Gold Coast

RETIREMENT LIVING GUIDE

retireaustralia.com.au

Contents03 Welcome to the Gold Coast Retirement Living Guide 04 Foreword RetireAustralia CEO05 Retire on the Gold Coast07 Retirement Living Options10 Active Retirement13 Culture, Arts and Entertainment15 Care Services17 Staying Connected19 Local Attractions and Travel20 Discounts and Concessions21 The Verge at Burleigh Golf Club22 Helpful Links and Contacts

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Welcome to retirement living on the Gold CoastRetireAustralia are delighted to bring you this comprehensive guide to retirement living on the Gold Coast.

Aerial view of Burleigh Heads

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RetireAustralia are proud to produce this comprehensive guide to retirement living on Queensland’s Gold Coast. As one of Australia’s leading retirement village owners and operators, over 4000 residents choose to call a RetireAustralia community home in our villages in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. We are at the forefront of the evolution of retirement living with the development of modern, vertical villages built around an urban hub. We are pleased to present our new retirement village right here on the Gold Coast - The Verge at Burleigh G.C.

This guide to retirement living on the Gold Coast will help you to feel informed and confident so you can make the best decision for you and your family.

We warmly welcome you to visit our new development The Verge at Burleigh G.C., to experience the future of retirement living on the beautiful Gold Coast.

Brett RobinsonChief Executive Officer

Foreword

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There’s never been a better time to retire on the Gold Coast

Welcome to retirement living on the Gold CoastA favourite holiday destination for both Australians and international visitors, Queensland’s Gold Coast is known for its beautiful seascapes and natural, lush hinterland. It is also a hub for art, music, design and culture and has excellent shopping precincts, medical services and resources close by. An abundance of restaurants, cafés, bars and other dining options await your review along with countless entertainment and sporting events. And who could forget the world class theme parks for the grandkids!

In response to the growing demand for retirement living, Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) has already shifted gear to align with the needs of seniors, designing programs to ensure they can enjoy everything on offer in the region. The GCCC is establishing a strong community for over 65s, ensuring support and care is available when needed most and providing “Active Ageing” programs that inspire retirees to live their best life.

While the retirement lifestyle reaches new heights, so too does the rise of vertical retirement villages.

RetireAustralia are at the forefront of retirement living and are proud to develop and operate new retirement communities offering retirees the community-oriented, low-maintenance and low-stress lifestyle they desire.

It’s no surprise that by 2031, the number of retirees on the Gold Coast is expected to double - accounting for over 20 per cent of the city’s population*.

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Hugging the edge of the vast Burleigh Golf Club is RetireAustralia’s newest retirement community – The Verge. Presenting an active retirement option for today’s vibrant and independent over 65s, The Verge is located just minutes from sandy beaches and all the conveniences the Gold Coast has to offer.

This guide provides the information you need to know when considering a move to the Gold Coast for your retirement. From retirement living options and community groups, to council programs, local amenities and healthcare, you’ll have all you need to make an informed decision about your future.

It’s time to embrace full-time living on the Gold Coast and rightsize into a home tailored to you.

World class entertainment, amenities and healthcare meets golden beaches and luscious green hinterland.

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Finding a home that’s right for you

Broadacre villagesBroadacre communities are set among leafy suburbs or tranquil regional areas. Each community is unique and they all range in shape and size. Resident homes are designed around a community centre or other shared facilities like swimming pools and libraries.

Urban communitiesResidents living in inner city suburbs can stay close to the action in urban communities. These homes are made for community living and convenience with facilities like rooftop gardens, cafés and dining rooms.

Types of retirement villages on the Gold Coast

Architectural concept of The Verge at Burleigh G.C.

When it comes to retirement living on the Gold Coast, there is lots to choose from. Yet finding a home that’s right for you and your family doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

Retirement Villages have become the preference for many retirees and with good reason. They offer the ability to continue living independently, but with many additional lifestyle, care and community benefits right at your fingertips.

