News
17
Dec
Construction Underway at Living Gems Rockhampton
-
Posted by
Scott Ingram
Exciting progress is being made at Living Gems Rockhampton, with construction officially underway at our brand new over-50s lifestyle community in Parkhurst.The project has reached a significant milestone, with the first slab poured and the first frame already standing — a clear sign that this highly anticipated community is quickly becoming a reality.Celebrating a Milestone with Community LeadersTo mark the occasion, Living Gems was proud to be joined on site by Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams, Councillors Shane Latcham and Marika Taylor, and Living Gems CEO Anthony Puljich, as the first sod was turned.This milestone reflects not only strong progress on site, but also the shared vision for a vibrant new community that will offer exceptional lifestyle opportunities for over-50s living in Central Queensland.Strong Interest as Stage One Now SellingWith construction moving ahead rapidly, Stage One is now selling, and we are already seeing strong interest from both local buyers and those from across Central Queensland keen to secure...
17
Dec
Sales Centre Now Open at Living Gems Rockhampton
-
Posted by
Scott Ingram
Living Gems Rockhampton recently celebrated an exciting milestone with the official opening of our on-site Sales Centre, welcoming dozens of guests to the Parkhurst location.The event provided a wonderful opportunity to meet local residents and future homeowners, share our vision for this one-of-a-kind over-50s lifestyle community, and offer a first look at what life at Living Gems Rockhampton will be like.A Warm Welcome for Future ResidentsGuests enjoyed light refreshments and cold drinks while spending time with the Living Gems team, learning more about the thoughtfully designed homes, vibrant lifestyle, and impressive resort-style facilities planned for the community.The atmosphere reflected the welcoming, social environment that will define Living Gems Rockhampton — a place where residents can feel connected, active and supported as they move into their next chapter.Strong Interest as Stage One Now SellingWith Stage One now selling, interest continues to build from buyers across Central Queensland and beyond who are eager to secure their place early in this landmark development.Living...
03
Dec
Construction starts on 295-home Townsville over-50s
-
Posted by
Scott Ingram
Construction has commenced on a new $210 million over-50s community in Bohle Plains, Townsville – one of the first projects of its kind to be delivered in the North Queensland city since the 1970s.Townsville City Council Mayor Nick Dametto joined Living Gems CEO Anthony Puljich and homebuyers Rhonda and Terry Sanderson to turn the first sod on Living Gems Harris Crossing today (Tuesday, 2 December).The gated community will feature 295 low-maintenance homes designed to meet the needs of the region’s ageing population, where one in three residents is over 50, while helping to free family-sized housing for younger generations.Construction also commenced on the first of $16 million of community amenities, designed to help residents stay active, healthy and social, including a resort-style pool, pickleball court, golf simulator, bowling alley, bar, cinema, yoga space and RV parking.About 100 construction workers will be employed at any one time to bring Living Gems Harris Crossing to life over the next five years.Cr Dametto...
03
Dec
New 328-home Townsville over-50s community approved
-
Posted by
Scott Ingram
An artist's impression of Living Gems MacKinnon’s Reach Country Club House. Family-owned land lease developer Living Gems has been given the green light for its second Townsville community — a 328-home over-50s resort in the city’s south-west.The $180 million Living Gems MacKinnon’s Reach will be located on a 14.36-hectare greenfield parcel at 55 Lynam Road, Gumlow, in Maidment Group’s MacKinnon’s Reach masterplanned community.It is less than three kilometres from Living Gems Harris Crossing, which received approval in May (2025) and is also located within a Maidment Group community.The secure, gated Living Gems MacKinnon’s Reach will feature $19 million of resort-style amenities, including a Country Club, pickleball and tennis courts, lawn bowls, a community garden and RV parking.Living Gems CEO Anthony Puljich said the demand for housing in Townsville was strong.“We’ve been inundated with interest for Living Gems Harris Crossing, prompting our decision to secure approval for our second Townsville community to meet the high demand,” he said.“Premium resort-style living is a...
16
Oct
Standing room only at Harris Crossing information evening
-
Posted by
Scott Ingram
A big thank you to everyone who joined us at the Harris Crossing Information Evening - it was standing room only as locals came along to hear about our vision for Living Gems Harris Crossing.What stood out most was the incredible support from the community and the excitement many of you shared about the possibility of having such a beautiful place to call home. We loved chatting with you about what’s just around the corner for North Queensland living.Our Harris Crossing community is taking shape fast, with more than $16 million in premium lifestyle facilities on the way - including a stunning Country Club with a pool, gym, movie theatre, salon and much more.The community will also feature a Summer House with an outdoor pool and spaces to relax and connect, along with parking for RVs and caravans, plus many more thoughtful inclusions designed for true tropical resort-style living.We’re thrilled to share that Stage 1 of Living Gems Harris Crossing...
