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"Kids are quick": Romantic proposal takes wild turn

What was meant to be a beautiful proposal took a turn for the worst when the engagement ring plunged right through the jetty cracks and into the ocean below. Luke was down on one knee ready to propose to his pregnant girlfriend Stephanie on the Hervey Bay jetty while two-year-old Harper Jane watched on. But before they saw what was happening, Harper Jane quickly grabbed the engagement ring from the box and it slipped out of her hands. “Kids are quick, much quicker than you think - I didn’t actually realise she had grabbed it,” Luke said in a TikTok. Luke called out Harper Jane's name before immediately throwing off his thongs and taking his phone and wallet out of his pocket, ready to jump into the water. <div class="embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; vertical-align: baseline; width: 619px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7141170167098117402&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40alarcon_sinverguenza%2Fvideo%2F7141170167098117402%3Fis_from_webapp%3D1%26sender_device%3Dpc%26web_id%3D7070374670839465473&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Roboto, Rubik, 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;">Blindsided in the moment, his friend called out that he couldn’t jump because it was too shallow causing him to change his landing mid way through which left him with an earache. But Luke was on a mission to find the ring and was excited when he heard Stephanie’s dad call out to say that he could see it. “I can see it! Stop there, by your right hand,” he could be heard calling out. Thanks to the crystal clear waters of Hervey Bay, Luke was able to find the ring quickly and get back to shore. The ring eventually ended up on Stephanie’s finger, with the couple then revealing that Luke also wanted to ask Harper if he could be her step-dad. “I’m committing to them both so I felt like both of them should be present,” he said. “It’s just funny. Even if we had lost (the ring), there would have been humour in it - just sadness, too. “That will go down in the history books for us.” Images: TikTok

Relationships

Loyal to the end: touching detail surrounding Symonds' tragedy

The cricket world is in mourning following the devastating death of legendary player Andrew Symonds. The 46-year-old died on Saturday night after his car veered off the road in a single vehicle accident near his home in Hervey Range, in the city of Townsville, Queensland. Two witnesses who were first on scene following the awful accident have given more insight into what happened – including the fact that Symonds' two very loyal Blue Heelers were also in the vehicle at the time. “One of them was very sensitive and didn’t want to leave him,” the unnamed witness told Courier Mail. “It would just growl at you every time we tried to move him or go near him. My partner tried to get (Symonds) out of the car, to put him on to his back. “He was unconscious, not responsive and had no pulse.” Waylon Townson was another witness and told 9News that Symonds had no pulse when he tried to help. "He was stuck in there, so I tried to pull him out," he said. "(I) started doing CPR and checked his pulse but I didn't get much response." Police continue to investigate the incident which has seen Symonds leave behind a wife and two kids. Symonds’ wife Laura has spoken out since his death saying the family is still in “shock” and described him as “the most laid-back person”. “I’m just thinking of the two kids. He was such a big person and there is just so much of him in his kids,” she said. “Nothing stressed him out. He was an extremely chilled operator. So practical. “He was never good with his phone but he always had time for everyone." Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

