Finding community and connection at Carlyle Gardens 

When life changes unexpectedly, sometimes it opens the door to something better than you imagined. For this May and Trevor, that turning point came 2.5 years ago. 

After running a successful business in the Bundaberg region, Trevor experienced health issues and was no longer able to work. The couple made the difficult decision to sell their business and soon realised their 1-acre property just outside town had become a bit too much to manage. 

“We needed something more manageable,” May explains. “Somewhere that still felt like home, but without the upkeep.” 

What followed was an 18-month search across retirement villages, over-50s communities, townhouses and units. But no matter how many places she visited, May kept coming back to one. 

The place that kept calling them back 

“At Carlyle Gardens Retirement Village, it was the gardens between the homes that appealed to me,” May says. “The outlook and the space. It just felt different.” 

The beautifully maintained gardens offer privacy between villas, while still fostering a sense of connection. And being within walking distance of the beach only adds to the appeal. 

While still considering their options, Lauren the sales consultant at Carlyle Gardens stayed in touch, sending newsletters and updates. 

“Even just reading the newsletter, I could feel there was life here,” says May. “There were activities happening and people connecting. I’d received other newsletters from other places, but this one felt alive.” 

One Friday, May made a call. “I just had this feeling to ring and ask if anything was available.” 

Surprisingly, there was! 

Ticking every box 

May set off to visit the village the following Monday. Trevor wasn’t well enough to attend and told her gently, “You go. You look. You decide.” 

The moment she stepped inside the villa, she knew. 

“It ticked every box. I wanted a room for my crafts, I love crafts, and space for my books. I’ve got quite a little library. And it had that space,” May explains. 

She returned home and told her husband that she thought she had found the place. They visited together the next day and he agreed. Their home went on the market and sold within a week. 

“It was just before Christmas,” she recalls. “It almost felt meant to be.” 

A visible change 

Since moving in, the transformation, particularly in Trevor, has been remarkable. Before relocating, he wasn’t getting out much and was spending a lot of time at home on his own. 

“Since we’ve moved here, he’s up. He’s connecting with neighbours. He rides his bike around the village, it’s safe here. He goes for walks. He pops in to see the other fellas. He even went to play snooker.” 

Friends who have visited have noticed the difference in the Trevor. 

“They’ve said it’s like a weight has lifted off his shoulders,” says May.  

That kind of change is life changing. It speaks to something deeper than simply convenience, it’s belonging. 

Thriving, not just living 

Life has also changed for the better for May. 

“I’ve started walk aerobics twice a week – that’s 5km each time,” she says. “I’ve taken up line dancing. I play cards on Thursday mornings.” 

May loves village life, which includes meeting new people, building friendships and staying active. But what she appreciates most is the balance it offers. 

“The homes aren’t on top of each other, which gives you a real sense of privacy. You can garden as much or as little as you want and best of all, there’s no mowing! But when you’re out walking, people stop for a chat. You feel welcomed.” 

Community dinners, pizza nights and sausage sizzles provide opportunities for socialising as a couple, but they also have plenty of time for their individual interests and friendships. 

“It’s good to have your own things,” May says. “Then you come back and share.” 

Support that continues 

Another standout for her has been the village team at Carlyle Gardens. The team’s consistency and support, especially during a major life transition for the couple, has meant the world. 

“They’ve been so helpful. The whole process of moving in was terrific, and it didn’t stop after we moved in, it’s continued to be terrific,” she says. “I know I’m gushing, but it’s from the heart. We’re just so thankful.” 

When asked what she would tell someone considering a move, her answer is simple: 

“It’s such a lovely community to live in. The gardens. The privacy. The connection. You don’t have the upkeep, but you still have independence. It’s perfect.” 

She’s already recommended it to several friends and one couple is now considering making the move themselves. 

Sometimes downsizing isn’t about giving something up. It’s actually about gaining connection, health, ease and a fresh start by the sea.