17
Sep
Living Gems unveils 186-home Moreton Bay community
-
Posted by
Scott Ingram
We're excited to unveil plans for a 186-home over-50s lifestyle community in Moreton Bay, with preliminary site works already underway ahead of the new resort's launch early next year.The $140 million community will be located at 273-308 Buckley Road in Burpengary East and feature modern low-maintenance homes alongside a $13 million Country Club, with luxury resort-style facilities including a pool, cinema, gym, and pickleball court.The development received approval from Moreton Bay Regional Council in November 2024. Civil construction has now commenced, with the first homes anticipated to start going up early next year (2026).Living Gems CEO Anthony Puljich said Living Gems Moreton Bay will meet continued high demand for ‘right-sized’ homes, while helping free up established homes in the area.“Moreton Bay is one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia, and that’s only going to gather pace in the years ahead,” he said.“The idyllic location, by the water and midway between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, make it popular with all...
20
Jul
Spoiling your best mate (because why not?)
-
Posted by
Matt Harris
Our Living Gems communities are proudly pet friendly because life’s just better with your best mate by your side. Whether it’s wagging tails, happy meows or cheerful chirps, our furry and feathered friends bring a whole lot of heart to everyday life.So why not spoil them a little? We’ve rounded up some top-notch pet gear that’s as practical as it is good-looking – because let’s be honest, no one wants ugly dog beds cluttering up the lounge.
For dogs who like the finer things
A designer dog house: Forget the old kennel out the back – this sleek plywood dog room is perfect for pups who appreciate modern living. From $729.A Chewy Vuiton handbag: For the dog who loves a bit of glam, this plush squeaky toy brings the laughs (and the squeaks). $29.95The Wallace dog bed: Tailored linen cover, plush insert – this bed is basically cloud-soft comfort for four-legged royalty. $260A toy kit that ticks all the boxes: Different textures,...
02
Jul
Is it time for a retirement plan check-up?
-
Posted by
Matt Harris
Retirement’s not about slowing down – it’s about choosing the life you really want. And according to retirement expert and bestselling author Rachel Lane, there’s never been a better time to check in on your plans.
With the cost of living still biting and superannuation changes on the horizon, Lane says downsizing could be one of the smartest moves over-50s can make.
“Downsizing can unlock lifestyle and financial freedom,” says Rachel. “You’ve got to think beyond the sale price – it’s about what you’re gaining.”
And for those moving into a land lease community, like a Living Gems lifestyle resort, that gain includes some unexpected perks. One of the big ones? A boost to Commonwealth Rent Assistance.
“The allowance increased by 10 percent in the 2024-2025 Federal Budget – on top of the 15 percent bump last year,” she explains. “For retirees on the Age Pension, that can make a big difference to everyday affordability.”
Here’s how it works: if you own your home and...
01
Jul
Cosy up with a winter favourite
-
Posted by
Matt Harris
As the temps drop and the jackets come out, Chef Matt Conquest is all about warming things up the best way he knows how – with hearty, home-cooked meals.
One of his go-to winter dishes is this slow-cooked lamb tagine with apricots and almonds – full of rich flavour, comforting spices, and just the thing to take the chill off.
“It’s a great dish to make ahead and enjoy over a few days, or even better, to share with friends on a cold winter night,” Matt says.
Get ready for something that’s as delicious as it is satisfying!Slow-cooked lamb tagine with apricots and almonds(Serves 4-6)
INGREDIENTS
1.2 kg lamb shoulder or leg, cut into chunks
Olive oil
1 large onion, finely sliced
4 garlic cloves, finely grated
2 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp sweet paprika
½ tsp turmeric (optional but traditional)
50 g tomato paste
1 tbsp honey
600 ml chicken or beef stock
400 g can diced tomatoes
100 g...
22
Jun
Living Gems Harris Crossing community gets green light for Townsville
-
Posted by
lachlan
Living Gems is preparing to launch a $210 million over-50s community, Living Gems Harris Crossing, with a suite of luxury amenities including a resort-style pool, bowling alley and yoga space, in Bohle Plains, after receiving approval from Townsville City Council this week (21 May 2025).The 295-home gated lifestyle resort will be located on a 13.6-hectare parcel at 99 Hogarth Drive, within Maidment Group’s Harris Crossing community in the city’s fast-growing west.Early works have started on site, with Townsville civil construction business, Mendi Constructions, appointed to complete the first stage of activity.Living Gems Harris Crossing will be one of the first land lease communities for Townsville since the 1970s and is designed to meet significant demand from its ageing population.Living Gems Director and CEO Adrian Puljich said Census data showed more than a third (34.3 percent) of Townsville’s residents were over 50, equating to about 80,000 residents.“A lot of those people will be looking to downsize in the next few years,...
17
Jun
Saving energy with everyday electronics
-
Posted by
Matt Harris
Smart tech that pulls its weightAppliances that do their job without guzzling powerLow-tech hacks that still pack a punchMake your home work smarter – not harderSources:Energex – Appliance energy saving tips
Energy Rating
Queensland Government – Home energy savings
Energy Victoria – Top 10 energy saving tips
