Sea Breeze THE

FIVE STAR R ESORT LIVING for over 50s

SPRING 2019NEWSLETTER

WelcomeWelcome to our Spring edition of Ocean Club Resort’s newsletter. In this edition we are featuring what happens at Ocean Club Resort with stories that show just what we are about and a friendly community where neighbours become friends. Easy when we have so many regular activities and events planned for you. If you would like to share information that you think our readers may be interested in or see particular topics featured, please email me at karen@oceanclubresort.com.au.

Karen Twigg

What’s been happening at Ocean Club during the winter months? Well, we certainly didn’t go into hibernation! It’s a great time of year for our grounds maintenance staff to prepare the gardens to rejuvenate them ready for Spring. We’ve been busy making sure our outdoor furniture is ready for the nice weather, re-covering all the cushions plus an extra television has been installed in our stylish clubhouse for functions, in particular our popular trivia nights!

We also hosted Scott Williams, a Lawyer from Donovan Oates Hannaford Lawyers, a local team of legal experts in Port Macquarie. They presented a comprehensive and informative discussion on Wills and Power of Attorney in the clubhouse. A number of homeowners attended and found the session very helpful.

During the winter months our new homeowners have settled in, making new friends quickly and enjoying the numerous activities. We now have 194 homes occupied and 276 home owners.

Jo O’Sullivan recently joined our team at Ocean Club Resort, having moved up from Sydney to Lighthouse Beach in Port Macquarie. Jo loves her new role as office admin and support and has taken to it like a duck to water. The staff and homeowners are thrilled to have Jo on board and she is now part of the Ocean Club Resort family!

Are you Interested in coming to see our resort for yourself? We invite you to stay for a couple of nights and experience what we have to offer. Call us now to book in.

Karen Twigg – Ocean Club Resort Manager

4 & 5 LOCAL NEWS ▶ The Sandbar Café – North Haven ▶ New Boat Ramps in Camden Haven ▶ Upgrade to the Tacking Point Lighthouse ▶ The Glasshouse Turns 10 ▶ Port Macquarie Airport

6 & 7 UPCOMING & PAST EVENTS ▶ Winter Warmer Soup and Slice ▶ Meet ‘n’ Greet ▶ Black & White 6 Course Degustation Dinner

Book Your Next Activity Bellingen Trip to the Markets 2019 Garage Sale

8 & 9 Palm Beach Traditional Springtime Recipe Pick

10 & 11 OCR Travellers Recent Trip to Gloucester Creative Gardening What’s Good About Spring Sudoku Quiz

12 Behind The Scenes

CONTENTS

BOWLS UPDATEFrom Peter Coxon, Bowls Co-ordinator The Singles finals were completed recently on a wet and chilly morning, with husband and wife Max and Chris Baldwin being on opposing teams. Men's Singles, Roger Cooke defeated Bob Bunting and for the Women's Singles, Gill Howard defeated Lyn Moore. Despite the weather, many of our residents turned up to watch the event. Our local Bowling Clubs would be envious of the great support we enjoy on such occasions.In the mixed doubles Ralph Crawford and Chris Baldwin defeated Max Baldwin and Tracey Bruce on the day. The finals are now underway for our triples competition. Meanwhile, our social bowls days continue to be very well supported on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

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Just arrived from Sydney, Gail and Moe Milroy know they have landed on their feet.

Just arrived from Wollongong – can’t believe its winter with our sunny days and mild evenings!

Gary and Irene Griffiths Maria PakMaria loves her new home,

especially the sunny courtyard.

Gail & Moe Milroy

MOVED IN...Just

Leonie Lockwood

‘I’ve met more friendly faces in the

two days since I have moved in than

I did in the six years at my last home’.

Spring 2019 3

LOCAL FOCUS

If you are local, you may have noticed that the road to the Lighthouse has been closed from the Matthew Flinders Drive intersection for upgrades. Improvements will be made to the access and safety from Matthew Flinders Drive through to the Tacking Point Lighthouse by widening the road, installing new kerb and guttering and replacing stormwater services. Car parking will also be improved at the Tacking Point lower carpark and at the Lighthouse turnaround.

PLUS... There will be a new pedestrian footpath running from Davis Crescent and joining up with the existing elevated platform. Work is expected to be completed by the end of September 2019. Once the road opens again, it’s highly recommended that you visit the Lighthouse as the views are amazing and it’s a fantastic vantage point for whale watching – with the migration period running from May to November, you’ll still have time to enjoy these amazing cetaceans.Source: PMHC Facebook

A popular café just a 12 minute drive from Ocean Club Resort with stunning views of the river and estuary. This is such a lovely spot that you can dine inside or al fresco. Enjoy delicious food, great coffee and home made cakes. The Sandbar Café is fully licenced, open 7 days a week from 5am to 3pm for coffee and breakfast and lunch from 7am to 2pm. It’s a popular place so if you would like to have lunch, make sure you book on 6559 6945.