I Am Woman is Helen Reddy’s story

When Helen Reddy Reddy came out and sang I Am Woman nearly 50 years ago, the world listened. Like most songs, there was an important story behind it and the film, I Am Woman tells that story in fascinating detail. It does seem strange that no-one had told Helen Reddy’s story on the big screen before. Sure, Reddy did write a book about her life titled, The Woman I Am, but to date, we haven’t had a film about this iconic Australian singer-songwriter and Grammy-award winning artist. Not only is Reddy one of the most successful performing artists ever to emerge from Australia, she’s also the person who co-wrote and sang the song that went on to become the anthem for the women’s movement in the 1970s – I Am Woman. The film I am Woman tells the full story Released earlier in 2020, the film about Reddy’s life is now streaming on <a href="https://www.stan.com.au/">Stan. </a> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6WLMz8Qeg4A" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Made by the producers of The Sapphires, I Am Woman was directed by Unjoo Moon and shot by Oscar-winning cinematographer Dion Beebe. Australian actor, Tilda Cobham-Hervey stars as Reddy and American actor, Evan Peters, stars as Reddy’s husband, Jeff Wald. It’s an inspiring story because Reddy, who arrived in New York in 1966 with $230 in her pocket and her three-year-old daughter on her arm, went on to have incredible success as a singer in both the American market and then, worldwide. It wasn’t long before she ran out of money but five years later, she was one of the biggest superstars of her time. She became an icon of the 1970s feminist movement by co-writing a song which galvanised a generation of women to fight for change. Arrived in New York with $230 in her pocket Helen Reddy arrived in New York in 1966 with $230 in her pocket and her three-year-old daughter, Tracy, on her arm. Reddy traveled to America because she’d been told she’d won a recording contract, but when she goes to see the record company about it, she’s met with blatant sexism and a dismissal of her work as a female artist. Without a visa, Reddy decides to stay in New York anyway and pursue a singing career, struggling to make ends meet and provide for her daughter. She befriends fellow Australian and legendary rock journalist, Lillian Roxon and later, it’s Roxon who inspires her to write and sing the iconic song, I Am Woman. Roxon holds a party for her and it’s there Reddy meets Jeff Wald, a young aspiring talent manager who later becomes her agent and husband. Reddy’s story unfolds as she marries Wald and they move to LA so he can help her get the breaks she needs. But it’s not easy and Reddy has to persuade him to keep pushing her. In the end, Wald helps her achieve her goals, but it’s not enough to save their marriage because he becomes addicted to cocaine and this gradually turns their relationship toxic. I am Woman becomes an anthem Reddy writes her iconic song, I Am Woman, during this time when she’s trying so hard to be heard as a musical artist in America. At exactly the same time, the Women’s Liberation Movement was at its peak. <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a046199a0c1e4783add573ce4273060e" />Reddy has said She was looking for songs that reflected a positive self-image that she felt she had gained from her participation in the women's liberation movement. She’s been reported as saying she was looking for the right song and she couldn’t find it, so she knew she had to write it herself. She worked on the song with another song writer, Ray Burton, and together they came up with I am Woman. It became the perfect unofficial anthem and was a smash hit at the same time. Of course, the song upset some of the men who said it was “angry” or even “man-hating.” Reddy sang many popular songs after this one but she didn’t write many more, which would seem to be a pity. The film is largely and Australian production The film, I Am Woman, is a Goalpost Pictures production in association with Deep Blue Pacific. It had funding from Screen Australia, in association with WestEnd Films, Screen NSW, Adelaide Film Festival and South Australian Film Corporation. The film premiered in Sydney about a year and a half ago, with the director, Unjoo Moon, and the Australian actor, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, who played Reddy in the film. At the premiere, Unjoo Moon said she was thrilled to be there because: “It’s deeply meaningful to me that the release of Helen Reddy’s inspirational story, I Am Woman, will kick off in Australia. Not only did Helen’s story begin in Australia but so did our journey of making this movie.” Moon continued, saying her inspiration for the film came from her early years: “I remember so clearly, when I was a young girl growing up on the north shore here in Sydney. I wasn’t old enough to have been at a Helen Reddy concert but I remember what would happen when her music came on the radio. I’d be sitting in the back seat of the station wagon and the windows would get rolled down and everyone’s hair would come out – and I knew she just had this kind of impact on my mother and her friends,” said Moon. This film still has so much relevance today Some reviewers have said this film about Reddy’s life is timely for our current situation because it gives us historical background to issues which are still relevant to feminist discussions today. While it appeals to a specific audience – those women who grew up with Reddy’s songs as background to their lives and their children – it’s still interesting for younger women who may not know about these events. For the women and their children who lived through the 1970s, watching Reddy sing her songs on the big screen would be a deeply personal and rewarding experience. For those who are younger and don’t know Reddy’s songs as well, it’s probably enough to learn about how these songs gave women inspiration for their feminist cause – and how Reddy will always hold a special place in their hearts for the role she played as a strong and successful woman. Helen Reddy passed away in September 2020 Helen Reddy was able to see the film, I Am Woman in 2020 but sadly, she passed away on September 29, 2020. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother,” her daughter Traci and son Jordan posted on Facebook. “She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and a truly formidable woman. You can watch I Am Woman now on <a href="mailto:https://www.stan.com.au/">Stan.</a>

