Here’s to the New Year - GemLife · Paradise Pavilion, is well under way and remains on schedule for a mid-2021 opening. On site at our Sunshine Coast hinterland resort, ... also

JANUARY 202 1

Here’s to the New Year

The sky’s the limit

PAG E

07New home, new lifeMeet GemLife’s 500th residents

New year, new youOur residents’ resolutions

PAG E

04New sales office openRainbow Beach open for business

PAG E

03

2 The Gem www.gemlife.com.au 3JANUARY 2021

Director’s Message2021 HAS ARRIVED AND THE YEAR AHEAD PROMISES TO BE ANOTHER ACTION-PACKED ONE FOR GEMLIFE WITH NEW RESORTS COMING ON LINE AND SEVERAL EXCITING LAUNCHES AND SPECIAL EVENTS IN THE WORKS.

Yours sincerely,

Adrian Puljich Director & CEO

more complete picture of what the resort will offer thanks to a suite of impressive interactive features.

At our picturesque rural resort in Highfields, Stage Five earthworks are continuing, as is residential construction in stages three and four.

Last month we welcomed GemLife Rainbow Beach’s new sales manager, Craig Dixon, to the GemLife team. Craig brings a wealth of local knowledge and experience to his role and will be an invaluable asset at our latest resort on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales - GemLife’s first in this vibrant region (see page 3). The sales office is now open and Craig and the team look forward to introducing the GemLife lifestyle to this beautiful part of the coast.

In Victoria, at GemLife Woodend, our idyllic resort in the Macedon Ranges region, the resort’s outdoor recreational precinct, which includes a barbecue pavilion, bocce, pickleball and petanque courts, was completed. These outdoor facilities, along with the stunning lakeside country club, offer something for everyone to enjoy. The team made excellent headway on Stage Four civil works which were completed prior to the Christmas break.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our residents - current and future - a very happy new year and all the best for a wonderful 2021.

As we leave 2020 behind and the new year kicks off, we asked our residents to share their New Year’s resolutions and they had plenty of inspirational ideas, big and small, for making the most of 2021 (see page 4).

2020 was a huge year for GemLife with four new resorts added to our growing number of locations and construction powering ahead at sites around Australia. Despite the significant challenges of COVID-19, GemLife made great strides forward and it has been tremendously rewarding to see our communities grow and flourish.

On the Sunshine Coast, residents at GemLife Maroochy Quays are enjoying their stunning new Summer House, making the most of the beautiful resort-style swimming pool, pool house, garden croquet lawn, barbecue facilities and more. Work on the boardwalk is coming into the final stages and there was also excellent progress on the country club with the roof going on this month.

At GemLife Pacific Paradise construction on the outdoor pool and recreation precinct, the Paradise Pavilion, is well under way and remains on schedule for a mid-2021 opening.

On site at our Sunshine Coast hinterland resort, GemLife Palmwoods, civil works are continuing and we are currently on schedule to begin home construction by the middle of the year. Thanks to its charming and picturesque location, the resort continues to attract strong interest among those looking for a leaf-change, as seen by the excellent turn-out at our GemLife Palmwoods information session last month.

Construction is continuing at GemLife Gold Coast’s state-of-the-art sales experience centre, and the team is looking forward to seeing this unique building, which will help buyers get a


GEMLIFE RAINBOW BEACH, OPENED FOR BUSINESS LAST MONTH WITH A NEW SALES OFFICE ON SITE, HEADED UP BY LONG-TIME LOCAL REALTOR CRAIG DIXON.

Director & CEO of GemLife Adrian Puljich said the team was excited to introduce the GemLife lifestyle to buyers looking for exceptional over-50s living with high-quality homes and first-class facilities within a secure, gated and pet-friendly community.

“Lake Cathie and the entire Mid North Coast of New South Wales is one of the most beautiful parts of the Australian coast. With the deep local experience that Craig brings to the sales team, together with the terrific lifestyle on offer at GemLife, I expect this resort will sell very quickly,” said Adrian.

At the temporary sales office, located on Forest Parkway in Lake Cathie, buyers can have all their questions answered, view floor plans, carpet, tile and colour-scheme samples, and browse price lists for GemLife Rainbow Beach’s stunning, open-plan two and three-bedroom home designs.

Surrounded by the beauty and tranquillity of the region’s endless pristine beaches and spectacular seaside rainforest, and near to renowned wineries and a thriving arts culture, GemLife Rainbow Beach offers relaxed, low-maintenance living in an increasingly sought-after coastal location.

