THE EDGE¨

JUNE/JULY 2018

...AND MORE

What’s on around town, upcoming resort events, news and more

DERWENT DELIGHT

Pinnacle’s latest display home is our best yet!

GETTING WARMER

Clever ways to keep yourself toasty warm this winter

There are so many options when it comes to heating your home and they each come with pros and cons – cost being the biggest consideration. EnergyAid’s Anne Armansin has spent more than 20 years in the appliance and energy industries including managing Energex’s “energyinstitute”, a home energy advisor, servicing one million households in South-East Queensland. So she knows a thing or two about the best way to keep your home warm while also keeping costs down.

“It’s easy to just reach over and turn the heating up,” Anne says. “While that’s fine a few times, it’s easy to forget about the impact that will eventually have on your next power bill.”

For Queenslanders using a heater for about five hours a day, for example, Anne explains that the running costs can vary greatly depending on the heat source:

Heated throw rug (purchase price approx. $69) at 150 watts costs about $0.18 per day = $1.30 a week to run.

A five-fin oil heater (purchase price approx. $45) at 1000 watts costs about $1.20 per day = $8.40 per week.

A fan heater (purchase price approx. $49) at about 2300 watts costs about $2.76 per day = $19.30 per week

An 11-fin oil heater (purchase price approx. $99) at about 2400 watts costs about $2.88 per day = $20.20 per week.

Many believe air conditioners are an expensive household appliance to run. However, did you know a reverse-cycle air conditioning unit can be less than half the cost to run compared to a small, portable, electric fan heater?

Anne encourages consumers not to be swayed by the seemingly cheap purchase price of a heater – check the compliance plate of all new appliances to see how much power they use before you commit to the purchase and beyond that, “make some house rules for how often you’ll use the heaters, and try to stick to it,” she says.

The key to any heating plan is making sure your home is sealed from any cold wintry drafts that might blow in. Ensure all your doors and windows are closed tightly. One of the best investments you may make this winter is a cheap ‘door snake’ that, when placed along the bottom edge of your door, blocks any cold air from entering under it. And don’t forget to close your curtains and/or blinds once the sun starts to set, to keep the glass insulated.

Your bedroom (and your bed) is where you might also feel the cold the most. Ensure you are using flannelette sheets in the wintertime and that you have swapped your lighter summer doona for a heavier winter version. Pull out your electric blanket ( just remember that you should only use an electric blanket to heat your bed before you get into it – once you retire for the night, your blanket should be switched off). And don’t forget that a good old-fashioned hot water bottle can also be a welcome nugget of (warm) gold on a cold night.

Beyond all this, make sure you are suitably rugged up for winter. If you don’t like the feel of layers and layers of bulky jumpers, look for thin thermal undergarments. Keep socks on your feet. Add a trendy scarf to your ensemble.

“Remember it’s almost always cheaper to warm yourself than the whole room,” Anne says.

THE WEATHER HAS COOLED RIGHT DOWN AND MANY OF US ARE LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT WAY TO KEEP WARM. AND IT’S NOT JUST A MATTER OF COMFORT WHEN IT COMES TO STAYING TOASTY – KEEPING WARM IS KEY TO KEEPING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM FIGHTING STRONG, SO HEATING REQUIRES SERIOUS CONSIDERATION, ESPECIALLY AS WE AGE.

Palm Lake Resorts are designed with solar orientation top of mind. Beyond this, our homes and facilities are constructed with quality insulation that, while keeping inhabitants comfortable, also helps with reducing electricity requirements to therefore keep heating (and cooling) costs down.

HEBEL A comfortable winter home starts with its construction. Developed in Scandinavia more than 70 years ago, Hebel is a defining feature of all Palm Lake Resort Toowoomba Pinnacle homes. Made using 100 per cent natural materials, Hebel bricks comprise a combination of sand, cement and lime gypsum. Beyond the heat insulation properties and being environmentally friendly, Hebel also offers sound insulation creating better acoustics within the home and stopping unwanted outdoor sounds from entering. This is perfect if you want to devour a good book or just enjoy some peace and tranquility.

