Emerald Lakes

Calendar Packed Full of Fun for New Community Manager

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Seachange Emerald Lakes’ new community manager Narelle Moore is making the most of her latest role, soaking in the community atmosphere and enjoying the prestige facilities at the five-star resort. Narelle, who joined the Seachange Lifestyle Resorts team in April, says she is absolutely ‘loving it’. “I previously worked as a property manager in real estate. I’ve worked in hotels and commercial, so my previous experience meant I could easily transition into a role like this,” she said. “And it’s lovely here. I’m lucky to have such a wonderful community. It’s no wonder there’s a waiting list to secure a lakeside lifestyle as it’s such a beautiful resort.”

 

 

Narelle’s role includes welcoming new residents to the resort and maintaining its facilities and grounds which were completed about five years ago. She said there were plenty of activities, run by the resort’s social committee, that residents could enjoy. The five-star facilities include a Country Club, a gym, tennis court, outdoor and indoor heated pools, a cinema, a wellness centre and direct golf buggy access to an 18-hole championship golf course. “There’s always something going on. The community calendar here is chock solid with activities such as line dancing, indoor bowls, kayaking, tennis, billiards and more,” Narelle said. “I’m really looking forward to getting involved in the community and my first event will be a trip with the residents from Seachange Emerald Lakes, Riverside Coomera and Arundel to Toowoomba to visit the Carnival of Flowers and the Seachange resort.”

 

 

Marathon Meander at Seachange Emerald Lakes

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It all started out as a chilly Saturday morning at Seachange Emerald Lakes but you would not have noticed it based on how electric the atmosphere was. The annual charity Marathon Meander had everyone buzzing with excitement. The residents came out in their numbers to support a worthy cause, with funds raised to be donated to the Cancer Council.

 

 

53 residents walked the circuit, all aiming to not only raise funds, but to also beat the previous record set in 2020, when 52 walkers did an amazing 150 laps (180km) around the resort. This year, a new record was set as they participants managed to do a total of 189 laps (226.8km). Special mention goes to Michael Heath and his grandchildren, Jaden & Lulu who did an amazing 6 laps. Claire Attree, Kay Hamilton (in wheelchair), Joy Aylward, Peter Carney, Dot Carney, Cherry Elliot, Gil Gerhardt, Ray Gibson, Graham Gitten, Stuart Rayner & Graeme Roberts all walked an incredible 5 laps as well. It was great to see the team work and community spirit in action.

 

 

It was all hands on deck with other residents manning the registration desk and the guessing competition which was won by Les Harry. We also had a team pumping out delicious bacon and egg rolls and our trusty Seachange coffee van, Martha, was there churning out some great coffee. All in all, it was a great day out and we managed to raise an incredible $1,400 for The Cancer Council. Preparations are already underway to beat the new record in 2022 so get practising and we will see you on the circuit.

 

 

 

A Seachange change is as good as a holiday

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You know you are doing something right when your buyers love the Seachange lifestyle so much they move from one resort to another. That’s exactly what Matty and David Flavel did when they moved from Seachange Emerald Lakes, where they had lived for two-and-a-half years, to Seachange Riverside Coomera. “We were drawn to the community at Emerald Lakes and all it had to offer but then we decided Coomera was for us in terms of the more rural-like setting, as opposed to the Lakes’ more cosmopolitan one,” Matty said.

 

And while they’ve now also been living in Coomera for two-and-a-half years, it doesn’t mean they will be going anywhere else any time soon. “No, we’re not planning on another move … this is it … we like it here too much,” David said. One of the main drawcards, according to Matty, was the thriving community literally on the doorstep and especially having people they can rely on and friends they can relax with. “The concept and the facilities are fantastic. We love the lifestyle, that it’s on the river and it offers an incredibly quiet, country-style life,” she said. “It was the country atmosphere that really drew us here because it is like a rural setting but so close to everything still. We love it.”

 

 

The couple have been making the most of Riverside Coomera’s facilities with David regularly lawn bowling and playing bocce while Matty enjoys line dancing and arts and crafts. They also enjoy swimming in the village’s two pools, walking around the nearby Coomera Lakes, trivia nights and dinners out with their new group of friends. In addition, they are able to have solar power at Coomera and now never receive an electricity bill. In fact, they are actually owed money!

 

“We really enjoyed living at Emerald Lakes. It was a different atmosphere than here, a different neighbourhood feel,” Matty said. “It’s got a much more rural feel here – it’s like the city vs country. We loved Emerald Lakes – in fact, David still plays golf there – but we also love it here and we won’t be moving again.”

 

A ‘Reel’ Community of Women

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When television’s first ‘knitting star’ Elizabeth Zimmermann told her television audiences to ‘knit on with confidence and hope through all crises’ she had no idea nine Gold Coast women would be subconsciously channelling her more than five decades later.

 

Once a week, the dedicated craft group at Seachange Emerald Lakes join together to knit a vast range of items for those in need. Craft group leader Sue Nugent said the ladies have been meeting every Wednesday for five years, always seeking new charities to support. So far, they had knitted more than 3000 individual pieces. “It gives us ladies an opportunity to get together on a project and knit something meaningful,” said Mrs Nugent. “We knit everything from beanies, to penguin and sheep jumpers, to knee rugs and teddies.

