive two-storey homes are nearing completion and are expected to be ready for viewing in mid March There are just five of these luxurious homes available, each boasting three bedrooms and between 230sqm to 233sqm of living space. Located in Stage Two, just a short walk from the Country Club, the double-storey homes – the Bowen, Stanley, and Archer designs – start from $830,000.Amber by Living Gems Sales Manager Lynda Ruddell said buyers would be blown away by the quality of the new two-storey homes, as well as the generous array of standard inclusions.“All day-to-day living needs are met on the main level which features a spacious master bedroom, complete with walk-in wardrobe and double vanity ensuite bathroom, powder room, a designer kitchen, and open-plan living areas opening onto a good-sized alfresco – perfect for embracing indoor-outdoor living,” Lynda said.A contemporary elevator and stairs lead to the upper level of each home where there...

Plans aplenty as residents eagerly await openingThe opening of the $10.5 million Amber by Living Gems Country Club is set to be the highlight of 2024 for the over-50s lifestyle resort’s homeowners, who are already planning their ‘must do’ activities’ lists ahead of the official opening.Expected to be completed within the next couple of months, the stunning, contemporary two-storey building already has residents watching its progress daily, although with work now being carried out on the interiors, the extent of the progress is taking place behind closed doors.“It is going to be a real surprise when we get to see it all on opening day. It’s already looking amazing! The Country Club has been of major appeal to us since we first moved in. We knew it was being built and what we could expect but there is nothing like the real thing. Tania and I want to try everything once it is open, and we can’t wait,” said homeowner...

Moving into their brand-new home at Amber by Living Gems was a day David and Andrea McNabb will remember always, not only because it marked an exciting new chapter in their lives but also because the timing could not have been more perfect.“We moved in on 4 September, 41 years to the day of our wedding. Not only that but we also signed the contract at 11am, which was the actual time we were married. It was pretty iconic,” said David.Realising settlement on their new home was imminent, the couple had celebrated their anniversary the week before during a ten-day trip to Caloundra, which is where they had spent their honeymoon all those years ago.Their love story is one for the romantics of the world and those who believe in fate.“Fate certainly played a part in us meeting,” said Andrea. “David was on the second last day of his holidays in Australia from Northern Ireland in 1980 when we met....

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so if you’re looking to curry some favour, or something to make him a little more sweet, then we have great lunch and dinner recommendations from some of the best restaurants in the Logan area.Kastury’s Indian Restaurant & Cafe 2/1 James Street, BeenleighDiscover a whole world of flavoursome cuisine from India. Kastury’s Indian Restaurant and Cafe is a fully licensed al a carte restaurant, specialising in cuisine from the provinces of India. What could be more romantic than sharing freshly made dishes starting with samosas and curry puffs? In addition to all your favourite Indian dishes, why not make Valentine’s Day extra special by trying a new dish accompanied by tasty naan breads, chutneys and delicious side dishes. Devon Pixies 270 Jacaranda Avenue, Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct, Logan CityTea for two? Yes please! Logan’s first dedicated tea house brings a slice of a traditional English morning or afternoon tea to the...

Construction of the Amber by Living Gems Country Club is coming into its final stages, with the finishing touches on the $10.5 million facility well underway.Expected to be completed within the next three months, the stunning, contemporary two-storey building is rapidly coming together.Living Gems CEO Adrian Puljich said the commercial construction team was powering ahead to deliver the Country Club as soon as possible.“With the team well into the finishing stages, we expect upstairs tiling to be completed this month and are looking forward to commissioning the ten-pin bowling lanes in February, as well as installing the golf simulator,” Adrian said.“Work is also progressing well on the outdoor facilities which includes the lawn bowls area, pickleball and bocce courts, and the firepit,” he said.“The team is currently on track to complete the swimming pool tiling this month, reaching another milestone in the construction program.”Installation of a children’s playground is scheduled to start in February or March.“This will be a fantastic...

Stepping up for an exciting year ahead2024 will be a year like no other for Don and Tania Mansfield who have downsized from a one-hectare property to a brand-new home at Amber by Living Gems over 50s lifestyle resort ... and they're excited!“We have a new home, new friends and combine this with the new Country Club which will be ready soon, life is simply perfect,” said the couple."From 1989 we lived in the Kenmore area and that's where we raised our family before moving to the property six years ago. Retirement loomed so we thought about downsizing and came across Amber at Logan Village. ‘Where's that?’, we thought at the time," quipped Don.Married 50 years, Don and Tania, who have two daughters and three grandchildren, knew it was to be the site of their future home straight away and put down a deposit on the spot."Tania loved the rural feel and quality of homes immediately, and although we did...

Looking after the grandkids these school holidays will be a joy with plenty of free and low-cost activities for ages 5 to 17.The Logan City Council has collated a great list of fun things to do on their website - logan.qld.gov.au/krank-school-holiday-program-2Here are some ideas that caught our eye. Park and play Head to Underwood Park on Underwood Road on 6 January between 10am and noon for Pop-Up Play. Children aged between five and 11 can use their imaginations to enjoy ‘messy play’ and use supplied items at the park to create their own adventures. The cost is free.For more information: logan.qld.gov.au/events/event/1791/pop-up-play-5-to-11-years Kayaking fun Children aged six to 11 can enjoy connecting with nature on a guided kayak adventure. The group meets at the Stanmore Road Causeway at Wolffdene on 11 January between 8:45am and 10:45am. The cost is $2 per person.For more information: logan.qld.gov.au/events/event/1795/kayaking-6-to-11-years Clowning about Let the grandkids run away to the circus - for one day at least. At PCYC Crestmead on Gimlet Street,...