The resort will feature about 160 homes, a two-storey country club with a huge range of social and recreational facilities including an extensive suite of outdoor facilities. Lake Cathie is about 20 minutes from Port Macquarie.

GemLife Rainbow Beach sales office opens its doors

About Craig Dixon

A long-time local of the Lake Cathie area, Craig brings 24 years of real estate experience to his new role as Sales Manager at GemLife Rainbow Beach. A licensed real estate agent and auctioneer, Craig has extensive knowledge about and passion for Lake Cathie and the surrounding region. Prior to joining GemLife, Craig worked in real estate in Lake Cathie for 17 years, most recently with Elders. He started his career in real estate in the Port Macquarie Hastings Region.

GEMLIFE RAINBOW BEACH SALES

Craig Dixon, Sales Manager

0417 261 100 [email protected] 20 Forest Parkway Lake Cathie NSW 2445 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm Saturday

1800 718 413 | GemLife.com.au/grb

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.gemlife.com.au


“I want to take more advantage of all the

activities our country club has to offer, as well as be able to ride further

than 50 metres on my pushbike without

needing oxygen!”

Kathryn McIntyre GemLife Highfields

“My New Year’s resolution is not to make any! The ones

I’ve made in the past lasted approximately three days … but my

intentions were good.”

Barbara Rowlingson GemLife Bribie Island

“We are really looking forward to 2021 after a tough year in Victoria. We’re grateful that we were in GemLife in Woodend during the long winter lockdown rather than being in metro Melbourne. We missed seeing our family and friends. We’re looking forward to continued enjoyment of the fabulous facilities in our beautiful country club. We’re also looking forward to spending a lot more time catching up with our friends and particularly our family. We have planned a trip on the Ghan to Darwin and a few days in Broome mid-year. 2021 is going to be a great year!”

Jim and Julie Brook GemLife Woodend4 The Gem

The magic of new beginnings

GemLife residents share their New Year’s resolutions

Every year, millions of people make New Year’s resolutions, hoping to spark positive change in their lives. Here is what our residents

are looking forward to in 2021.

THE GEM - JANUARY 2021


“Enjoy living in my beautiful new GemLife

home. Already achieved!

Meeting so many lovely like-minded people. I

wouldn’t want to change anything. This is paradise

in Pacific Paradise.”

Mary Earnshaw GemLife Pacific Paradise

“I was going to send GemLife my New

Year’s resolution list this morning, but

unfortunately, I spilt red wine over it last night

and can’t read it ... will try again next year.”

Wayne Woods GemLife Maoochy Quays

“To continue approaching life with a glass half-

full not half-empty attitude. Embracing change, adventure,

opportunities, family and friends on life’s

journey!”

Heather Lloyd GemLife Bribie Island

“My New Year’s resolution will be getting back into my fitness. Since

the pandemic and the move to our new home at GemLife Maroochy

Quays, I have become too relaxed. I am planning to spend an hour four times a week to exercise until the opening of the country club then

I’ll be going to the gym five times a week and can’t wait.”

Rosemay Dunn GemLife Maroochy Quays

“Having worked for over 40 years,

I am looking forward to a new

chapter in my life after retiring last

month to enjoy my new lifestyle

at Gemlife Maroochy Quays

(great resort), having lots of fun

challenges, meeting and making

lots of new friends and friendships.”

Jeanette Mackenzie

GemLife Maroochy Quays

www.gemlife.com.au 5JANUARY 2021

“I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions, because

you can start a healthy habit and give it up three days later any time of the year. I was going to quit all

my bad habits. But then it occurred to me that no

one likes a quitter.”

Errol Strong GemLife Bribie Island




When we first visited the resort

we thought it was just magnificent.

It’s really a step up from the other

over-50s resorts that we’ve seen.

Little did they know that they were GemLife’s 500th residents, and to celebrate the milestone, GemLife surprised them with a hot-air balloon trip.

“It was incredible, hot-air ballooning is something we’d always wanted to try and it just happened to be our 49th wedding anniversary the week that we went,” said Shane.

“It was a very special way to start our new life at GemLife.”

Three years ago the couple bought a house on Bribie Island to escape the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast but quickly realised their new house was holding them back.

“My parents lived on Bribie Island years ago and we always thought it was a lovely place so three years ago we bought a house on the island,” said Shane.

