Australia’s property boom, along with the Central Coast being a highly desirable location, is driving demand for local retirement villas.
RetireAustralia expects the release of 12 retirement villas at Forresters Beach will sell fast with a waitlist already growing.
RetireAustralia’s CEO Brett Robinson said there were 25 people already on the waitlist and two deposits had been secured.
“The property boom most certainly will play a key factor in the overall sell, but what we have seen in the past and at this present moment is the villas at Forresters Beach are incredibly popular; we’re consistently getting enquiries about this village,” Mr Robinson said.
Mr Robinson said the last release of new villas was in 2017 when 158 villas sold within 24 months – an average of 6 – 7 villas each month. There has been a steady interest in this village, with over 175 enquiries in the past 12 months. However, only 15 villas have been available for sale in the past three years.
“The enquiries we are getting about Forresters Beach reflects the standard of services and amenities available at the village which is magnificently set around a network of lakes.
“Our Home Care Services for instance, offers residents a number of opportunities including household chores, meal preparation, showering, dressing and medication support to name a few. It’s the perfect setting for residents to live life on their terms.”
The latest, and second last, release of 12 premium villas at Forresters Beach is worth $10 million.
When the project is complete, the retirement village will cater for 450 residents.
Mr Robinson said it was a proud moment to see the project’s evolution come to fruition following a 20-year period.
“It’s really exciting to see the village’s growth after the first Development Approval was granted back in 2002.”
Mr Robinson said the Forresters Beach villas, which ranged in price between $550,000 and $950,000, were also favourable because of its ‘beautiful neighbourhood character’.
“No two villas are the same and each one is beautifully fitted; it’s the simplicity of the design that makes it really attractive to residents.
“The best part is that the village is close to beaches, boutique shopping, charming cafes and is just a short walk to Wyrrabalong National Park’s coastal trails and lookout with sweeping views.”
ENDS
The development of Australia’s newest, championship-quality bowling green will be at the centre of RetireAustralia’s $80 million retirement community, The Green, at Tarragindi.
The first sod was turned on Thursday, August 26 at the site of the single-stage development, which will adjoin the new Tarragindi Bowls Club and club house. The project will be delivered under a partnership between RetireAustralia and the Yeronga Services and Community Club and will take 18 months to complete.
RetireAustralia CEO Brett Robinson said he was looking forward to seeing The Green come to life.
He said The Green would resonate with the downsizer, owner-occupier market – especially people who didn’t see themselves living in a traditional retirement village.
“The Green, like all our villages, is designed to offer choice, support, social connection and peace of mind,” he said.
“We enhance these elements with a diverse range of services and care options to ensure we continue to meet our residents’ needs.
“We not only design homes, but we also build communities people love to make their own.
“The Green will be one of those – a thriving community with care at its heart.”
Hutchinson Builders have been awarded the construction contract for the project.
“Hutchies is absolutely delighted to be working on this unique project,” Hutchinson Builders chairman Scott Hutchinson said.
“The overgrown site has been sitting dormant for a long time so we can’t wait to get started and turn it into something that will be a big asset to the community with many amenities for locals and residents of The Green.”
The Green features 94 independent living apartments, 11 different apartment types (most featuring stunning city or bushland views), and underground parking. Other features include a private cinema, library, indoor and outdoor gym.
Just 8km to Brisbane’s CBD, parks, schools, shops, restaurants, medical services, and culture and buzz of inner-city life are just a stone’s throw away.
All residents will also enjoy access to the Tarragindi Bowls Club, which will proudly boast a championship-quality bowling green.
Nathan Young from the Yeronga Services Club said having the country’s newest bowling green at the heart of The Green development would be a big drawcard for future residents and the local community.
“A lot of hard work and consideration has gone into this project so it’s exciting to see it get under way and I hope it will be enjoyed by our valued members and the community for many years to come,” he said.
Outdoor entertainment will be a hallmark of the new Tarragindi community, with 70 per cent of the site dedicated to open space. It will include a landscaped recreational parkland with communal barbecue areas, common lawn, productive garden and children’s playground.
The Green is an exemplar in the field of evidence-based home and community design principles, which take all aspects of sustainability and ageing well into account.
Every apartment is carefully considered in design layout and interior finishes to cater to residents’ needs such as hearing loss or visual impairment.
