News
Is it time for a retirement plan check-up?
02
Jul
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
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...
17
Jun
Saving energy with everyday electronics
No one wants to spend more on power than they have to. And while we all enjoy creature comforts, wasting electricity just doesn’t make sense. The good news? There are plenty of simple, no-fuss ways to make your home run smarter – saving energy, money and a few headaches along the way.
Smart tech that pulls its weight
You don’t need to turn your home into a space station to get the benefits of smart tech. A few clever gadgets can make a real difference. Take a smart thermostat – it figures out when you’re home and adjusts the temperature to suit, without you lifting a finger. Smart lights? You can schedule, dim or switch them off from your phone so you’re not lighting up the house like a cricket oval when no one’s around. And smart plugs or power boards help stop appliances from sneaking power while you’re not using them – all with a tap on your screen.
Fun fact: Smart...
17
Jun
Everyday ways to get moving
You don’t need a gym membership or a rigid routine to take care of your heart – sometimes the best kind of exercise is simply woven into your day.
Whether it’s a walk on the beach, a dip in the pool, or a stroll through the park, gentle movement can do wonders for your wellbeing, according to health and fitness trainer Josh Kristenson who offers the following tips:
Start at the shoreline
A walk along the beach is an easy way to get your heart rate up while enjoying the fresh sea air. Begin on the firmer sand near the water’s edge to ease pressure on your joints, and once you’re feeling stronger, try the softer sand for an extra challenge.
Cool off in the pool
Swimming is kind on the joints and great for the heart. Whether you’re doing laps, walking in the water, or just kicking gently as you float, it’s a low-impact way to stay active – and perfect on warmer days.
Enjoy...
16
Jun
Small changes, big impact: how to beat plastic pollution at home
World Environment Day on 5 June is a great reminder that real change doesn’t need to start with big institutions – it starts at home, and it starts with us.
This year’s theme, Beat Plastic Pollution, is all about facing the problem head-on and making smarter, more sustainable choices in our everyday lives. While the stats are eye-opening – Australia generates 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, with only about 13 per cent getting recycled – the solutions don’t have to be daunting.
Let’s protect the places we love
Here at Living Gems, we know how lucky we are to live in some of Australia’s most beautiful locations. And while the problems of the world can feel overwhelming, taking small, practical steps in our own homes is something we can control.
This World Environment Day, let’s commit to doing our bit – because every plastic-free swap helps protect the places we love and keeps them thriving for future generations.
Rethink your kitchen routine
The...
01
Jun
Gnocchi night just got better
There’s nothing quite like a plate of homemade gnocchi – soft, golden bites that are full of comfort and flavour. This saffron potato gnocchi recipe is a simple way to turn everyday ingredients into something truly special, whether you're cooking for yourself or sharing with friends.
Chef Matt Conquest recommends this dish as a go-to for cooler evenings or when you feel like something warm and hearty.
“The saffron brings a gentle lift to the gnocchi without overpowering it,” says Matt. “It’s a great base for just about any sauce – from burnt butter and basil to a creamy blue cheese or a rich tomato.”
With a bit of patience and a light touch, you’ll have a dish that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat – no fancy tools required.
Saffron potato gnocchi
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
750g starchy potato, sebago, russet or Idaho
150g plain flour
1 egg, whole
150g parmesan, finely grated
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp saffronTreats can be stored in an air-tight container and in...
01
Jun
Six tips for saving for retirement – a practical guide
We squirrel money away for all sorts of things – holidays, home renos, a new set of wheels – so why not for retirement too? With a bit of planning (and a few smart moves), you can set yourself up for a future that’s not just secure, but seriously enjoyable.
1. Start with a plan
Getting financially retirement-ready begins with knowing where you’re at now. Take a fresh look at your budget and assess whether your current path will get you to the lifestyle you want. A clear savings plan will help you work out how much you need to set aside each month, based on your stage of life and financial goals. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach – your plan should be tailored to you.
2. Make savings automatic
Once you know how much you want to save, make it easy on yourself by automating your savings. One of the best ways to do this is through salary sacrificing – contributing part of...
22
May
Living Gems Harris Crossing community gets green light for Townsville
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,...
13
May
Top 10 downsizing mistakes to avoid
Thinking of trading big for better? You’re not alone.
For a growing number of Aussies over 50, downsizing isn’t just about shedding square metres — it’s about making space for more of what matters. Less stuff, more freedom. Less upkeep, more time for the good things.
But as exciting as it is, a move like this still comes with its fair share of gotchas.
Whether you’re leaving the family home or heading for a sea or treechange, here are some common downsizing mistakes to dodge — so you can start your next chapter with confidence.
Common traps when downsizing (and how to avoid them)
Downsizing isn’t about giving up — it’s about gearing up for something better. So, before you start packing boxes, take a moment to think about what your future lifestyle could really look like.
1. Not thinking long-term
A smaller house doesn’t mean smaller dreams. Ask yourself: will you want space for visiting grandkids? A veggie patch or a hobby room? Maybe you’re ready...
13
May
Planning your transition to retirement – A practical guide for over-50s
After years of juggling work, family, and everything in between, the thought of stepping into retirement should feel exciting — not overwhelming.
But let’s face it: for many of us, the idea of calling it quits overnight doesn’t quite fit. That’s where a transition to retirement (TTR) strategy can make all the difference.
With a little forward planning, a TTR approach gives you more flexibility and financial freedom as you shift into the next stage of life — your way.
What is a transition to retirement strategy?
If you’re aged 60 or over and still working, you might be able to access part of your super without fully retiring.
A TTR strategy allows you to move some of your super into a TTR pension account. This gives you the option to:
Ease back your working hours and top up your income using regular pension payments, or
Keep working full-time, increase your salary-sacrificed contributions, and draw a tax-effective income from your super to maintain your take-home pay.
You can...
13
May
A delicious nod to the season
As the cooler months start to roll in, there’s something special about a warm, savoury dish that brings people together. This wild mushroom and parmesan sformato is rich, earthy, and wonderfully comforting – the kind of meal that feels right at home on a cosy autumn afternoon.
Chef Matt Conquest says: “It’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and ideal as a starter or light meal.
“Served with crusty sourdough or fresh greens, it’s full of flavour and simplicity. And the best part? You can swap out the mushrooms for your favourite seasonal vegetable – like cauliflower or baby spinach – to suit your tastes.”
Warm, satisfying, and made for good company – it's what Living Gems life is all about.
Wild Mushroom and Parmesan Sformato (Italian set cream)
Makes 8 x 120 ml moulds
INGREDIENTS
10 g dried wild mushrooms, soak in water until soft
10 g dried porcini mushrooms, soak in water until soft
100 g field mushrooms, sliced
100 g button mushrooms
25 ml extra virgin olive oil
Truffle...
