IRENE HENLEY IS ALREADY ENJOYING THE GEMLIFE LIFESTYLE BEFORE SHE’S EVEN MOVED INTO HER NEW HOME AT GEMLIFE MORETON BAY, THANKS TO HER FRIEND TRICIA FERGUSON WHO LIVES AT GEMLIFE HIGHFIELDS.

Trish and Irene’s friendship began eight years ago when they both were members of the Redlands National Trust. As former senior nurses, they had a lot in common.

“Instead of meeting at a coffee shop each month, we thought why not try out all of the wonderful facilities at Tricia’s resort such as indoor bowls, swimming in the heated indoor pool and the outdoor pool, or playing billiards,” Irene said.

“I didn’t think an over-50s resort would be for me, but when I went to the GemLife Highfields open day to learn more about where Tricia had purchased, I was completely sold, and it wasn’t long before my husband Stephen was too!

“We walked around Highfields and met the most wonderful residents, who were the best advocates for GemLife, and that was it!”

With an interest in the environment, Irene and Stephen, who are both retired mental health nurses, put their names down for a home at GemLife Moreton Bay immediately after hearing about the new build. The move from Toowoomba next year will place them closer to sons and daughters-in-law Mark and Carina, and Darren and Deslie as well as their five grandchildren.

“GemLife Moreton Bay had me at the words ‘koala corridor’,” Irene grinned.

“Moving to Gemlife is not retirement – it’s a lifestyle – and it has everything I’ve ever wanted.

We will never be bored, because everything is there. I didn’t even realise these places existed!

“I’ve already mapped out my lifestyle plan for when we move in. I’ve stepped down from five committees so I’m ready to go in and relax and have fun.

“I talk to everyone about GemLife – so much so, that I’m not allowed to talk about it when we catch up!”

Irene can’t wait to get the kayak out on the big lake when she moves into her new home next year, as well as explore all the walking paths and trails with the couple’s standard poodle, Vervarda.

“We are already making friends with fellow contract holders from the Moreton Bay resort, with regular catch ups and we’ve already met our neighbours.

“I teach Reiki so when I move in there’s already a few people who’d like to learn.”

Irene is the State President of the public speaking association Forum, and is currently coordinating a speaking convention, featuring five guest speakers for 7 September 2024, in Cleveland. She has invited any interested GemLife residents to attend.

For more information email Irene at [email protected] or phone 0421 129 253.