Residents will also be able to choose from a range of services including personal care, domestic support and clinical care, which can be tailored to their individual needs, and funded privately or if eligible, through a government funded care package.
Expressions of interest to secure one of the community’s independent living apartments are now being invited, with several already secured.
To find out more about this unique new retirement community in the heart of Tarragindi, register your interest at thegreentarragindi.com.au or call 1800 955 070 to book a confidential, COVID-safe appointment in the new display suite at 3/212 Cracknell Road, Tarragindi.
The first stage of the only retirement village in Queensland with both a Green Star and Gold Australian Liveable Housing design accreditation, has been officially opened on the Gold Coast.
Stage one of new Gold Coast retirement village, The Verge at Burleigh G.C, was officially opened on June 2 by the Member for Mermaid Beach, Ray Stevens, and RetireAustralia CEO Brett Robinson.
The Verge is RetireAustralia’s first staged vertical retirement village. Following approval of the planned third stage, the community will consist of three six-storey buildings featuring exceptional apartments and penthouses with expansive layouts that capture views of the adjacent Burleigh Golf Club. Designed by specialist senior living architects, O’Neill Architecture, apartments at The Verge feature high-end fixtures and fittings and open-plan layouts that will adapt to the evolving needs of residents, ensuring they can live independently in their own home for longer. The extensive community facilities and beautiful landscaped gardens have also been intentionally designed to promote healthy ageing.
Using passive design principles like external shading and smart insulation, glazing, LED lighting, electric vehicle charging stations and efficient air-conditioning, The Verge has achieved higher energy efficiency ratings than that of a standard compliant building. During development ‘green concrete’, recycled water and timber from sustainable forests were used to reach the Green Star rating.
Stage one of The Verge, completed in March this year at a cost of $30 million, features 40 one, one plus study, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses positioned along the length of the 10th hole. Once sold-out, stage one will be home to more than 60 residents.
Maurice and Pauline Dean are among the coastal retirement community’s first residents, moving into their two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in April.
Mrs Dean said one of the big selling points of The Verge was that the apartments were designed with ageing in mind to allow residents to maintain their independence in a safe and secure environment, but also had access to care in their home when they needed it.
“This is really important to us as my husband has Parkinson’s Disease, but we have all the support and care we need right here,” she said.
“The staff are just wonderful, so helpful and always there when you need them.”
The couple, aged in their 70s, moved up from Victoria in January to be closer to their daughter. They now live just three minutes away from her and could not be happier.
Mrs Dean said The Verge’s location was perfect and she loved all the amenities and the excellent quality of finishes in their new apartment.
“We have everything we could ever want here. We overlook the golf course, there’s a café, no maintenance and activities every day of the week. The village community is so friendly too. We’ve made a lot of new friends over the past couple of months.”
She also liked the fact the village was pet friendly as she and Maurice regularly looked after their 10-week-old fur grandson – a miniature chihuahua named Pablo.
“He’s very cute and very popular with everyone when he’s here with us,” Mrs Dean said.
The Verge empowers residents like the Deans to live independently in their new homes for as long as possible, without forgoing freedoms, aesthetics or choice.
RetireAustralia is designing for the future, not only in terms of looking after the environment and building a sustainable community, but also in terms of building a retirement community where residents can age with ease, grace and the support they need to continue living the life they choose for longer.
By truly understanding age-related changes and difficulties associated with navigating the built environment, The Verge has been designed to adapt to the evolving needs of residents, making their home comfortable and flexible both today and into the future.
Stage one also includes the innovative Wellness Centre. Much more than a gym, the Wellness Centre includes state-of-the-art exercise equipment, outdoor spaces for yoga or playing with the grandkids, the Tee House Café, multi-purpose rooms, changing facilities and physiotherapy/medical consulting rooms.
“I’m really proud of The Verge and how much the new residents already feel a sense of home, community and ownership,” RetireAustralia CEO Brett Robinson said.
“It’s important for me to see our residents receiving the quality care they deserve. Our staff are dedicated, lovely people that always go out of their way to ensure the residents are comfortable, safe and happy.
“Everything we are doing at RetireAustralia is about creating a sense of place and a village where people live respectfully, healthily, independently and with purpose.
