Arundel

There have been a few “sharks” spotted at Seachange Arundel recently as the resort’s Mixed Doubles Pool Comp stirs the waters. Organiser Kevin Moran said until he moved into the resort, with wife Maureen, two weeks before the first COVID-19 lockdown, he could count on one hand the number of times he had played either Pool or Snooker. “We managed to get two ‘Friday night drinks’ in before everything closed but this turned out to be a blessing in disguise as the management at Seachange encouraged residents to start Street Trivia and through that we met a great group of people who have quickly become firm friends,” he said. “It was this group that Maureen and I asked if they would be interested in playing a mixed pair pool competition. Most of the men had some experience playing pool, but most women not at all. “However, we felt that this would be an advantage because we didn’t want it to be serious. And believe me, serious it is not!

“One of the great things about Seachange Arundel, and there are many great things, is that you can choose what activities you would like to participate in.” The first competition was held on a Thursday evening in the resort’s prestigious Club House using its two half-size snooker tables as well as one full-sized one. On the first evening, 14 teams picked up sticks to fire some canons around the table. Since then, four competitions have been held and they are scheduled for about every six weeks. “That first night was great and we had lots of laughs at the antics of the less experienced and lots of ‘coaching’ from those who thought they knew how to play,” he said. “Now Maureen and I have really got into snooker. We play at least five times a week, plus we also play pool between ourselves and others outside of the comp. Our skills are constantly improving, and this makes it a very satisfying game.

“Maureen and I supply the prize and cup and we spend up big … the chocolates cost $5, and the cup is $1.” Mr Moran said since the couple had been living at Seachange Arundel they had thrown themselves into all the activities available including aqua aerobics, yoga, meditation, lawn bowls, Friday night social gatherings and more. “That’s one of the great things about living at Seachange … all the activities we have either never done, or never had time for, are available,” he said. “We really love living at Seachange Arundel. We wanted to buy into a community, and we have done that in spades. You can live many years in a suburban street and hardly get to know your neighbours, whereas here you become part of the community and meet new people very quickly.”

Move over Billy Ray Cyrus – the best line dancers around can be found at Seachange Arundel, with homeowner Barb Bos leading the moves.
When the ultra-catchy tune ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ led to a line dancing craze in the 1990s, Barb was one of the millions who immediately enjoyed the structured style.
Now with over 30 years of dance experience, Barb shares her steps with others and has been teaching line dancing for the past 11 years.

“We have wonderful classes with amazing groups that just make everyone feel welcome. It’s a brilliant way to exercise while having fun and being social,” Barb said. Standing in spaced out rows, line dancers all step out the same foot sequence along to a musical beat and practice to be in sync with each other to execute it as a group dance. “We dance to all styles of music. One of the latest additions is ‘Brings you Happiness’ sung by Dolly Parton, but ‘Geronimno’ is still a favourite with the Beginner Class,” she said. With 75 participants currently enrolled across the various levels of classes offered, there is one for every skill level, from Step Training right through to Improver. It is important to learn the basic steps when starting so you can follow any teacher.

“Many of our residents are planning to head away in their caravans, and after their time away they often feel it easier to slip into the beginner class to get back into it. If you want to attend the next level of classes, you need to attend on a regular basis.” Barb said she was delighted that fellow Seachange Arundel homeowner Ilja Smith was now able to conduct ‘The Ultra Beginner Class’ while another local Katrina Beer had taken on ‘The Improver Practice Session’. “The numbers continue to grow! People specifically ask the Seachange Welcoming Committee if we have line dancing – it has become very popular,” she said. Currently there are 22 people attending ‘The Ultra Beginner’ classes, 39 at ‘The High Beginner’ and 18 at the ‘Improver’ classes.

Line dancing has also taken off at Seachange Riverside Coomera, according to Community Manager Lynn Wild. “Our homeowners are really enjoying the two-hour class and find it great for fitness and making new friends.”

Seachange Arundel was full of excitement as they held their inaugural annual car show and market day. There were 21 amazing cars on show and they toured the village before lining up for display at the Village Green. The residents were treated to some great entertainment by the ever fabulous Glenn Shields.

Sixteen beautiful stalls displaying gorgeous goods for sale were up in the Village Green and Martha, our Seachange kombi coffee van was present providing lovely coffees. Special thanks go to Stuart Robert MP and Cr. Ryan Bayldon who donated their marquees for use on the day, the great volunteers who helped set them up, the wonderful “chefs” and servers running the sausage sizzle and the Seachange residents for the amazing turnout.

There was something for everyone on the day, catering to the fans of classic cars, curious shoppers and those after a delicious bite. We cannot wait to do it all over again next year thanks to the amazing support we received from the Seachange community.

The Lawn Bowls Bar has long been a hub for community connection at Seachange Arundel. Now it is a place where residents can contribute their time and skills, with a total of 25 volunteers attaining Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) qualifications that allow them to run the bar and simultaneously raised much-needed funds for local charities. Volunteer Bar Manager, Howard Wallace, who has been living at the resort for five years, said “community spirit truly comes alive at our venue”. “A lot of those working the bar love it because they get to know other people in the community. It’s a great way to connect. People rally around. It’s a very social community and everyone wants to do something,” said Howard, who has managed the bar for two years. As a function venue, the Lawn Bowls Bar has raised more than $10,000 for various charities as well as hosted welfare seminars with information from hospitals, legal advice on wills, first aid and many other subjects.

“Pre-COVID19, we could have up to 400 people at a function, however, now we must restrict numbers,” he said. “Two of the largest events of the year were functions to raise money for breast cancer, which last year saw more than $3000 raised, and for prostate cancer in November, which resulted in donations of $8000.” Funds raised from the bar contribute to a large proportion of administration costs, various community events, regular activities, and to the Home Owners Association (HOA). HOA president Marjorie Gerlinger said “we are so fortunate to have an amazing group of volunteers who put a huge amount of time and effort into organising and running all that goes on, and it is a lot. Without those volunteers we wouldn’t be able to provide a small fraction of what we are able to offer our residents.”

Meet and greets are held once a month for new people, with events organised throughout the year, plus 38 regular activities available for residents. Anzac Day is also huge at Seachange Arundel with about 400 of the 700-odd residents expected to attend various activities throughout the resort. Coming up is the Seachange’s Got Talent show in April with two sold out performances, regular travel shows and a sold-out Olivia Newton-John History Show in May. In fact, currently with restricted numbers all events and shows are sell-outs!