News
Construction Underway at Living Gems Rockhampton
17
Dec
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
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...
10
Dec
Living Gems Harris Crossing Sales Centre Now Open
We are delighted to announce that the Sales Centre at Living Gems Harris Crossing is officially open, marking an exciting milestone for our newest lifestyle resort in tropical North Queensland. Designed to deliver exceptional comfort, community, and resort-quality amenities, Living Gems Harris Crossing represents the next chapter in premium over-50s living in Townsville.Our launch welcomed dozens of guests for an exclusive first look at what will become one of the region’s premier lifestyle communities. Visitors enjoyed fresh barista-made coffee, light refreshments, and the opportunity to meet future neighbours and speak with our knowledgeable Living Gems team. The sense of anticipation was unmistakable, and the community spirit is already taking shape.
A New Benchmark for Lifestyle Living in Townsville
Nestled within 13.6 hectares in the rapidly growing Harris Crossing precinct, Living Gems Harris Crossing is thoughtfully designed to include approximately 295 low-maintenance homes, paired with more than $16 million in premium, resort-style amenities.Future residents can look forward to an exceptional range of facilities,...
03
Dec
Construction starts on 295-home Townsville over-50s
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
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
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
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...
05
Aug
The low-down on land lease communities.
When it comes time to ‘rightsize’ your home for your over-50s and beyond, there’s a lot of choice — and, sometimes, a lot of jargon.Here, Living Gems CEO Anthony Puljich explains what land lease communities, often referred to as over-50s lifestyle resorts, are and why they’ve become one of Australia’s fastest growing housing types.
What is a land lease community?
Land lease communities are residential enclaves where homeowners own their homes and rent the land, through a modest weekly site fee. This fee covers security, amenities, gardens, communal areas, and management. As Anthony explains, it affords land lease communities a high level of well-maintained onsite amenity.“All our communities offer gated security for peace of mind,” says Anthony.“We also have extensive resort-style amenities for residents which may include a pool, bowling alley, gym, lawn bowls, golf simulator, yoga space, workshop, alfresco dining, barbecues, a dog run, tennis court, pickleball court, RV parking – the list goes on.“It’s why these communities are most...
20
Jul
Spoiling your best mate (because why not?)
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,...
18
Jul
What is a land lease community?
If you’re over 50 and ready for less maintenance and more lifestyle, land lease communities might be just what you’re looking for. A land lease community (LLC) is a simple idea that delivers a lot of value. You own your home outright and lease the land it sits on, with your right to live there protected by law. It’s a smart way to downsize, release equity and boost your lifestyle – without the heavy costs of traditional retirement options.
How does it work?
Buying into a land lease community means: You own a brand-new, high-quality home You lease the land and pay a modest weekly site fee There’s no stamp duty You keep 100 percent of any capital gains when you sell There are no entry or exit fees And if you are eligible for the Age Pension or Department of Veterans’ Affairs support, you might be eligible for rent assistance, making things even more affordable.
You own your home, not the land
Homes in...
18
Jul
Adjusting to retirement – your guide to doing it your way
Retirement should feel like a new beginning – a chance to live life your way. But let’s be real – making the shift from full-time work to full-time freedom doesn’t always happen overnight.Whether you’re saying goodbye to a long career or figuring out how to manage a new income, it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty. With the right approach, though, you can make retirement one of the most rewarding chapters yet.
The emotional side of retirement
Stepping away from the working world can feel like losing part of your identity – and that can take a toll. Research shows up to 15 percent of older Aussies experience depression, with anxiety numbers not far behind.This is what’s often called ‘adjusting to retirement’ depression. You might feel lonely, unmotivated or like you’re searching for purpose – especially if work gave you a strong routine and regular social contact.The Australian Psychological Society reckons building resilience and staying socially connected can make...