“It’s exciting to watch The Verge community grow and we look forward to welcoming more residents over the coming months.”
Construction of stage two of The Verge is planned to start later this year and will include 66 independent living apartments plus ground floor community spaces. It will be home to more than 100 residents once sold-out.
The residents of Wagga Wagga’s first retirement village, Riverina Gums, have celebrated a significant milestone alongside notable guests including Retire Australia CEO Brett Robinson, Chief Operations Officer Simon Fawssett, and Assistant Regional Operations Manager Leonie Karlsson.
Around 145 residents of Riverina Gums Retirement Village gathered to help celebrate the community’s 30th birthday on April 30, 2021.
Among them included Riverina Gums Chair Bruce McMah who came up with the idea for the birthday celebrations after seeing a plaque commemorating the village’s opening day.
“I was walking through the community area and saw two plaques celebrating the village’s official opening 30 years ago and thought maybe we should do something to celebrate this,” Mr McMah said.
“Particularly after last year, I thought it was time to celebrate our community and our village. I’m a great believer that this place is not just a retirement village, but a family village.
“We are a real family here and love where we live so why not celebrate it? We all come from different backgrounds, yet we all love our community here and look after one another.
“It’s time to celebrate that and also honour this occasion with an additional two plaques for future residents to note and celebrate.”
The celebratory event kicked off at 10am with a flag-raising ceremony and welcome by Riverina Gums Retirement Village manager Meredith Parker and CEO Brett Robinson.
The festivities also included a wreath-laying and placing of the plaques ceremony, a musical performance and a barbecue lunch for the whole community.
To mark the special occasion, Mr Robinson handed over a special gift to the residents to say thank you for working alongside the team last year during COVID restrictions.
“I’m really proud of Riverina Gums and how much the residents feel a sense of home, community and ownership,” Mr Robinson said. “So much so they were the ones that came up with the idea for the 30th birthday celebrations.
“Thirty years is a long time for a village to be operating and we are immensely proud of the work the team have done to create such a community and home for our residents of Riverina Gums.
“It’s important for me to see our residents receiving the quality care they deserve. Our staff are dedicated, lovely people that always go out of their way to ensure the residents are comfortable and happy.
“We look forward to continuing this for the next 30 years and more.”
The Central Coast’s first luxury vertical retirement village has officially opened today with The Rise at Wood Glen addressing a shortage of premium lifestyle offerings within the region.
The first stage of the $46 million RetireAustralia apartment project features a collection of 24 contemporary residences unlike anything seen before on the Coast, with high quality finishes and expansive balconies opening up to sweeping valley views.
The Rise’s first residents have already started moving into their new homes, with construction on the project’s next stage expected to start later this year due to the strong interest.
Member for Terrigal and Parlimentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, joined RetireAustralia representatives at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of The Rise, which is located in the popular Wood Glen Retirement Village at Erina.
RetireAustralia Chief Executive Officer Dr Brett Robinson said The Rise answered a growing demand for high quality retirement living options in the region by offering world-class designs and access to a wide array of exclusive resident amenities in a prime location close to everything the Coast had to offer.
“The Rise is the first luxury vertical retirement village on the Central Coast and we have been thrilled to see our vision swiftly springing to life over the past 18 months of its construction,’’ said Dr Robinson.
“The Rise caters for a fundamental shift in the way modern downsizers are now viewing retirement and we believe the development will herald a new standard for the industry across the region.
“Our philosophy has been to been to create a lifestyle without compromise for residents at The Rise, along with tailored home care services to help them maintain their independence.
“We’ve already welcomed our first residents and we are looking forward to many more moving in during the weeks ahead.’’
Every apartment within The Rise has been designed for a low-maintenance lifestyle and optimised for ease of living and mobility. They showcase contemporary lines, floor-to-ceiling glass, the perfect north-east aspect, a generous kitchen, European appliances, and ample storage.
The Rise is situated just over an hour’s drive from Sydney, making it a highly appealing option for retirees who want to enjoy a premier lifestyle in a coastal location while still being close to an international city.
Residents will enjoy access to Wood Glen’s wide range of exclusive community facilities, including a resort-style lodge and bar, auditorium, hairdressing salon, library, pool, spa, gymnasium, outdoor entertainment areas and bowls green.