ANTICON BLANKET Hebel brick construction isn’t the only thing keeping your Palm Lake Resort Toowoomba Pinnacle home warm this winter. Roofs are insulated with an Anticon blanket which sounds literally toasty but also provides temperature and noise control in homes and buildings with metal roofs. The Anticon blanket is a layer of glasswool adhered to an impermeable reinforced reflective foil facing. The lightweight blanket reduces radiant heat entering a home during summer, and in winter it keeps heat in and helps prevent condensation. Basically, the Anticon blanket works as an extra layer between you and the cold weather, keeping your Palm Lake Resort home warm all winter long.

REVERSE-CYCLE AIR CON If you really feel the cold and the insulation efforts of Hebel and Anticon (as well as a steaming cup of tea) still aren’t enough to satisfy you, your reverse-cycle air conditioner will be the thing you’ll need to further control the ambient temperature of your home this winter. Many falsely believe that it is expensive to run air-conditioning units but comparative data shows it’s cheaper to run a reverse-cycle air conditioning unit throughout winter than an oil burner heater or a small electric floor heater. Your Palm Lake Resort Toowoomba Pinnacle home comes completes with ducted air conditioning to the living area and bedrooms.

HOT INCLUSIONS

YOU’RE GETTING WARMER ¨

A very big welcome to all our new residents. We have two homes now occupied in Stage 3 with more in the upcoming months! We were thrilled with our recent Afternoon of Opera which was very entertaining. All reports said it was a fantastic afternoon - even those who don’t usually go to the opera said it was a very entertaining afternoon!

Our new displays are now open and feedback has been fabulous! These new homes have taken community lifestyle resort living to a new level and will be sure to satisfy even the most fastidious buyers. Our TV advertising is also about to hit the screens, so keep an eye out for even more of Toowoomba Pinnacle in the media.

Our next information session on June 22 will be slightly different and will feature a short briefing from our head of Palm Lake Care where all your questions on the transition into our aged caring community can be answered. Book your seat now as this session will be very informative and not to be missed.

Leisa, Mark, Libby & Natalie Sales team

WHAT’S ON AT THE EMPIRE THEATRE

Here are some of the regular on-site activities we offer here at Palm Lake Resort Toowoomba Pinnacle:• Cross training• Aerobics• Cards• Art group • Social bowls• Pilates• Line dancing• Residents’ lunch• Canasta• Tai chi• Residents’ lunches• Bus shopping trips• Mah-jong

• Adult colouring-in

The Everly Brothers & Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, June 23 (8pm): Starring internationally renowned The Robertson Brothers and Simon Brook Mclachlan. This show will have audiences dancing in the aisles!

Queensland Ballet’s Swan Lake, June 29 (7.30pm) and June 30 (1.30pm, 7.30pm): Ben Stevenson’s Swan Lake was a sell-out sensation in Brisbane now this spectacular ballet is performing at the Empire Theatre. Young maiden Odette and her friends are victims of a terrible spell that turns them into swans by day and only at night do they return to human form. To break the spell, the beautiful Odette must find eternal love.

Guy Sebastian, July 4: For the first time in 2.5 years, Guy Sebastian will be taking his band on the road with a hit-laden Then & Now regional tour. One of Australia’s most popular and successful male artists, Guy will bring a blockbuster set to the Empire Theatre.

Johnny Cash The Concert, July 20: Award winning country singer Daniel Thompson and Golden Guitar winning country music legend Stuie French, along with their powerhouse backing band, The Tennessee Express, are excited to bring you Johnny Cash The Concert this winter.

ACTIVE AND HEALTHY

Palm Lake Resort Toowoomba groundsman Steve Murphy was recently promoted to assistant caretaker. It was lovely to share a celebratory Happy Hour drink with Steve and his wife Tracey, to congratulate him on the appointment.

CONGRATS TO OUR STEVE

J U N E / J U LY

WHAT’S HAPPENING¨

Palm Lake Resort Toowoomba Pinnacle information session:

FRIDAY, JUNE 22 • Complimentary lunch • Live entertainment • Display home tours

This is an opportunity to have all your questions answered about life on the range at Palm Lake Resort. We will also provide info about our upcoming Palm Lake Care aged caring community, with the Care Solutions team on site to take your questions. RSVP to salestoowoomba@palmlake.com.au or 1800 280 129.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Many of our enquiries come from people in distant locations right around Australia. If you are coming to visit us from out of town, freecall 1800 280 129 to arrange a resort tour and a complimentary night’s accommodation on us. This offer is subject to availability and conditions apply, but there’s never been a better excuse to indulge in a southern Queensland country stopover to properly inspect our world-class facilities and welcoming homes.

