Christine and Graham Henry have always believed that community is something you build by showing up.
With their daughter in Bundaberg, a granddaughter and extended family in Hervey Bay, the couple wanted to be closer to loved ones.
When they moved into the land lease community in the coastal city in southern Queensland almost four years ago, they had little hesitation getting involved and making things tick over for the benefit of all residents.
“Christine’s the Secretary of the Social Club, and I’m President of the Home Owners Committee (HOC),” Graham said. “We’re both used to being involved in community volunteer work. It’s how we were brought up, so I guess you could say it’s in our DNA. I’ve done volunteer work for the Cancer Council and started an over 50s group back when we lived in Brisbane.”
As HOC President, Graham plays a pivotal role in connecting residents and management. “We’re the go-between,” he said. “If residents don’t know how to approach an issue, or don’t get the answer they need, they come to us. We help liaise and work through it with Ingenia.”
The committee meets monthly and supports numerous resident-led initiatives. One standout project is a recycling program, which raises close to $10,000 a year to fund everything from gardening tools to arts supplies.
“We’ve also purchased a beautiful coffee machine so people can pay a $2 donation for a barista-style coffee, and that has been a real hit. We hope the funds will eventually cover HOC membership fees to make joining more accessible for everyone.
“The committee is made up of great people. We all work together to make sure resident feedback is heard. We also fundraise to support the resident-led groups and ensure they have what they need. We’re lucky to have a fantastic working relationship with Ingenia management; it’s cooperative, constructive and respectful.”
Graham and Christine have also been involved in planning key community infrastructure, including the new Pavilion and Hangar – spaces designed with input from residents – and a well-equipped men’s shed, stocked with over $30,000 worth of tools.
One of Graham’s proudest moments has been helping to deliver a new war memorial for the community. “When I retired, we travelled around Australia for three and a half years. We saw so many beautiful memorials. To help create one here was incredibly special. It is just beautiful.”
Recognising how overwhelming moving can be, Graham and the HOC helped establish a welcome committee to ease the transition for new residents.
“When we first arrived, it was a bit daunting,” he said. “We came up with the idea to form a welcome committee, so no one feels lost. We try to visit newcomers during their first week, explain how things work and invite them to social events like Friday night raffles with a dedicated table for newcomers. It’s a great icebreaker.”
When asked what he loves most about life at Ingenia Lifestyle Hervey Bay, Graham is quick to praise the facilities. “They’re the best I’ve seen. We have two resort-style pools, a state-of-the-art pavilion, a large gym with yoga space, sauna, steam room, barbecue areas, community gardens, caravan storage and a fantastic men’s shed that even has home brewing room for those who love to brew their own beer. It’s phenomenal. You really get so much value and an incredible lifestyle out of these amenities.”
But it’s the sense of belonging that truly sets the community apart.
“We live on a small street of seven or eight homes. Every Thursday at 5pm, we rotate houses with our neighbours for darts and drinks – men in the garage, women in the backyard enjoying a wine. It’s become a nice little ritual for us as friends.”
Social life is lively, with happy hour raffles, live band dance nights and clubhouse catch-ups.
“There’s something for everyone, whatever you’re into, whether it’s cards, bowls, arts and crafts. We’re all at the same life stage, with a support network you don’t find elsewhere. We learn so much from each other.”
His advice for anyone considering the move?
“Don’t be afraid. Friendships come naturally. It’s a full life. We have our volunteering, morning teas, and a favourite café by the water. Life couldn’t be better.”