Nestled at the base of Kincumba Mountain Reserve and surrounded by bushland, Wood Glen is across the road from Erina Fair Shopping Centre and close to the best attractions the region has to offer, including beautiful beaches, cafes, shops and entertainment.
Designed by leading seniors living architects Marchese Partners, the two and three-bedroom apartments in The Rise are priced from $599,000.
The Rise is RetireAustralia’s second major new investment in the Central Coast, following the opening of Glengara Care at Tumbu Umbi in 2019 as a genuine alternative to traditional aged care, giving residents unprecedented choice and independence.
Demand for retirement village living in Tea Tree Gardens has surged in recent months, with many new residents saying they feel safer than being in the wider community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
RetireAustralia’s Tea Tree Gardens Retirement Village in Hope Valley has notched up 12 sales in the past four weeks, with almost all new arrivals relocating from the local surrounds.
The figures reinforce a new RetireAustralia survey of 354 residents in 21 of its villages across Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, where 83 per cent revealed they felt safer knowing there was always someone to look out for them.
In the South Australian villages, more than 90 per cent of residents surveyed felt that way.
RetireAustralia Chief Executive Officer Dr Brett Robinson said the survey affirmed the sense of safety and wellbeing that older Australians felt when living in a supportive and close-knit retirement community, exemplified by the friendly 500-strong community at Tea Tree Gardens.
“In addition to having medical staff close at hand, being able to socialise with like-minded people can be an important advantage over feeling isolated and alone,” Dr Robinson said.
“Our community at Tea Tree Gardens features a particularly strong resident-led social calendar with more than 25 different interest groups and activities available.
“Our residents have been extremely creative in maintaining friendships and continuing to have fun while adhering to social distancing guidelines.’’
Dr Robinson said that the sudden uptick in sales was also due to residents believing now was a good time to downsize due to continued buoyancy of the Adelaide property market.
“Many of our new residents have told us that while they were keen to move into a retirement community, they wanted to ensure they could still achieve a good sale price on their existing homes,’’ he said.
New resident Glenyce Redding is among those who value the safety and security of retirement village living, and said it played a factor in her decision to buy into Tea Tree Gardens in August.
“Places such as Tea Tree Gardens have your best interests at heart. I feel safer and more secure here, where everyone gets to know each other’’ said Ms Redding, who relocated from a house in Surrey Downs, in Adelaide’s north eastern suburbs.
“I got here after the first wave of COVID. What I have noticed is that people check up on each other to make sure they are OK.’’
Independent living units are currently priced from $245,000 for a two-bedroom home with a single garage to $345,000 for three bedrooms, an ensuite and double car accommodation.
Tea Tree Gardens is ideally located in a peaceful suburban setting close to shops, cafes and medical services. It also features a range of exclusive resident facilities including a community centre, pool, spa, lounge, library, hair salon, barbecue and recreational area along with a croquet green and a designated space for arts and crafts.
For more information on Tea Tree Gardens Retirement Village, phone 1300 931 501, visit the website at www.retireaustralia.com.au/tea-tree-gardens or call into the sales office at 1075 Grand Junction Road, Hope Valley from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Demand for retirement village living in Albury has surged in recent months despite the COVID-19 pandemic as more senior Australians embrace the Murray River lifestyle.
RetireAustralia’s Murray Gardens Retirement Village in East Albury has notched up 14 sales in the past three months, with new arrivals mainly relocating from throughout New South Wales and Queensland.
More than 200 retirees already call the village home after downsizing to more age-friendly living with less maintenance and a better quality of life.
RetireAustralia Chief Executive Officer Dr Brett Robinson said new Murray Gardens residents were attracted by the renowned beauty and laidback lifestyle of Albury.
“The feedback we are getting from some new residents is that they have been spending more time on the internet since the pandemic and have discovered the excellent services and value for money in thriving provincial centres such as Albury,” Dr Robinson said.
“Albury has a lot to offer, and at Murray Gardens we are only a short walk from some of the best natural attractions of the region – including the famous Murray River and its stunning parklands.“Additionally, Murray Gardens is well known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere, and is perfect for retirees seeking a low maintenance lifestyle.
“Care staff are on site around the clock and residents are still able to socialise with like-minded people in a wide variety of activities under social distancing guidelines.
“This can be an important advantage over feeling isolated or living alone in a large home in the wider community, along with all the demands of regular maintenance.