STAY A NIGHT

WELCOME TO TOOWOOMBA

Our Pinnacle Country Club movie theatre will host a monthly movie screening for residents and guests. Here’s what’s coming up on our big screen:

June 25: The Bucket List July 23: Murder on the Orient Express

BIG SCREEN, BIG FUN

Forget the amazing countryside views, Toowoomba Pinnacle’s latest spectacle has just been unveiled and it’s a display home that will inspire.

The Derwent design offers a luxury master bedroom/ensuite combination that’s a real treat for its lucky inhabitants. An open shower, sunlit bathtub and double vanity are key features of this incredible ensuite that’s bigger than the home’s main bathroom! And the living areas don’t disappoint either. Open plan to let all that natural light through, the hefty kitchen island bench will also impress.

This display home’s warmth will wrap you up and the clever interior styling features will have your mind in a spin. A trip up the Toowoomba Range to visit this stellar Derwent will be time well spent.

Floorplan and images are indicative only, conceptual in nature and subject to change.

DW

ROBE

ROBE

KITCHEN

OUTDOORLIVING

W.I.R.

ENS.

BED 2

BED 3

GARAGE

STUDY NOOK

DINING

LIVING

LAUNDRY

PORCH

ENTRY

PANTRY

LINENBR

WM

BATH

MWWO

F

MASTERBEDROOM

STORAGE

STO

RAG

E

• Three bedrooms - master bedroom with impressive ensuite

• 2 pac kitchen cabinets

• European appliances

• Waterfall stone island bench top

• Ceiling fans throughout, fully ducted air conditioning

• Solar panels

• Tiled covered outdoor area

• Landscaped front, side and rear gardens

• Colorbond fencing

• 3000L water tank

• Double garage

DESIGN FEATURES

237.39 m2

25.55 SQUARES

BEDS

3 2 1

2ACTIVITY

LIVING

GARAGE

BATHS

OUTDOOR LIVING

DERWENT DELIGHT¨

YOU WON’T WANT TO ESCAPE THE SANCTUARY OF YOUR PALM LAKE RESORT TOOWOOMBA PINNACLE HOME ONCE YOU STEP INSIDE OUR BRAND NEW DERWENT DISPLAY AND SOAK UP THE INSPIRATION THAT ABOUNDS HERE.

ACTIVE & HEALTHY ̈Winter is upon us and it’s a great time to come down to the Pinnacle Country Club to enjoy the warmth of our fireplace while you enjoy a hot beverage and taste our chef’s baked treats, overlooking the magnificent views.

Our dedicated staff and residents have been very busy in recent months gearing up for Carnival of Flowers. This year’s theme is ‘The Secret Garden’ so keep your eyes out for the hidden treasures. The spring carnival is a wonderful time of the year where residents can witness the array of colour presented around our beautiful resort.

Tennis anyone? With the completion of our new tennis courts and grandstand, residents now gather each Monday at 8am to enjoy a social match. If you would like further information on tennis, contact Jan (Villa 208) as she would be happy to hear from you.

Recently our sales team supported a sausage sizzle for our Friday night Happy Hour at Misty Ridge Club House. We had more than 100 residents in attendance with the support of the Bowls Club selling liquor under our new licence. This was a great opportunity for us to congratulate our groundsman Steve who is now our new assistant caretaker and to introduce his lovely wife Tracey to the residents. The funny side of it was, no one recognised Steve out of his regular work gear! It was a great night and we would like to thank those who supported us in cooking, serving and cleaning up including Cheryl, Val, Bob, Barry, Barry and Jim. And thanks to those who also offered to help - as the saying goes, we had “too many cooks in the kitchen!”. Great job everyone!

Our community is amazing – whether we are gathering together for events like Anzac Day, raising money for charity or even celebrating everyone’s mums on Mother’s Day, everyone participates in some way. We truly live in a great community.

