A DESIRE TO STAY COASTAL AND LIVE IN AN AREA THEY KNEW WELL WAS WHAT ATTRACTED JUDITH AND GAVIN HAIGH TO GEMLIFE BRIBIE ISLAND OVER-50S LIFESTYLE RESORT MORE THAN FIVE YEARS AGO.
“There was nothing on the site when we paid our deposit, just a promise of things to come and a plan from which we could select our block,” said Judith adding: “But true to his word GemLife Director and CEO Adrian Puljich really delivered, and we couldn’t be happier.”
Judith and Gavin said their friends had been the first to put a deposit down on a new home at the resort and they were next.
“Looking back, we are delighted to have been here from the resort’s early days and I remember Adrian calling us his pioneers. We were surrounded by construction activity with homes being built all around us.”
It was also a while before early residents could enjoy the many facilities on offer today.
“There was no Country Club at that time, and we even had to unlock a chain and a padlock on the front gate to get in and out,” said Judith.
The Covid lockdown period also proved memorable for the couple.
“So that we didn’t feel so isolated, residents in our street decided to wave at each other at four o’clock each afternoon. We then progressed to sitting in chairs at the front of our homes and socialising from afar. GemLife provided us with meals, so we ended up setting up card tables, decorated with a candle and ate our meals in front of our own garages from where we waved to each other. It was a great way to break the isolation and feel like we were enjoying meals together.”
The Country Club opening was another big occasion.
“It was so exciting and once our club with all its wonderful facilities opened, it meant we always had plenty to keep us occupied … and still do today,” said Judith.
She said residents have also formed many hobby and sporting groups to cater for a wide range of interests.
“Now that the resort is fully completed, there are so many talented and skilled people living here. Many volunteer their time to help where needed and all are so friendly. It’s a wonderful atmosphere and we don’t ever want to move again. We just love it here!”