“We travel a lot and found that the work involved to keep the house maintained

WHEN SHANE AND ROBYN BELL FREED THEMSELVES FROM A LIFE OF TIME-CONSUMING HOME UPKEEP, TAKING UP A LOW MAINTENANCE, LOCK-UP AND GO LIFESTYLE AT GEMLIFE BRIBIE ISLAND, THEY NEVER ANTICIPATED THE ADVENTURE AWAITING THEM.

Flying highGemLife’s 500th residents reach new heights


and finding people to come look after it while we travelled was too much, so we decided to try another over-50s resort.”

After visiting the resort, the Bells were certain they had found the perfect place.

“We’re really looking forward to settling into our new home, which is just beautiful, and being able to use the facilities like the pool, cinema, ten-pin bowling and the gym without having to leave to leave the resort or worry about maintaining them,” said Robyn.

“We also love the atmosphere of the resort. Everyone is very friendly and there are people with a range of ages and many more people closer to our age than people expect.”

Keen explorers, Shane and Robyn were also drawn to the security of the resort, the on-site storage for their motorhome, and the ability to hit the road at a moment’s notice.

“We’re very excited about being able to hop in our motorhome and leave without worrying about the security or maintenance of our home,” said Robyn.

“We love to explore Australia. Most recently we’ve been to Tasmania and the Kimerblies and once we’re settled we’re planning to revisit Tasmania and Western Australia,” said Shane.

With Robyn a keen runner and Shane a Harley Davidson rider, the active couple are also keen to explore their new home on foot and by bike this year.



Here’s to the year that was

THERE’S NEVER A DULL MOMENT AT GEMLIFE! 2020 WAS AN INCREDIBLY BUSY AND EVENTFUL YEAR ACROSS ALL RESORTS DESPITE THE CHALLENGES OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC.

The past year saw many new residents joining the GemLife family and making new friends, fabulous new resorts and facilities popping up, and more amazing events and social activities than we can keep track of.

Take a glimpse at some of the incredible memories made and milestones reached throughout GemLife’s year that was!

Looking back at 2020




HERE’S TO THE YEAR THAT WAS | LOOKING BACK AT 2020





GemLife generosity

OVER THE PAST YEAR, GEMLIFE STAFF AND RESIDENTS HAVE COME TOGETHER TO SHOW THEIR GENEROUS SPIRITS, TAKING PART IN A NUMBER OF FUNDRAISING INITIATIVES FOR VARIOUS CAUSES ACROSS AUSTRALIA AND RAISING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS.

From bake sales, barbecues, and knitting pouches for native wildlife injured in the summer bushfires, to sewing COVID-safe scrub caps and masks for hospitals, as well as hygiene bags for indigenous children in remote parts of Australia, our communities showed their big hearts.

Some of the causes supported by GemLife this year included the Australian Koala Foundation, Australian Red Cross, Cancer Council Australia, WIRES Wildlife Rescue Organisation, Polished Man, Red Cross and Helping our Hospital Heroes.

In addition to donating hand-made goods and volunteering their time, GemLife’s residents and staff raised nearly $19,000 in 2020.

GemLife Director and CEO Adrian Puljich said the GemLife community had really stepped up and surpassed expectations last year.

“It was amazing and inspiring to see the generousity and selflessness of the GemLife community and I cannot wait to see what our staff and residents will achieve in 2021,” said Adrian.

How our communities dug deep to help those in need




AFTER YEARS WORKING IN KINGAROY, NEW RETIREES NOEL AND ROBYN ERNEST DECIDED TO RETURN TO THEIR COUNTY ROOTS IN THE TOOWOOMBA REGION BUT STRUGGLED TO FIND A HOME THAT SUITED THEIR LIFESTYLE, UNTIL THEY CAME ACROSS GEMLIFE HIGHFIELDS.

Prior to retirement, the couple’s careers left them with little time for socialising, with Mr Ernest working for the Australian Post and Mrs Ernest working as an aged-care nurse.

“I didn’t have time to see my friends or meet new people, which is something I missed and wanted to do after retiring,” said Noel.

“We’d been house hunting for a while but couldn’t find exactly what we were looking for until my sister, who lives just up the road from GemLife, suggested Noel and I take a look,” said Robyn.

After one visit to the resort the Ernests had found exactly what they were looking for.