Movies

The top 15 places to visit in Australia

Here is out Top 15 Ultimate Retirement Bucket List of places to visit in Australia. Take a look at our list and you’ll see there’s something for you – whether it’s a beach holiday, an outback adventure or a tropical paradise. Bucket List No. 1: Great Barrier Reef, Queensland The Great Barrier Reef is a living work of art so large - it can be seen from out at space. The 2,300-kilometre-long ecosystem, stretching from Fraser Island in the south to the Torres Strait in the north, is made up of thousands of vibrant reefs surrounding hundreds of white sand islands. It’s listed as one of the seven natural wonders of the world and it’s also the world’s biggest single structure made from living organisms. You can go snorkelling with amazing tropical fish on the Great Barrier Reef because this world heritage-listed destination is home to 600 types of hard and soft coral, thousands of tropical fish, turtles, sharks and dolphins. Bucket List No. 2: The Kimberley, Western Australia Known as one of the world’s last wild frontiers at the north-western end of Australia, the scenery at the Kimberley is breathtaking. The region is three times larger than England, yet only 40,000 Aussies call it home. Instead, the Kimberley is home to a large range of Australian wildlife in amongst the rolling red sandhills, ancient canyons, breathtaking gorges, serene swimming holes and outback stations. When you’re ready to relax, head to Cable Beach - a 22-kilometre-long stretch of white sands located in the beach town of Broome. You can ride off into the sunset atop a camel. Or if you’d prefer a more outback experience, stay in the more inland town of Kununurra. Bucket List No. 3: Uluru, Northern Territory <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/dbc4cc43794148f38db4a6aa636a93fe" /><img style="width: 500px; height: 285.3035143769968px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843254/travel-uluru-at-sunset-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/dbc4cc43794148f38db4a6aa636a93fe" /> Uluru usually is often cited as Australia’s number one bucket list destination. This is because there’s nothing more Australian than visiting Uluru. You’ll be awed by the rich red desert sands, champagne-worthy sunsets, the incredible spiritual presence and let’s facit it – this is an outback journey every Aussie should make. The 350-metre-high structure is shrouded in ancient folklore, Aboriginal Dreamtime stories and rock art dating tens of thousands of years. There are many ways to experience the majesty of Uluru. You can take a walking tour with an Aboriginal guide so you can really appreciate the grand scale of this impressive icon. Right now, the Field of Light illuminates Uluru as darkness falls. This is a lighting display set up around Uluru by artist, Bruce Munro. It’s an amazing sight to see the gentle rhythms of colour lighting up the desert and this display has now been extended indefinitely. While you’re at Uluru, you can take a quick trip (only 30 kilometres) to Kata Tjuta – also known as The Olgas – and gaze at this group of large, ancient rock formations. Bucket List No. 4: The Whitsundays, Queensland If your idea of a bucket list holiday means tropical cocktails by the pool, picnics on secluded beaches and sunsets to die for, then the Whitsundays is the perfect place for you. Stay at world famous Hamilton Island or one of the regions smaller island resorts, such as Daydream Island or Heron island. As well, you can island-hop your way around the stunning Whitsundays because the calm and crystal-clear waters are perfect for sailing. While you’re island-hopping, don’t miss world famous Whitehaven Beach! Bucket List No. 5: Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory A short trip outside of Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory, sits Kakadu National Park, home to the oldest living culture on earth and Aboriginal rock art dating back over 25,000 years. Kakadu is Australia’s largest national park and there’s lots to do including crocodile spotting, enjoying the incredible indigenous history or visiting outback waterfalls and swimming holes (some are safe from the crocs!). Or you can spend a day or two hiking the waterfall trails, go swimming in boulder creek and then take an indigenous-owned cruise through the world-famous, Yellow Water Billabong. You can even get into the local wildlife spirit and stay at the croc-shaped <a href="http://www.lastminute.com.au/accommodation/australia/mercure-kakadu-crocodile-hotel/W2642?hotelid=W2642&regionid=1631&noadults=2&nochilds=0&checkin=15%2F01%2F2015&checkout=16%2F01%2F2015&datefrom=15%2F01%2F2015&dateto=29%2F01%2F2015&sortby=17">Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel</a>. Bucket List No. 6: Margaret River Region, Western Australia Margaret River is the perfect bucket list destination for food and wine enthusiasts, with hundreds of world class wineries and restaurants in this beautiful pocket of the world. The best part is this is one of the few Australian wine regions where the vineyards meet the ocean. So, you can spend your mornings at the beach and then take your time in the afternoons to do some wine tasting and feasting on local produce. Bliss! Bucket List No. 7: Lord Howe Island, NSW <img