Here we provide the shortlist of options for downsizing, or what many like to call “rightsizing” your home for retirement.

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Types of homes within villages

Independent living apartment, unit or villaLive in your own home while enjoying the community lifestyle and facilities. Enjoy all the benefits of living independently, within a secure community and without any property maintenance.

Care apartmentMaintain your independence and benefit from 24-hour staff support in a serviced care apartment located close to staff and facilities. This option is perfect for those needing help with cleaning, laundry, meals and other care services.

Home care RetireAustralia’s home care is a flexible alternative for residents or couples with different support needs. You can benefit from care provided in your independent living apartment or care apartment – and the government can subsidise this service if you have an approved home care package.

We looked at all of our options and decided that a retirement village was the right choice for us. It gave us financial certainty and the community feel we were looking for. Having staff on call was great for our peace of mind, we knew we’d feel safe and secure.

— Bill & Dawn, RetireAustralia residents

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A Gold Coast retirement village tailored to you – welcome to The Verge at Burleigh G.C.

Co-located with the Burleigh Golf Club and just minutes from the beautiful beaches of the Gold Coast, The Verge at Burleigh G.C. offers a fulfilling lifestyle for today’s generation of vibrant and independent retirees.

The Verge is a brand new retirement village, right next to the 10th hole, with sweeping views of the golf course from a selection of spacious and stylish apartments. With one bedroom plus study, two and three bedroom apartments, there is an option that’s right for anyone who wants to start enjoying low-maintenance living in the heart of the Gold Coast.

The Verge Wellness Hub has everything you need to keep active, social and independent. The on-site gym’s equipment and group fitness classes promote a healthy lifestyle. Then, when it’s time to wind down with your friends and family, you can entertain on the rooftop terrace BBQ area, or visit the friendly team at Tee House café. They’ll have the perfect cuppa waiting for you!

RetireAustralia’s answer to luxurious retirement living on the Gold Coast

For further information visit thevergeburleigh.com.au

Architectural concept of The Verge at Burleigh G.C.

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Living an active and healthy life in retirement

We are often reminded that the foundation for good health is eating well and maintaining an active body and mind. The Gold Coast provides the perfect recipe for a healthy retirement lifestyle with limitless sporting activities, active living programs, healthy dining options and opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

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ACTIVE AGEINGThe Gold Coast City Council runs an Active Ageing program packed full of activities for over 60s to live an active life. Promoting an “I CAN” attitude towards health and fitness, the activities are designed to increase longevity, improve strength, stability and coordination. Some of the free activities include aqua squad, walking groups, tai chi and low impact “SitFit” classes and many can be done from the comfort of your own home via video link. For more information refer to our links on page 22.

SPORTING ACTIVITIES

Queensland’s superb weather means you can enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle all year round. There is no limit on choice, with many golf courses, local veterans activity clubs, lawn bowls, surf lifesaving, tennis and croquet clubs in the area, just to mention a few. And if you haven’t heard about Pickleball there hasn’t been a better time to pick up a paddle!

Links to a variety of clubs websites, including Pickleball, are on the links and contacts page at the end of our guide.

SPORTING EVENTSThe Sunshine State has long been host to events supporting our great Australian sporting culture and the Gold Coast certainly has many outstanding venues to prove this. ACBUS Super stadium have sporting fans covered, hosting Gold Coast Titans games and many other National and International sporting and entertainment events. Metricon Stadium in Cararra is home to the Gold Coast Suns AFL Club and was also a key venue during the Gold Coast’s 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Many other state-of-the-art sporting facilities were built or upgraded for the Games, including the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre in Carrara and the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre. These venues and many others continue to attract world class sporting events for you to enjoy. Yet who needs a venue when the Gold Coast 600 takes to the streets! This annual supercar motor racing event is held in October/November throughout the Surfers Paradise Streets – the circuit is one of the exciting highlights of the Australian Supercar Championships.