“For further peace of mind, we also assisted residents with home delivery of groceries and everyday essentials including medical scripts during the general lockdown period.’’
Independent living units are currently priced from $279,000 for a two-bedroom home with a single garage to $375,000 for three bedrooms, an ensuite and double car accommodation.
Murray Gardens is ideally located in a peaceful suburban setting close to shops, cafes and the Albury Hospital as well as many of the district’s attractions including parks, wineries and restaurants. It also features a range of exclusive resident facilities including a community centre, auditorium, bar, lounge, library, hair salon, barbecue and recreational area along with a designated space for arts and crafts.
For more information on Murray Gardens Retirement Village, phone 1300 931 501, visit the website at www.retireaustralia.com.au/murray-gardens or call into the sales office at 36 Mountford Crescent, East Albury.
Noyea Riverside Retirement Village has significantly expanded the capacity of their own on-site dam, which now holds 650,000 litres, or an additional two months’ water supply. This allows them to be self-sufficient in maintaining their extensive gardens without any town water, quite a feat given the village grounds span 20 acres on the banks of the Albert River.
Dam levels in South-East Queensland fell during autumn and combined dam levels are now 64 per cent, a drop of more than four per cent compared to this time last year. Meanwhile, the average consumption per person has increased by about 10 litres per day.
Seqwater has urged locals to remain water-wise throughout winter, and residents at Noyea Riverside Retirement Village are leading the charge. Village Manager Darren Adams says the dam expansion will sustain the community of 177 residents well into the future.
“The dam is the only source of water that we use to irrigate the village grounds and gardens. We capture rainwater from 40 villas and this feeds into the dam,” he said.
“We estimate that by expanding its width and depth, we’ve added another 150,000 litres, or two months, to our water capacity. This is particularly timely during COVID-19 restrictions, when many people in the broader community are tending to their gardens and water usage has increased.”
Mr Adams said village residents are environmentally aware and very mindful of their water consumption. “The Body Corporate made the decision to expand the dam using resident funds, to shore up our water capacity, maintain our beautiful grounds, and reduce their water rates,” he said.
“As a community, we do a raft of other things to conserve water. In addition to the dam, our Head Gardener plants drought-resistant plants that require less water, and mulches often to keep moisture in the soil. We also fill our pool from our rainwater tank.
“In the 18 months I’ve been Village Manager, we got down to having about four days of water left in the dam. It’s satisfying to know that as a community, we’ve made an environmental decision to future-proof our gardens and help safeguard us in times of drought.
“The dam is one of the hallmarks of our village and our residents are very proud of the gardens. From the clubhouse, you have a picturesque view of the dam over the pool and the lush parkland.”
Noyea Riverside Retirement Village offers 149 independent living villas, each with a strata title. The one, two and three-bedroom villas are spacious and open plan, and offer a fully-appointed kitchen and bathroom, private courtyard and secure car parking. The village is home to a vibrant and social community and is set among beautiful parkland on the banks of the Albert River in Mount Warren Park.
Local retirees aren’t letting COVID-19 get in the way of their community spirit! Despite over 70s being hit particularly hard by social restrictions and strong advice not to leave their homes, residents at RetireAustralia villages on the Central Coast are using a little imagination to have fun and stay connected while maintaining social distancing.
Between covert crochet surprises and impromptu patio performances, concerns about residents being isolated and cut off from loved ones during this period of social distancing have been put to rest.
Wood Glen Retirement Village Manager, Vanessa Fordyce, says despite unprecedented challenges facing the community, the residents’ resilience and support for each other has been remarkable.
“The unique challenges presented by the pandemic have also been the inspiration for some innovative solutions, with a range of fun and heart-warming rituals established in our community during lockdown.”
Wood Glen resident, 67-year-old Sue Thomson, has sewn herself a reputation as the local ‘Heart Bomber’, crocheting coloured hearts and hiding them all over the village to bring joy to older neighbours who are finding the lockdown a little tough.
“What I’ve been doing is crocheting little hearts and in the dead of night I sneak out and put them around the village,” she said.
“Some, I tie in the trees. Some I leave in the doorstep for people who live alone. Because if you’re over 70, you’re not supposed to be out, and you’re not supposed to have visitors, that can be lonely for people.”