style="width: 500px; height: 285.1699882766706px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843255/travel-lord-howe-island-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ba8734bf51b5489d962ac1f0dbeeb4b5" />Lord Howe Island is a gorgeous, hidden gem. This tiny little island only ever allows 400 tourists to visit at a time, making you feel like you have the place to yourself. Spend your days hiking, scuba diving, fishing, paddle-boarding or just relaxing on the beach with a good book. Bucket List No. 8: Wineglass Bay, Tasmania Relax on what’s been voted one of the Top 10 beaches in the world! Located on Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula, this little piece of paradise features pure white sand against a turquoise sea. Soak up the deserted beaches around the bay, the colourful rocks and delicious local seafood (hint, don’t miss the region’s oysters). The best place to stay is Coles Bay. Bucket List No. 9: Great Ocean Road, Victoria Aussies love a good, old-fashioned road trip and the Great Ocean Road is well-known as one of the best. The 46-kilometre-long coastline road winds from Torquay (west of Melbourne) to Allansford and was built originally to honour fallen World War I soldiers. The road leads to some of Victoria’s most famous landmarks including: The Twelve Apostles; Bells Beach; the famous artist community of Lorne; Otway Treetop Walk and Zipline; the Henty Wine region; Queenscliff where you can swim with dolphins; stay at the charming fishing village of Port Fairy and visit Cape Bridgewater, where you can watch hundreds of fur seals soaking up the sun. Many people recommend rising early to see the 12 Apostles at sunrise. This is one of Australia’s world-renowned natural wonders, consisting of these 8 monumental limestone pillars which look like they’re drifting out to sea. One of the pillars has fallen down, due to erosion by the waves, but they’re still awe-inspiring. Bucket List No. 10: Kangaroo Island, South Australia Kangaroo Island is the perfect place to get away from everything and get back to nature so you can enjoy some of the real Australian landscape – including the flora and fauna. Nestled off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island will keep you busy as it’s home to plenty of local wildlife - from sea lions, to penguins, echidnas and koalas. Bucket List No. 11: Fraser Island, Queensland Even though Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, what you’ll find on there is not your typical island flora and fauna. Boasting lush rainforests, freshwater lakes, creeks and picturesque coastlines – you’ll find a menagerie of native Australian wildlife, including echidnas, possums, sugar gliders, dingoes, snakes, cockatoos and wallabies. A short ferry ride from the mainland, Fraser Island is the perfect spot for a weekend camping trip filled with fishing, exploring and swimming in crystal clear waters. Make sure you take a run down 75 Mile Beach – it’s a long rugged stretch of sand down the east coast of the island. Bucket List No. 12: Rottnest Island, Western Australia A short ferry ride from Perth in Western Australia, Rottnest Island stretches over seven square miles. It’s easy to hire a bike for the day and explore the lush, idyllic landscape at your own pace. The island is home to just 300 local residents – but apart from people, it’s also home to one very famous marsupial found only in a few locations worldwide - the Quokka. So take your time to catch up with these charming fellows. Bucket List No. 13: Cradle Mountain, Tasmania Tasmania has some of the most stunning landscapes in the world and the view from the base of Cradle Mountain, looking across Dove Lake is one of them. As you gaze into the distance, you can see snow-capped peaks reflected in the glassy blue water. Cradle Mountain is located in the Central Highlands of Tasmania, one mile above sea level. The picturesque mountain can be climbed most of the year but is sometimes dangerous to climb during winter. <h4>Bucket List No. 14: Whale watching in Hervey Bay, Queensland</h4> After months of traveling north along the east coast of Australia, these humpback whales finally reach the sanctuary of Hervey Bay for some well-earned rest and relaxation. It’s at this time you can often see them swimming around Hervey Bay. The whales use the calm, protected waters around Fraser Island as a calf kindergarten to teach their young a few skills. It’s this phenomenon which saw this area crowned as a Whale Heritage Site at the World Whale Conference in 2019. Best time to visit is from July to November. Bucket List No. 15: The Three Sisters, NSW These three weathered sandstone peaks are an iconic formation in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, west of Sydney. Towering more than 900 metres high, they're best viewed from the Echo Point lookout at Katoomba, overlooking the picturesque Jamison Valley. Aboriginal legend has it they were three sisters who were turned to stone. They are most photogenic at sunrise and sunset. As the sunlight changes throughout the day, it brings out new and different colours against the rocks. The site is also floodlit until around 11pm each evening and you can take a look at the spectacular scene against the black background of the night sky. Photos: Getty Images

