More and more retirement villages and land lease communities across Australia are joining forces for friendly competition, fun, and connection.
Excitement is building for this year’s GemLife Games, a much-loved annual event where residents from GemLife lifestyle resorts compete in a variety of sports. Now in its third year, the games will be hosted at GemLife Palmwoods on the Sunshine Coast on September 11 and 12.
Residents will take part in eight sports – including tennis, pickleball, lawn bowls, swimming, and more. But it’s about more than just medals and matches – it’s a celebration of community. A growing tradition of “home stays” allows residents to host interstate guests, building bonds that stretch across the country.
“The games are all about generosity, fun, and connection,” said the GemLife team. “It’s incredible to see friendships form and grow through these shared experiences.”
And GemLife isn’t the only operator bringing residents together. This week, RetireAustralia hosted a friendly inter-village bowls day at The Green Tarragindi, with players from four retirement villages –including The Verge, Noyea Riverside, and Wellington Manor – coming together to enjoy the sunshine and a few games of bowls.
“These events broaden social circles and bring fresh energy into our villages,” said Jeff Burchell, one of the organisers. “There’s something special about connecting with people who are on a similar journey.”
Scott Burton, RetireAustralia’s Manager of Regional Operations in Queensland, says events like these are at the heart of what village living is all about.
“People often choose retirement villages for the lifestyle – and connection is a huge part of that,” he said. “These resident-led activities create a real sense of community, inclusion, and purpose.”
Whether it’s for the thrill of competition or just a good chat over a shared meal, one thing is clear: today’s retirement living is about more than where you live – it’s about how you live.