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ACTIVE MINDGold Coast City Council supports interests and hobbies to ensure an active mind and offers interesting, fun and free services to over 60s. Computer clubs, volunteering programs and a local Library delivery service are all available. There are also unique activities, such as recording and watching birds and wildlife in the local area to assist various institutes, namely ClimateWatch and EarthWatch, with their research.

FROM NATURE WE LEARNSurrounded by scenic mountains, stunning beaches, parks and gardens, the Gold Coast City Council supports countless free programs and events all enjoyed in the picturesque natural environment. From classes on native gardening, to tips for traditional uses of Australian plants and bush tucker, to organised bush walks and wildlife encounters, there is certainly plenty on offer for nature lovers.

EATING WELLThe phrase spoilt for choice comes to mind when thinking about eating out on the Gold Coast. Award-winning restaurants, street-eats, cafes and breweries – all served in fabulous locations overlooking stunning beaches or lush hinterland. And if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, then the occasional takeaway fish and chips will have you, and the seagulls, well fed while you soak in the views with sand between your toes.

GOLD COAST SENIORS WEEK Held every August, Seniors Week is dedicated to the Gold Coast seniors community – celebrating residents, building networks, promoting healthy living and positive communities and sharing information on Gold Coast products and services. Complimenting this event is the Gold Coast Seniors Health and Lifestyle Expo (held in Southport) – where exhibitors share their products and services including retirement living options, home care services, travel, insurance, free hearing and eyesight checks, and financial planning advice.

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All that glitters on the Gold Coast

Culture and the ArtsThe Gold Coast is an impressive cultural hub, well supported by local artists and a creative community. At the heart of this vibrant cultural precinct, the spectacular new Home of the Arts (HOTA), located in Surfers Paradise, offers a stunning outdoor stage, several theatres, cinemas and a café.

Venues like The Star and Twin Towns continue to support national and international musicians, singers, dancers, illusionists and comedy festivals in their event spaces. There’s also an array of dining options within these venues and regular local live entertainment.

Retirement living can be as active or relaxed as you want it to be. The great news is the Gold Coast offers endless cultural and entertainment options, leaving you free to decide how much glitter is gold.

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Gold Coast City Council supports countless free programs and events, from hands on workshops in Aboriginal Art & Culture, craft and jewellery demonstrations on silversmithing, carving and stone polishing, to free Gold Coast Philharmonic Orchestra concerts held on the beach at sunset.

The city continues to boast an abundance of annual events, here are just a few:

• Bleach – the famous arts and entertainment festival

• Gold Coast Multicultural Festival – celebrating cultural diversity with local and international food, art, craft and cultural activities

• Swell Sculpture festival – awe-inspiring sculptures on Currumbin beach

• Somerset Storyfest – a writers’ festival

• The Gold Coast Film Festival

Refer to our links and contacts page for further information on these and other exciting events.

Whether your interests lie in art, music or theatre, or all three, the Gold Coast’s thriving arts and culture scene has you covered.

Gold Coast City’s stunning outdoor lifestyle sets the scene for an impressive lineup of arts and cultural events and festivals.

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Care and support – in case your needs change

A council supporting your needsGold Coast City Council supports independent living for its seniors community, offering assistance with daily tasks that might become difficult over time. The council offers assistance with bin collection days, in-home library services and mowing nature strips at the front of residential properties*. Contact the council on 1300 GOLDCOAST (1300 465 326) or 07 5582 8211 to find out more.

World-class medical providersThe Gold Coast offers exceptional quality health care services at both the Robina and Gold Coast University hospitals. Supported by a range of new and established private hospitals, in-home care services and allied health services, you’ll be in good hands if you ever need medical care.

The Gold Coast is also home to Queensland’s leading integrative health practitioners, who consider their patients’ health holistically – body, mind and spirit. Offering alternative therapies with a variety of natural options for a range of health concerns.