Domestic Travel

Why Victorian retirees are chasing the sun north to Queensland's Hervey Bay

With State borders once again open, there’s never been a better time for Victorians to enjoy a warmer climate and become part of a friendly community by moving north to Queensland’s stunning Hervey Bay. Why Hervey Bay? Located just a three-and-a-half hour drive or 40-minute flight from Brisbane, and with a population of around 50,000 people, Hervey Bay is renowned for its visiting humpback whales and pleasant climate. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839405/hervey-bay-is-known-as-a-whale-watching-mecca.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/1a61ad41a7f9404d926326585ac73922" /> <div style="text-align: center;">Hervey Bay is known as a whale watching mecca</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Hervey Bay boasts average high temperatures of 23 degrees, which compares very favourably to average August high temperatures of a chilly 16°C in Melbourne. Hervey Bay’s relaxed appeal and pleasant climate makes it a perfect year-round destination for swimming, sailing, fishing, yachting, waterskiing, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkelling and more. The township’s golden beaches stretch for about 14 kilometres, with the gorgeous calm waters sheltered from winds and swells by Fraser Island. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839404/hervey-bay-has-14km-of-stunning-beaches-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/37cacecda4db4a419e2a6fe2cd688146" /> <div style="text-align: center;">Hervey Bay has 14km of stunning beaches</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The cosmopolitan and alfresco cafes on the main Esplanade running alongside the bay also add a further seaside charm. About the Fraser Shores retirement villages in Hervey Bay Many of Hervey Bay’s incoming residents are finding their way to the two conveniently located <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.frasershores.com.au/" target="_blank">Fraser Shores retirement villages.</a> Operated by Blue Care (a service group of UnitingCare Queensland), these two villages are collectively home to some 441 single-storey homes. Importantly, these villages are providing the social benefits and community interaction that research shows many over 50s are craving in the post-COVID-19 environment. Residents at the Fraser Shores retirement villages came together to have fun and support each other during the worst of COVID-19. This same great sense of community means it is easy for incoming residents to meet new friends and be part of an active and supportive network. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839403/the-fraser-shores-villages-have-a-great-community-spirit-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4565e66373aa4b4d937344c679290fb8" /> <div style="text-align: center;">The Fraser Shores villages have a great community spirit</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> A well-organised residents’ committee arranges functions and social activities, including outdoor and indoor bowls, pool and billiards, movie nights, tai chi, line dancing, yoga, arts and crafts, exercise and computer classes. Residents at the Fraser Shores villages can also receive individually tailored support and care for peace of mind from a range of Blue Care community services, if and when they need it. In addition, the homes at Fraser Shores are surrounded by amazing resort style facilities, giving residents unlimited use of the full-sized bowling green, swimming pool, community centre, licensed bar, fitness centre, craft and computer room, outdoor barbeque areas, libraries and so much more. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839402/enjoy-the-full-sized-bowling-green-at-fraser-shores.