Terence Moyana

Good Times Great Cause.

30 November 2016 by Terence Moyana

This year the Seachange Arundel Social Club organised three different events for the purpose of raising funds for a great cause; the Queensland arm of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. The three diverse events allowed the community to be proactive in raising both awareness and funds for increasing life expectancy and improving the quality of life of patient’s families and carers in respect to Prostate Cancer.

Residents opting to be involved stood together and all got behind this fundraising in various ways. The men proudly grew moustaches and in doing so sought out sponsorship to have their moustaches shaved off. A resident Colin Howard, himself, proudly raised $325 for growing and shaving his moustache, stating, “I am passionate about the cause.”

A lunch, with entertainment sponsored by Seachange Lifestyle Resorts, and a large raffle comprising of 52 prizes, also proved to be popular with 260 residents in attendance. Residents Beryl and Bruce Ackroyd actively supported and enjoyed all three fundraising events especially the ‘Lions Den’ show, which was their personal highlight.

The Lions Den Performance

Without a doubt the ‘Lions Den’ show proved to be most popular with approximately 300 residents and their family and friends in attendance, singing along, toe tapping and getting caught up in the energetic and vibrant show. The fusion between fundraising for such a worthy cause and entertaining a mass audience enabled for an emotionally charged memorable event held for an unforgettable and important cause.

According to Brian, “hosting such three diverse fundraising events for such a worthy cause was a no brainer.” Both Brian and Di have found fundraising for Prostate Cancer to be both fun and more importantly so very rewarding. “The cause clearly struck a chord within the community with a sell-out crowd to the final event, raising a staggering record sum for $13,310,” as Brian so humbly stated. The Seachange community certainly are not sitting in silence- they are making a difference the best way they know how, by uniting as one!

Colin Howard raised much needed funds growing his ‘mo’ pictured with Julie enjoying the Lions Den show

Di and Joy at the box office

The sell out crowd at the Lions Den show

The Lions Den performers

Fundraising Fun for our friends at Rosies.

21 November 2016 by Terence Moyana

Fundraising and giving back to the community is high on the agenda at Seachange Lifestyle Resorts Arundel. With the continued commitment and support from the greater Seachange community led by the very capable duo of Brian and Di Dawson, the not for profit organisation – Rosies, received invaluable support and generous donations totalling $6000, this year.

Seachange Arundel held two fundraising events for Rosies, our friends on the street, these events included the Ladies Sewing and Craft groups organising a market/craft day and also hosting a morning tea. The sales from both of these events went directly to Rosies. In addition, a variety show was held with full production costs being sponsored by Seachange Lifestyle Resorts and an anonymous supporter, enabling all ticket sales from the show to go directly to Rosies. According to Brian, “the sheer joy of fundraising on behalf of Rosies by all in attendance of the show made for a fun and rewarding event with the majority of money raised going to the Rosies Gold Coast branch.”

Both events were very successful in not only providing awareness but also an avenue for fundraising through superb fun and entertainment for all. The connection Seachange Lifestyle Resorts has with Rosies is invaluable as the Seachange community continues to acknowledge and provide unconditional support and friendship to such a worthy cause.

Emerald Lakes – Cultivating a Healthy Community

16 November 2016 by Terence Moyana

Nestled at the end of the magnificent and picturesque clubhouse at Seachange Emerald Lakes is a newly created community garden. This garden is in every sense of the word a community oriented garden! Only established for two months this garden has already seen residents come together to grow food and further grow an already close-knit community.

“Community Gardens are proven to be incredibly beneficial for the people who involve themselves,” according to resident Ian Nelson. Ian, with the help of Kervan Tinsley and Michael Moot collectively played an integral role in establishing this garden. Clearly, these garden ‘gurus’ are ably assisted by the residents whom take pride in ensuring that this community garden is self-sufficient developed by the residents for the residents.

This garden has created considerable interest amongst the residents with many volunteering watering duties, some donating time, plants, trees and money. Comprised within this garden are a variety of citrus trees, vegetables, fruit and herbs and even some local native wildlife have shown curiosity. The garden also has some fabulous decor and features that complement the different produce and its scenic surrounds.

The intention of this garden according to Community Manager, Di Whybrow is to “promote the residents’ health and active lifestyle whilst providing a venue for proactive exercise and social interaction – gardening and growing is good for us all.”

Ian Nelson and Kervan Tinsley at the community garden entrance arbor.

Kervan, Ian and Community Manager Di in the herb garden.

Ian and Kervan discussing the citrus trees.

The University of Queensland, a Short Course on Mindfulness

11 November 2016 by Terence Moyana

“For men and women alike, this journey is the trajectory between birth and death, a human life lived. No one escapes the adventure. We only work with it differently.”-Jon Kabat-Zinn

The University of Queensland are working with Seachange Lifestyle Resorts to present the Ageing Mind Initiative. A series of short courses, the latest presentation at Seachange Arundel on Monday 7^th November was on the fundamentals of mindfulness.