At Forresters Beach Retirement Village, resident village crooner Geoff Grundy has taken his weekly Tuesday jam session to the streets, serenading the community with a bevy of classic hits from his front patio, as they indulge in a few ‘bevvies’ of their own during ‘Happy Hour’ in their driveways.
Forresters Beach Village Manager Julie Ramage has been astounded by the response from her community throughout the pandemic. “There has been an overwhelming desire from our residents to help out others in the village, and to just put a smile on each other’s faces. People have wanted to stay connected, look after their neighbours and ensure the village is still a fun place to be,” she said.
RetireAustralia villages on the Central Coast like Wood Glen, Forresters Beach, Tarragal Glen and Glengara have been doing their bit to make the lockdown easier for residents, performing regular wellbeing checks, providing assistance to access essential items such as groceries and medications and organising fun social activities which can be carried out at a safe distance.
“We know older Australians are vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness, and this can have a detrimental effect on their physical health, leading to sleep disruption, increased cortisol levels and elevated blood pressure. Particularly during this period of social distancing, we’re prioritising our residents’ mental health just as much as their physical wellbeing.
“We would ask everyone in the broader community to keep an eye out for their older neighbours, who might be isolated and lonely. Now’s the time to reach out to them, either with a call, a note, or chat over the fence. Our community is strongest when we work together and support each other,” Ms Ramage said.
Each of the four RetireAustralia retirement villages on the Central Coast in NSW offer a unique blend of stylish facilities and friendly staff, catering to an array of different lifestyles. From the sophisticated and elegant resort-style facilities at Wood Glen to the beautiful and contemporary lakeside villas at Forresters Beach, there’s a RetireAustralia community to suit all retirees on the Central Coast.
Local retirees aren’t letting COVID-19 get in the way of their community spirit! Despite over 70s being hit particularly hard by social restrictions and strong advice not to leave their homes, residents at Drayton Villas Retirement Village are using a little imagination to have fun and stay connected while maintaining social distancing.
Between the ‘Daily Wave’ and 1980s-inspired exercise routines, concerns about residents being isolated and cut off from loved ones during this period of social distancing have been put to rest.
Village Manager Rachael McCarthy says that despite unprecedented challenges facing the community, the residents’ resilience and support for each other has been remarkable.
What started as a quick morning loop around the village on her golf cart to check in on her residents has turned into a daily ritual. Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Daily Wave’, each morning at 9am, she is greeted by a chorus of residents waving her through the street, and occasionally, bursting into song.
“One morning, I was doing my usual rounds on the buggy and the whole street surprised me with a spontaneous rendition of ‘You Are My Sunshine’. It nearly brought tears to my eyes!
“There has been an overwhelming desire from our residents to help out others in the village. People have really wanted to stay connected, look after their neighbours and ensure the village is still a fun place to be,” she said.
“With the restrictions in place, many of our residents are missing out on their usual exercise routines. Whether that’s catching up for bowls, going for a dip in the indoor pool or playing a hit of tennis. So we introduced ‘Let’s Get Physical’, a quick and easy street-based exercise program to keep our residents moving while our community facilities are closed. Think Aerobics Oz Style for Seniors, but with the instructors in neon tutus!” said Ms McCarthy.
Village staff have also introduced ‘Wacky Wednesday’, a dedicated day for residents to get creative and release their pent up energy in an explosion of zany themes, including Crazy Sock Day, Wacky Hat Day, Pyjama Day and most recently, a 60s inspired ‘Distancing Disco’ on the street.
RetireAustralia villages like Drayton Villas have been doing their bit to make the lockdown easier for residents, performing regular wellbeing checks, providing assistance to access essential items such as groceries and medications and organising fun social activities which can be carried out at a safe distance.
“We would ask everyone in the broader community to keep an eye out for their older neighbours, who might be isolated and lonely. Now’s the time to reach out to them, either with a call, a note, or chat over the fence. Our community is strongest when we work together and support each other,” Ms McCarthy said.
Drayton Villas has been an integral part of the local community for 27 years, and is the longest serving retirement village in Toowoomba. The village is well known for its community-spirited resident group, active social committee and award-winning gardens. The village brought home a ‘Highly Commended’ award in the 2018 Toowoomba Chronicle Garden Competition.