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/0cce54b726094314ab79aa779a2e7827" /> <div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy the full-sized bowling green at Fraser Shores</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Room to move in the Fraser Shores homes COVID-19 has <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.downsizing.com.au/news/787/Downsizing-no-more-Australian-over-50s-want-more-living-space-and-independence-due-to-COVID-19" target="_blank">accelerated</a> many over 50s housing trends already underway, including the desire for independent living and more personal space in or around the home. More than half of respondents to a survey of over 50s Australians say two or more bedrooms are essential, up from 48 per cent in a survey undertaken before the pandemic. At Fraser Shores, incoming residents can choose from a wide selection of spacious brick-and-tile, two- and three-bedroom homes – including an executive model with three bedrooms, two en-suites and a hobby room. Home prices range from $250,000 to $505,000. All designs offer careful orientation and large doors and windows for maximum cross-ventilation. This helps village residents take advantage of coastal breezes. All homes are built at ground level for easy access and feature spacious modern kitchens, bedrooms and living areas. Finally, each home is equipped with an emergency call system, which is monitored on-site 24 hours a day by trained staff with first aid certification. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839401/enjoy-a-dip-at-the-fraser-shores-swimming-pool.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/024a264bcaf449f28148d7de045f3580" /> <div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy a dip at the Fraser Shores swimming pool</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Your perfect grey nomad adventure starting point For the grey nomad brigade chasing fun, sun and adventure, the Fraser Shores villages represent the perfect home base. It’s an ideal starting point to explore the rest of Queensland’s coast and highly diverse inland environment. For instance, Bundaberg, home to the famous rum, sugar cane industry and the Mon Repos turtles, is little more than an hour's drive away. Maryborough, one of Queensland's most historic towns, is also a short trip, while further south, you can take in the natural beauty of the Great Sandy National Park with its massive dunes, wide ocean beaches and towering cliffs. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839400/the-great-sandy-national-park-is-a-fantastic-spot-for-grey-nomads-to-explore.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9fb6f28f80bd4debb7c14058e118cbeb" /> <div style="text-align: center;">The Great Sandy National Park is a fantastic spot for grey nomads to explore</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Fraser Shores residents can utilise onsite recreational vehicle, caravan and boat storage, while also knowing their home will be in a safe and secure environment when they leave to go on their travel adventures. The villages are also close to a commercial and professional centre, housing medical specialists, a large general medical practice and a wide variety of shops and services. The new state-of-the-art St Stephen’s Hospital is also just down the road. Conclusion Given the above, it’s no surprise that so many over 50s are making the move north to Queensland. In fact, during 2018-19, Queensland’s over 50 population swelled by 6,970 - more than any other State - thanks to interstate migration. At the same time, Victoria’s over 50 population dropped by 650 due to interstate migration. Fraser Shores Retirement Villages embody quality, resort-style living among a friendly and like-minded community, in an attractive coastal environment which is the envy of the rest of Australia. To make an inquiry about Fraser Shores, <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.frasershores.com.au/" target="_blank">click here</a>. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839399/the-mini-golf-course-and-full-sized-bowling-green-at-fraser-shores.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/770aad7d1a1746aeb75ec801257f0d66" /> <div style="text-align: center;">The mini-golf course and full-sized bowling green at Fraser Shores</div> <div style="text-align: left;">This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.frasershores.com.au/" target="_blank">Fraser Shores. </a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Downsizing