 

 

A long-time commitment is making breast cancer bags for the ladies at the hospital. “We have made 1,311 of those bags so far. It’s just a bit nicer for the ladies instead of carrying a plastic bag around with them.  We love the fact that we can make their days just a little brighter in trying circumstances. We also knit for the homeless. We make bed socks, beanies, gloves, and scarves for them.”

 

 

Jeanette Henry, another craft group member, said she and her friends had made 500 purple felt love hearts in two weeks for the SANDS Charity (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Syndrome). “We also worked with Project Kin Dolls, and essentially we made rag dolls with clothes and what was good about the project is that some of us sew, and some of us knit. So, we all coordinated together to bring it to life,” said Mrs Henry.

 

The ladies generously use their time and skills to help the community, each bringing forth their unique knowledge and style to help one another advance their crocheting and knitting abilities. “We are always looking out for one another,” said Margaret Jamieson, one of the craft group members. “During COVID, we did not feel isolated. We felt protected because we had one another here.” Mrs Nugent led the chorus of Seachange fans. “I love living here. It’s like a little village. If something were wrong, you know there would be three people on your doorstep within half an hour asking if they can help,” she said. When asked what a typical day looks like for the ladies at Seachange, Barb Jarrott chimed in to say, ‘we do whatever we like, whenever we want! It is so wonderful’.

 

If knitting, crocheting or sewing is your passion, these ladies will welcome you with open arms — and be prepared for the fun banter!

 

Good “Thymes” at Seachange

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There is no better feeling and appreciation than eating freshly grown cherry tomatoes plucked straight from the vegetable garden you have tendered to for many weeks. At Seachange Lifestyle Resorts, residents are encouraged to use their ‘green thumbs’ in the beautifully-established communal vegetable gardens, especially as it’s a therapeutic way to foster well-being and a sustainable lifestyle.

 

The vegetable garden at Seachange Emerald Lakes was the biggest selling point for resident Les Harry, who has lived there for three years. “Many people downsize from big properties, but they still want the enjoyment of a garden,” said Les. “It’s a great way to meet people because not only are you gardening, but you’re also chatting with each other and forming friendships.”

 

 

Aside from the tasty benefits, research highlights that gardening can help one practice acceptance and mindfulness. Gardening is also a fantastic way to reduce stress, improve strength and save money, proving highly beneficial for many Seachange residents. “Every Tuesday between 8am and 9am we have a group of about 16 people who come together to pitch in and maintain the garden. Everyone is looking out for each other, which is what community is all about. “Although, sometimes, it can be a race to get the best produce before anyone else,” said Les, jokingly.

 

With a little creativity, you can cook a myriad of delicious recipes straight from the garden. “We have residents making kale chips and even using carrot leaves; people really like trying new things,” said Les. There are many health benefits associated with having a veggie garden. However, the most significant benefit for Les Harry is the sense of community and enjoying the company of others that the garden brings.

 

 

Unwinding with Art at Emerald Lakes

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Creating pieces of art is renowned for having a profoundly positive impact on people across the world. In fact, research shows that participating in art classes often provides an ‘escape’ or ‘haven’, allowing minds to relax and unwind. Sharyn Ninness and Joyce Anderson, homeowners at Seachange Emerald Lakes, find art extremely therapeutic, almost taking them into a meditative state. “You let go of the stress because you are in the moment,” said Sharyn, who has been painting for the past three years.

 

“I truly love spending time here in the Art room. I connect with others but also connect with myself and find myself totally focused on my work. It is a wonderful feeling to just forget about what is going on in the world and paint.” Sharyn started out painting stick figures and is now completing gorgeous landscapes, all with the help of local artist Joy Gray. Joy, who has more than 20 years of experience, volunteers every Tuesday to help residents like Sharyn and Joyce who are eager to finesse their skills. “I really enjoy coming along and showing everyone new techniques,” said Joy. “Next week we are doing pouring painting where we will use a liquid paint with a filler that’s like glue and then pour it into cups and onto canvas to create pieces.”

 

 

Extending yourself and achieving goals is part of art’s attraction for Joyce. “I have been painting for a couple of decades now and every time I touch my easel and pick up a brush to paint canvas, I am learning, trying something different,” she said. “What’s great about having Joy here with us is that she is always encouraging us to try new things. Last week, for example, we learned how to paint with sponges.

 

“Art is all about creating something from nothing. Starting with a blank canvas and ending up with an old car or a stunning landscape. It makes you glow inside.” Art is an activity that is truly inclusive and ideal for any ability level. Sharyn, Joyce and Joy all agreed that it is nice to paint with other people. “You are feeding off other’s for inspiration, it creates a nice energy,” said Joyce. “Art doesn’t require an extensive skill set. It’s more important to come here, enjoy it and tap into a relaxing state of mind. We had ladies that painted by numbers on a canvas, and they turned out absolutely beautiful. We are hoping that more residents will come and join us.”