* Available for eligible residents

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Support in your own homeOne of the many benefits of living in a RetireAustralia retirement village, like The Verge at Burleigh, is having access to our Home Care Services team. Our experienced care team are proud to work in an environment that offers residents choice in the care they receive and promotes the regaining and maintenance of their independence. In-home care services can be either privately funded, or government funded through a MyAgedCare package.**

**Subject to funding conditions

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Staying connected with technologyAdvancing technology has made staying connected with our friends and family so much easier. Soon many retirement villages will be upgraded to the luxury of 5G technology.

If you are not technically minded, you’ll find plenty of resources and recommendations on various classes on the Gold Coast City Council website to boost your confidence. Importantly the Council provides information links to staying savvy online with tools and tips for navigating the digital world.*

Staying connected with family and friendsWith all that said, as you settle into retirement on the Gold Coast, you can expect less virtual visitors and more real life visitors from relations near and far. The Gold Coast is a playground, not only for the grandchildren but for the whole family, with as much activity or relaxation as you’d expect from a city by the sea. In many retirement villages family and friends can stay with you for up to a month without requiring prior approval. Which leaves you plenty of time to visit the local theme parks and explore the many attractions.

Staying connected and making connectionsThrough recent uncertain times we know, more than ever before, how vital staying connected and making new connections is for our wellbeing.

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Making new connectionsLocal community centres are a great way to meet new people and extend your network, offering a range of social, cultural, educational and recreational activities. Libraries run many interesting programs, activities and events, along with community gardening projects, such as The Joan Park Community Garden, which has been operating for over 10 years and is an active way to meet people and enjoy a little sunshine.

Connect at The VergeTee off with new friends or old at Burleigh Golf Club, join a fitness class at The Verge wellness centre or meet a friend for coffee in the Tee House Café or at the golf club bar for an evening drink.

*Refer to our useful links page at the end of this guide.

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Your retirement living playground awaitsA retirement living playground, the Gold Coast is also a gateway to Australia and the rest of the world.

Take time out to enjoy a weekend getaway to the cool hinterland with its stunning waterfalls and picturesque Mount Tamborine, or take a drive for a wildlife encounter at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Drive to the Sunshine Coast to the Glass House Mountains and Australia Zoo or south across the New South Wales border to Byron Bay.

If you like to take your holidays further afield then the Gold Coast’s Domestic and International Airport at Coolangatta is just 20 minutes away from Burleigh and Brisbane International Airport just over an hour’s drive. It’s a hop, skip and a jump to visit the many beautiful destinations Australia has to offer. You can also fly direct to New Zealand, Asia, America or Europe, or enjoy a cruise from Brisbane International Cruise Terminal.

The Gold Coast is rich and alive with beautiful natural environments and experiences to appreciate right on your door step. Yet some days simply dipping your toe into one of the scenic beaches, followed by lunch at a local surf club is all you need to escape.

Curtis Falls, Mount Tamborine

Kirra Beach, Gold Coast

The Glasshouse Mountains, Sunshine Coast

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Getting around Getting around has never been easier for seniors. Gold Coast City Council have thought of everything, encouraging seniors to make use of the transport services on offer.

• Taxi service - Offering $2 each way pick up from home to the nearest shopping centre. • Bus travel - Eligible seniors enjoy free bus travel in Gold Coast

(*surfside, conditions apply)• Mobility equipment hire - Available throughout the city along with the benefit of

designated free recharging power points.

Seniors CardThe Seniors Card in Queensland is of benefit to all eligible Australians no longer working full time. You qualify if you’re 65 or over, or 60 if you hold a Concession Card and are working less than 35 hrs a week.

The many benefits include but are not limited to:

• Motor vehicle and boat registration concessions • Travel concessions• Electricity concessions• Dental concessions• Medical aid subsidy• Pet ownership reduced registration fee• Retail and hospitality provider discounts.

