The marketing gurus of retirement living know the clubhouse, or even clubhouses in some resorts, are the first thing that grabs interested people’s attention.

There is also word of mouth.

Tricia Ferguson, who lives at GemLife Highlands in the town in the Toowoomba Region, Queensland, has been friends with Irene Henley for eight years when they both were members of the Redlands National Trust. As former senior nurses, they had a lot in common.

“Instead of meeting at a coffee shop each month, we thought why not try out all of the wonderful facilities at Tricia’s resort such as indoor bowls, swimming in the heated indoor pool and the outdoor pool, or playing billiards,” Irene said.

“I didn’t think an over-50s resort would be for me, but when I went to the GemLife Highfields open day to learn more about where Tricia had purchased, I was completely sold, and it wasn’t long before my husband Stephen was too!

“We walked around Highfields and met the most wonderful residents, who were the best advocates for GemLife, and that was it!”

With an interest in the environment, Irene and Stephen, who are both retired mental health nurses, put their names down for a home at GemLife Moreton Bay immediately after hearing about the new build. The move from Toowoomba next year will place them closer to their sons and daughters-in-law Mark and Carina, and Darren and Desliem as well as their five grandchildren.

“GemLife Moreton Bay had me at the words ‘koala corridor’,” Irene grinned.

“Moving to Gemlife is not retirement – it’s a lifestyle – and it has everything I’ve ever wanted.

“We will never be bored, because everything is there. I didn’t even realise these places existed!”

Irene can’t wait to get the kayak out on the big lake when she moves into her new home at GemLife Moreton Bay next year, as well as exploring all the walking paths and trails with the couple’s standard poodle, Vervarda.

“We are already making friends with fellow contract holders from the Moreton Bay resort, with regular catch ups and we’ve already met our neighbours.

“I teach Reiki so when I move in there’s already a few people who’d like to learn.”

Irene is the State President of the public speaking association Forum, and is currently coordinating a speaking convention, featuring five guest speakers for 7 September 2024, in Cleveland. She has invited any interested GemLife residents to attend.