“I reckon Noel fell in love with GemLife about two minutes after setting foot in the resort,” joked Robyn.

“The people that we’ve met in our short time at GemLife have been absolutely amazing. The people here are really great and go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and help out where they can,” said Noel.

“We were also drawn to the location of the resort. From shopping centres to doctors and

The perfect place to call home



supermarkets, everything you could possibly need is close by.”

For Robyn one of the biggest challenges of any move is making new friends, but even that was made easy at the resort.

Having a good group of friends is very important to me and the hardest part of moving was leaving my friends behind,” she said.

“I’m very grateful for all the classes and social groups and events on offer at GemLife because it gives me a chance to meet new friends.”

We like the security, the fact

that we don’t have a big garden

to look after and the sense of

community.



HAVE YOU EVER HEARD THE TERM LAND LEASE COMMUNITY AND WONDERED EXACTLY WHAT IT MEANS, OR WONDERED WHAT MAKES GEMLIFE’S OVER-50s LIFESTYLE RESORTS DIFFERENT FROM A RETIREMENT VILLAGE?

GemLife over-50s lifestyle resorts operate as land lease communities (LLCs), also known as residential parks, a model that provides an innovative and sustainable way to finance affordable housing ideal for those ready to downsize in order to upsize their lifestyle.

Living in a lifestyle resort is not just for the retired, it is also for those working full-time or part-time as well as empty-nesters. Life in a LLC also provides residents with a community of neighbours that share similar lifestyle aspirations and many social opportunities such as events and activities – both organised and informal.

Living in an over-50s lifestyle resort allows residents to own and occupy their own homes, designed specifically with a low-maintenance, lock-up and go lifestyle in mind as well as a multitude of long-term financial benefits including:

No entry or exit fees

Residents in LLCs lease the land that their house sits on instead of purchasing it, resulting in no entry fees as well as exemption from council fees and stamp duty. In addition to no entry fees, GemLife does not charge exit fees (sometimes called Deferred Management Fees) should you choose to sell your home.

Retention of 100% of capital gains

Along with no exit fees, homeowners of properties in LLCs keep 100% of capital gains upon the sale of their homes, unlike retirement villages, which often keep a percentage of capital gains.

Financial Assistance

If you are a pensioner in a LLC you may be eligible for Government Rental Assistance which helps cover a large portion of your site fees and is payable at a rate of 75 cents for every dollar of rent paid above the ‘rent threshold’.

LLCs charge weekly site fees to cover the cost of operating and maintaining the site and facilities. At GemLife resorts these fees contribute to security gates, the resort bus, country club and communal area maintenance, components of council fees and charges, as well as onsite managers and administration of the resort. Site fees are reviewed annually.

In short, LLCs are based on a simple and transparent structure that provides homeowners with the flexibility and financial freedom to embrace a whole new lifestyle.

What exactly is a land lease community?The GemLife model




DOWN 1. Clown 2. Writer, ... Christie 3. Strolls 4. Skies 5. Organiser 6. Cave-dwelling monsters 7. Towards the top 8. Seoul natives14. Unrestrained16. Anaesthetic gas17. Bar account18. Inquire19. Distressing22. Sneeze noise (1-6)24. Twiddles with25. Shout26. Goaded (5,2)28. Earmarked29. Solid CO2 (3,3)30. Biblical prayers31. Tennis ace, Andre ...

ACROSS 1. Actor/director, Kenneth ... 5. Randomness (3,4) 9. Show of courage10. Lethal11. Yearly holidays, annual ...12. Perpetual13. Spoken tests15. Family car17. Russian emperors20. In the past

21. Owned23. Roasted27. Carried (gun)30. Collision32. Knocks back (proposal)33. Drenched34. Astonish35. Set up (machinery)36. Weirdness37. Space flight

The Gem crosswordWelcome to The Gem’s monthly crossword. Enjoy the game.

LOOKING FOR LOVE STORIES

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTION

WITH VALENTINE’S DAY COMING UP NEXT MONTH, WE ARE LOOKING TO SHARE THE LOVE WITH GEMLIFE’S BEST LOVE STORIES.

From budding new relationships, to highschool sweethearts, and all tales of romance in-between, we want to hear from you!