Discounts and concessionsGold Coast City Council has introduced a number of initiatives to make retirement living more affordable. After all, it’s time to enjoy the discounts and benefits you deserve!

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EMBRACE FULL TIME LIVING

Overlooking Burleigh Golf Course and just minutes to the beach and all the Gold Coast has to offer, these spacious independent living apartments have been thoughtfully designed for today’s generation of vibrant and independent over 65’s.

Designed specifically as a home-for-life with age-friendly design, the one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments at The Verge create a comforting sense of space. Each apartment boasts floor to ceiling windows, providing sweeping outlooks from every angle.

The Verge at Burleigh G.C. sets a new standard in retirement living on the Gold Coast.

Call 1800 955 070 or visit thevergeburleigh.com.au

CONSTRUCTION IS WELL UNDERWAY, DON’T MISS OUT!

Sales suite 114 Albion Avenue, Miami QLD 4220 Open Mon to Fri, 10am-4pm

DEVELOPED ANDOPERATED BY

*Architectural concepts pictured.

Gold Coast information

Gold Coast City Council > goldcoast.qld.gov.au

We are the Gold Coast Events Calendar > wearegc.com.au

Gold Coast for Seniors > goldcoast.qld.gov.au/community/gold-coast-seniors-318.html

Arts, culture and entertainment

Home of the Arts > hota.com.au

The Star, Gold Coast > star.com.au/goldcoast

Twin Towns > twintowns.com.au

Gold Coast Film Festival > gcfilmfestival.com

Swell Sculpture Festival > swellsculpture.com.au

Somerset Storyfest > storyfest.com.au

Bleach Festival > bleachfestival.com.au

Gold Coast Multicultural Festival > goldcoastculturalfestival.org

Active retirement

Gold Coast City Council Active & Healthy program > goldcoast.qld.gov.au/community/active-healthy-program-27969.html

Burleigh Golf Club > burleighgolfclub.com.au

Lakelands Golf Club > lakelandsgolfclub.com.au

Burleigh Bears Leagues Club > burleighbears.com.au

Burleigh Heads Bowls Club > burleighbowls.org.au

Burleigh Heads and Palm Beach Croquet Club > croquetqld.org/clubs/gold-coast-tweed/burleigh-heads-palm-beach-croquet-club

Miami Masters Swim Club > miamimasters.com.au

Gold Coast Seniors Tennis Club > tennis.com.au/gcstc

Gold Coast Pickleball > goldcoastpickleball.com.au

Helpful links and contacts

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Making connections

Tools and Tips for navigating the digital world > esafety.gov.au/seniors

Staying savvy online > beconnected.esafety.gov.au

Gold Coast Seniors on the net – computer classes (at cost) > goldcoastsotn.com.au

Community Centres > goldcoast.qld.gov.au/community/community-centres-243.html

Community Gardens > goldcoast.qld.gov.au/community/community-gardens-26338.html

Discounts and concessions

Gold Coast City Council discounts > goldcoast.qld.gov.au/council/pensioner-concessions.html

QLD Government Seniors Card > qld.gov.au/seniors/legal-finance-concessions/seniors-card

Local attractions and travel

Destination Gold Coast – what to see and do on GC > destinationgoldcoast.com

Brisbane > visitbrisbane.com.au

Queensland > queensland.com

Gold Coast Airport > goldcoastairport.com.au

RetireAustralia

RetireAustralia’s The Verge at Burleigh > thevergeburleigh.com.au

RetireAustralia > retireaustralia.com.au

Helpful links and contacts

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1300 68 77 38 retireaustralia.com.au

The information contained in this document is correct as at July 2020. RetireAustralia endeavours to ensure all information contained in this document is correct at the time of inclusion; however, the accuracy of the material in this document cannot be guaranteed and any use of this information is at the user’s risk. All images are for illustrative purposes and are indicative only. RetireAustralia’s privacy policy can be accessed on our website at retireaustralia.com.au/privacy-policy/.