10 December 2005:

Hundreds flock to leisure centre opening

Leisure living for over-55’s has been taken to a new level on the Sunshine Coast, following the opening of Living Choice’s $6-million leisure centre overlooking Parrearra Lake at Kawana Island Retirement Village.

The Grand Opening was held on Saturday 10 December and hundreds arrived to join in the celebrations. Living Choice’s ambassador and Gold Logie winner, John Wood of Blue Heelers was kept busy signing autographs and surprised everyone with his skills on the tennis court. There was also plenty of entertainment including a jazz band, belly dancer and drummer, a morning tea and sausage sizzle and all visitors went into a draw to win some great prizes.

The luxury leisure centre was officially opened by Don Aldous, mayor of Caloundra City Council, and village residents cheered as the ribbon was cut by Mayor Aldous, John Wood and Loretta Byers, MD of Village Care and an honorary life member of the Retirement Village Association.

Living Choice director Ian Tregoning said the luxury 3-storey leisure centre enhanced the Sunshine Coast’s reputation as an upmarket haven for retirees.

Level 1 includes a 17m heated indoor lap pool, spa, gymnasium and change rooms, TV lounge, surround sound movie theatre, billiards room and a fully equipped woodwork shop.

On Level 2, there is a residents’ kitchen and dining room, spacious lounge and bar area, dance floor, auditorium and stage, pampering centre, art and craft workshop, medical suite, library and covered terrace overlooking the water and boardwalk.

Level 3 includes apartments and accommodation.

The outdoor entertainment area includes a tennis court, pool, sundeck and beautiful landscaped gardens.

The new facilities add to the existing bowling green and clubhouse which opened in 2003 and which are fully utilised by the village’s 90 residents. Of the 86 villas planned, 70 homes have been completed as well as 22 waterfront apartments, including a limited number of Grand Penthouses.