Current and future residents are invited to share their love stories with the GemLife community for a chance to be featured in February’s newsletter. Email [email protected]

Share

the love



MANY GREAT MINDS HAVE PONDERED OVER THE GENTLE YET POWERFUL FORCE OF KINDNESS. FROM TOWERING ANCIENT GREEK PHILOSOPHER ARISTOTLE TO THE REVERED US PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D ROOSEVELT AND THE DALAI LAMA, KINDNESS HAS BEEN RECOGNISED FOR ITS DECEPTIVELY TRANSFORMATIVE EFFECT IN MAKING OUR LIVES, AND THOSE OF OTHERS, BETTER.

At GemLife, many of our residents put the power of kindness into action every day in ways big and small, helping neighbours and friends within their communities.

In 2021, we want to celebrate kindness in all its forms by calling on residents to nominate someone within their community - another resident, or perhaps a staff member - whose act of kindness or many acts of kindness have made

a difference in their lives or simply added a ray of sunshine to their day.

GemLife Director & CEO Adrian Puljich said over the years he had heard numerous heart-warming stories about residents’ kindness towards one another.

“It never fails to impress me how many wonderful, thoughtful people we have within our communities. The little things in life matter, and I think it’s important to recognise those whose selfless and thoughtful acts of kindness contribute to making our resorts great places to live,” said Adrian.

“Everyone needs a bit of kindness in their lives. Not only does it make life better for the person on the receiving end, scientists have shown that kindness is also good for the person being kind because it releases feel-good hormones, and eases anxiety and stress,” he said.

“Even people witnessing acts of kindness get those same benefits. It really is a powerful force.”

Tell us about your kindness experience

In the spirit of gratitude, each month The Gem will feature a story about a resident whose kindness has been warmly appreciated. To pay it forward, share your gratitude by telling us about your kindness experience at GemLife. The nominated person will also receive a bottle of wine.

Write to us at [email protected]

It’s cool to be kindCelebrating the power of kindness at GemLife



QUEENSLAND

Bribie Island9 Dux Drive Bongaree Qld 4507

1800 193 177

VICTORIA

Woodend1849 Mount Macedon Road Woodend Vic 3442

1800 931 188

Highfields75 Highgrove Drive Highfields Qld 4352

1800 910 278

NEW SOUTH WALES

Tweed Waters30 Fraser Drive Tweed Heads South NSW 2486

1800 325 226

Rainbow Beach20 Forest Parkway Lake Cathie NSW 2445

1800 718 413

Lennox Head67 Skennars Head Road Lennox Head NSW 2478

1800 571 954

GemLife.com.au

Gold CoastMcCabe Avenue Pimpama Heights Qld 4209

1800 325 229

PalmwoodsSales Centre 18-20 Margaret Street Palmwoods QLD 4555

1800 718 414

Maroochy Quays6 Charlston Place Maroochydore Qld 4558

1800 982 056

Pacific Paradise40 Menzies Drive Pacific Paradise Qld 4564

1800 430 885

GemLife’s ‘A whole new life’ photo competition is back

Each month one winner will be chosen from across all GemLife resorts, and at the end of the year, 12 photos will be selected to be featured in a GemLife 2022 lifestyle calendar.

Photos can include anything from fun with friends, to your favourite facility, play time with pets, wildlife or the natural beauty around the resort, or anything else at GemLife that catches your eye.

GemLife Sales & Marketing Director, Andrew Coulter, said the calendar from last year’s competition was such a hit that the GemLife team couldn’t resist bringing the competition back for a second year.

“GemLife is full of creative residents and is home to a number of professional and amateur

photographers. It was fantastic to see how much residents love their GemLife community and surrounds,” he said.

While residents will be credited in the calendar, GemLife reserves the right to alter or re-use any submitted photos. Monthly winners are not guaranteed a photo in the calendar.

The competition will run until 30 September 2021, with all submissions to be sent to [email protected]

AFTER AN INCREDIBLY SUCCESSFUL FIRST YEAR, GEMLIFE’S ‘A WHOLE NEW LIFE’ CALENDAR PHOTO CONTEST IS BACK AND THE COMPETITION FOR THE BEST RESIDENTS’ (CURRENT AND FUTURE) PHOTOS IS SURE TO BE FIERCE.

Picture perfect

GemLife’s ‘A whole new life’ photo competition is back

Guidelines for submitting your photosPhotos must be: • taken horizontally• submitted at least 2MB in size


Documents

Here’s to the New Year - GemLife · Paradise Pavilion, is well under way and remains on schedule for a mid-2021 opening. On site at our Sunshine Coast hinterland resort, ... also