Why retirees are flocking to this sunny seaside town

By Mark Skelsey Thanks to its sunny skies and pristine marine environment, the Queensland seaside township of Hervey Bay has become one of Australia’s retirement hotspots. With close to 900 people aged over 45 deciding to make the move there from other parts of Australia in 2017/18, it’s now the fourth most popular retirement destination in the entire country. And it’s easy to see why. Hervey Bay is home to the historic wooden Urangan Pier, which stretches almost a kilometre out to sea. The pier was originally built to support the export of sugar, timber and coal but now provides the perfect aquatic lookout to spot schools of fish and stingrays and dolphins. If you’d like to actually get into the water, Hervey Bay is the perfect year-round destination for swimming, sailing, fishing, yachting, waterskiing, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkelling and more. It’s also home to what is arguably the best whale-watching in Australia, in gorgeous calm waters that are sheltered from winds and swells by Fraser Island. A further part of Hervey Bay’s seaside charm is its main Esplanade, which runs alongside the bay and features cosmopolitan and alfresco cafés, shops and parklands. Fraser Shores retirement villages in Hervey Bay Many of Hervey Bay’s incoming residents are finding their way to the two conveniently located <a href="https://www.frasershores.com.au/">Fraser Shores retirement villages</a>. Operated by Blue Care (a service group of UnitingCare Queensland), these two villages are collectively home to some 441 single-storey homes. Incoming residents can choose from a wide selection of spacious brick-and-tile, two- and three-bedroom homes – including an executive model with three bedrooms, two en-suites and a hobby room. Home prices range from $290,000 to $525,000. Fraser Shores’ homes have won the Masters Builders Queensland’s <a href="https://www.frasershores.com.au/testimonials/awards.html">Top Homes of the Year Award</a> for design, character and value for money. All designs offer careful orientation and large doors and windows for maximum cross-ventilation. This helps village residents take advantage of coastal breezes. All homes are also built at ground level for easy access and feature spacious modern kitchens, bedrooms and living areas. Finally, each home is equipped with an emergency call system, which is monitored on-site 24 hours a day by trained staff with first aid certification. Resort-style facilities The homes are surrounded by amazing resort-style facilities, where residents have unlimited use of the full-sized bowling green, swimming pool, community centre, licensed bar, fitness centre, craft and computer room, outdoor barbeque areas, libraries and so much more. Incoming residents have the opportunity to meet new friends and be part of an active and supportive community. A well-organised residents’ committee arranges functions and social activities such as outdoor and indoor bowls, pool and billiards, movie nights, tai chi, line dancing, yoga, arts and crafts, exercise and computer classes. Residents at Fraser Shores can also access a range of Blue Care community services, offering individually tailored support and care for peace of mind if and when they need it. Finally, the villages’ community lawns and gardens are beautifully maintained, leaving more time for activities, relaxing or socialising. Everything is close by The Fraser Shores villages are close to a commercial and professional centre, housing medical specialists, a large general medical practice and a wide variety of shops and services. The region’s new state-of-the-art St Stephen’s Hospital is also just down the road. In addition, onsite recreational vehicle, caravan and boat storage gives you the freedom to plan your travels with ease, including when you want to chase fun, sun and adventure with the ‘grey nomad’ brigade. The villages themselves are also close to major centres around the country. Hervey Bay is just a 3.5-hour drive or 40-minute flight from Brisbane, and also enjoys direct flights to Sydney. Stunning climate Many residents move to Hervey Bay to avoid the winter chills of Australia’s southern states, as the region enjoys a warm climate even during winter, with average high temperatures of 23°C during August, and average low temperatures of 10°C. This compares favourably to average August high temperatures of just 18°C in Sydney and a chilly 16°C in Melbourne. Enquire now Fraser Shores Retirement Villages embody quality, resort-style living with great value for money, in an attractive coastal environment which is the envy of the rest of Australia. To make an inquiry about Fraser Shores, <a href="https://www.frasershores.com.au/contact-us/details.html">click here</a>. This content has been prepared by <a href="https://www.downsizing.com.au/">Downsizing.com.au</a> on behalf of Blue Care, an agency of UnitingCare which manages more than 30 retirement villages across Queensland.

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