UQ Honours Psychology student Joel gave an enlightening short course presentation on the basic principals of mindfulness, how our residents can practice mindfulness on a daily basis, the benefits of being mindful and some handy tips and tricks to get us through our daily activities in a peaceful way.

Joel taught us that mindfulness is about placing focus and attention on your here and now, facing life with openness, interest and receptiveness. Mindfulness is about experiencing the moment and your surrounds in an accepting and non-judgmental way. This practice allows us to experience emotions and teaches us how to better understand them, while the consistent breathing exercises helps to settle our heart and relax our body.

Presenting to a full room, Joel captivated the audience with the numerous exercises, helping to get each and every resident to be present and mindful throughout the course. Some Arundel residents amazed Joel on their current understanding of mindfulness and the different ways they practice it. One resident spoke of his colour imagination exercise and another resident discussed the notion of re-packaging an ancient concept and making it accessible to the now.

We all lead busy lives, especially the residents at Seachange Arundel. Busy keeping an active mind, body and soul, Arundel residents fill their days with physical, social and educational activities. Joel gave us some wonderful tips and tricks to help practice mindfulness on a daily basis. Some of these helpful ideas taught us how to practice mindfulness while washing up the dishes, walking and cooking.

Finishing up the short course, we were all present in the room and enjoying the moment for what it was. Tea and biscuits and a quick chat with Joel after the morning course helped put everyone in a delightful mood ready to take on whatever the day had in store.

The University of Queensland, a Short Course on Mindfulness

11 November 2016 by Terence Moyana

“For men and women alike, this journey is the trajectory between birth and death, a human life lived. No one escapes the adventure. We only work with it differently.”-Jon Kabat-Zinn

The University of Queensland has affiliated with Seachange Lifestyle Resorts to present the Ageing Mind Initiative. A series of short courses, the latest presentation at Seachange Arundel on Monday 7^th November was on the fundamentals of mindfulness.

Playing for Bragging Rights at the Third Annual Seachange Golf Day

28 October 2016 by Terence Moyana

More than 100 golfers of all skill levels and expertise from both Seachange Emerald Lakes and Arundel teed up in teams to compete at the immaculate Emerald Lakes Golf Course. Perfect sunny Gold Coast weather, the day forced all golfers to find their ‘A’ game in order to be competitive!

All golfers in their team colours came together for the third annual Seachange Emerald Lakes Golf Day and awards dinner on Wedndesday 19th October. This golf tournament is an opportunity for the Seachange greater community to come together for a social and spirited day of golf and for all to dig deep into their pockets raising money for the Fred Hollows Foundation.

Perfect Weather

The day started out with picture perfect golfing weather conditions. The golf buggies lined up in many rows and the various players arrived eager and ready for the friendly rivalry between Seachange Emerald Lakes players and Seachange Arundel players. Seachange Lifestyle Resort employees helped organise the day and played alongside residents and suppliers making a fun day with plenty of friendly competition.

Playing for ‘bragging rights’ and helping a good cause

Whilst amongst Seachange residents, this occasion was about playing for “bragging rights” this event certainly benefits a good charitable cause. It wasn’t long before the course was alive with the sounds of animated hoots and much laughter. However somewhere along the line strategy went out the window possibly after the first round of pre golf drinks, shouted by Seachange Lifestyle Resorts (or was that a strategy on the Seachange employee’s team’s behalf?) With many thirsty golfers during the golfing day, this friendly match erupted into a healthy competition on the greens where the teams were playing and going to extremes to claim the coveted trophy.

And the winner is…

Seachange Emerald Lakes claimed for the first time both its golf bragging rights and the coveted championship trophy by a mere 15 points, a win is a win! Entering the friendly golf tournament Emerald Lakes was seen as the underdog. Elaine Clout, a keen golfer from Seachange Emerald Lakes had a very clear game play in her sights – “hit and hope.” Whereas Greg Davis from Seachange Arundel oozed confidence in stating his strategy was “shutty eyes and hit the ball.”

Resident tournament organisers from Seachange Sue Absell-Hagan (Emerald Lakes) and Bob Parmenter (Arundel) in conjunction with the Seachange Community Managers Tony and Di are to be commended for organising and hosting such a fun successful day both on and off the green. Whilst Emerald Lakes holds on tight to their magnificent trophy and the bragging rights that go along with it, no doubt the Fred Hollows Foundation was the big winner of this day with the third annual Seachange Golf Day raising $1,032 for the cause.

Seachange Arundel and Emerald Lakes residents Bob and Sue holding the trophy with Seachange Lifestyle Resort CEO Phil Goodman

Ready to play!

Seachange Arundel Community Manager Tony collecting donations for Fred Hollows

Seachange Lifestyle Resort Emerald Lakes the lucky winner