Jan & Brendan Resort caretakers

WHAT’S ON AROUND TOWN

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, ARMITAGE CENTRE Fiddler on the Roof is the beloved story of the small, tradition-steeped town of Anatevka, Russia, where Jews and Russians live in delicate balance. Rich with Broadway hits, Fiddler on the Roof is an iconic musical loved by all! Show times: June 7, 8, 9 at 7.30am. June 10 at 1.30pm.

ANTIQUE & COLLECTORS FAIR AND EXHIBITION Staged within Founder Pavillion at the Toowoomba Showgrounds, expect to find a wide array of antique treasures all under the one roof. Refreshments available. Supporting Diabetes Australia. June 20. Opening times: Saturday 8.30am - 4pm. Sunday 8.30am - 3pm.

DOWNTOWN STREET FOOD MARKETS A monthly food haven featuring up to 20 handpicked food and beverage vendors selling sweet, savoury, snacks and drinks from a mix of multicultural cuisines. Held at St Luke’s Church on the first Friday of every month. $2 entry per person. Kids under 15 are free. Cash only . June 1, July 6, August 3 from 5-8.30pm.

THE HANDMADE EXPOHeld quarterly at Harristown State High School this market is a perfect Sunday family outing. There’s a huge selection of stalls featuring the handmade works of talented local artisans, makers, bakers and creators. July 29, 9am-2pm

LET’S GET SOCIAL ̈

What a great couple of months we have had here at Palm Lake Resort Toowoomba! On St Patrick’s Day, residents turned out in green to enjoy a meal of Guiness Beef and Mash courtesy of a recipe all the way from the Guiness Factory in Ireland! There was a lot of toe tapping and dancing especially when our entertainer played brackets of Irish songs.

Lots of our ladies and friends bought up big from Portofino Fashions when they visited. We were delighted to receive a generous donation from them once again. It’s good to know that a lot of their garments are now made in Queensland.

Something different for our Social Club in recent months was a cabaret evening by ‘Hot Inspirations’ comprising three ladies from the Gold Coast who entertained us with song, dance and humour. During the evening we had two congo lines of residents on the floor as they joined in the fun!

Two bus loads of residents took a trip back in time when they travelled to Clifton to the Old Tivoli Movie Cinema where they watched, with much nostalgia, The Glen Miller Story. After all eyes were dried, the bus visited the Clifton pub for an enjoyable lunch before returning home.

Another day we travelled down the range to visit Pohlman’s Nursery to see their wonderful array of plants. Of course we are always looking for something different to plant in our lovely Toowoomba gardens. After a most informative tour we enjoyed a delicious cuppa.

As we do each year, on April 25, we gathered around the flagpole early in the morning in remembrance. The Residents’ Association prepared a

very moving service and when one of our residents played The Last Post and the Rousse on his guitar, it brought home again to us just how much our freedom has cost and how fortunate we are to be living in Australia. After the service on a cool Toowoomba morning, more than 140 residents were ready to enjoy the Gunfire Breakfast we had prepared for them, including that special tot of rum. A group of resident singers lead the community song. One of

our residents is 99 years old, and she didn’t miss singing every word! Our caretaker Jan once again arranged a donation for the kitchen from Palm Lake Group management, which helped us to donate $600 to Legacy Toowoomba. It’s taken a lot of work to organise all these events, but it’s always well worth it when our residents are happy.

Betty McCredden Social Club president

VILLA WITH A VIEW ̈

AROUND THE GROUNDS ̈

TOOWOOMBA ON SONG

A wonderful afternoon of opera rang out across the Toowoomba

countryside for guests of Palm Lake Resort Toowoomba Pinnacle recently.

Champagne and a divine two-course lunch were a prelude to the opera performance and tours of our two

new display homes.

PRE-LOVED HOME FOR SALE

Please call the sales office on 1800 280 129 to arrange your inspection.

Villa 211 has come on the market and for those looking for views, this one has the lot! All the hardwork has been done with the addition of a fully enclosed sunroom extending the patio roofline and compliments the already large living area. Perched high on the eastern escarpment taking in all the surrounding Toowoomba views, you won’t feel hemmed in here. This is the popular Eucalyptus design with two bedrooms plus an office, two bathrooms and an extended single lockup garage providing internal access. A recent coat of paint has freshened up this air-conditioned home, listed for a quick sale at just $489,000.