UPGRADE TO THE TACKING POINT LIGHTHOUSE

NEW BOAT RAMPS IN CAMDEN HAVENThe Council has been making lots of improvements locally. At Bruce Porter Reserve, these include:▶ A new two lane boat ramp and central pontoon with solar lighting ▶ The existing boat ramp for use by non-motorised recreational craft ▶ Bank stabilisation and landscaping works ▶ Upgraded concrete footpath and paved vehicle access to the new boat ramp.

At Dunbogan Reserve, these include: ▶ New gangway and floating

pontoon with solar lighting next to the existing boat ramp

▶ Replacement of the existing dilapidated sea wall

▶ New access path and seating ▶ Relocation and refurbishment

of existing fish cleaning area▶ Re-establishment of boat

parking delineation.

Sour

ce: P

MHC

Fac

eboo

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THE SANDBAR CAFÉ – NORTH HAVEN

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TURNSThe Glasshouse had a 10th birthday this year. So far the Glasshouse has provided visitors and locals with lots of performances, exhibitions, experiences and opportunities with lots more in the pipeline.

If you haven’t been to the Glasshouse, then visit their website and see why it’s so popular - glasshouse.org.au

The Glasshouse, located at the centre of Port Macquarie offers a world class cultural experience in a beautiful state-of-the art auditorium.

Friday Lunchtime Concerts 4 Oct to 27 Dec

Sydney Comedy Festival 4 October

Imperial Russian Ballet Company – Swan Lake 16 October

Cheek to Cheek – A celebration of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers 18 October

The King is Back – Ben Portsmouth is Elvis 26 October

Mark Vincent – A Tribute to Mario Lanza 27 October

Bjorn Again – 30th Anniversary Tour 1 November

Echoes of Pink Floyd – Running in the Shadows 16 November

Melinda Schneider – A farewell to Doris 22 November

The Bee Gees Show – One Night Only 23 November

Upcoming performances or exhibitions you may wish to check out:

The Glasshouse

Port Macquarie Airport Stage 1 is now opened.

With a new departure lounge, café, passenger screening, accessible amenities, and dedicated rental car area, it is up up and away for travellers.

PLUS ducted air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and improved flight information displays really make it 'first class'. Still to come in stage 2 is a new passenger check-in area and baggage claim carousel... which will be completed before the end of the year.

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PORT MACQUARIE AIRPORT

These are just a handful of what’s

on at the Glasshouse. For more

information visit: glasshouse.org.au

Spring 2019 5

UPCOMING & PAST

7.30am Golf – Emerald Downs8am Tennis8.45 am Stretch Class9am Fashion Show - Clubhouse9am Craft Group – Activities Centre10am Line Dancing – Activities Centre12.30 noon Band Practice – Activities Centre2pm May I Cards – Clubhouse2.30pm Snooker4.30pm Mah-Jong – Clubhouse4.30pm Ballroom Dancing Practice – Activities Centre6.30pm 500 Cards – Clubhouse

8am Tennis8.45am Moderate Exercise/Stretch Class – Activities Centre10am Line Dancing – Activities Centre10.30am Mah-Jong – Clubhouse12 noon Ballroom Dancing – Activities Centre1.30pm Band Practice – Activities Centre1.30pm Pool Table1.30pm Tile Rummy – Clubhouse2pm Tennis2.15pm Bowls

Monday Activities

Wednesday Activities

A great way for new homeowners to meet everyone on the block, Meet ‘n’ Greet has been re-introduced due to it’s previous popularity and the benefits to all who participate. Held on the third Friday of each month at the Clubhouse from 4pm.

Participants bring a small plate of nibbles to share plus their own drinks and a gold coin to enter into the Lucky House draw that started with a jackpot of $100!

A great time was had at the recent Winter Warmer Soup and Slice afternoon with 88 residents taking part. The Social Committee provided a choice of three soups and managed to serve all 88 people at their tables in less than half an hour. The soup makers will be happy not to see another bowl of soup for a while! We have some amazing bakers here at the Resort, with many of them providing a huge selection of delicious slices. To complete the afternoon, many of the residents stayed on for a game of music bingo which was a great success.

There’s always something going on at Ocean Club Resort and with such popular activities scheduled, make sure you book ahead to avoid disappointment. Here’s an example of what’s going on in October to give you a taste of how each day is different this Springtime:

BOOK YOUR NEXT ACTIVITY

WINTER WARMER SOUP AND SLICE

MEET 'N' GREET

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EVENTSUPCOMING & PASTB lack & White

Night of fine food, live entertainment and friends.

Another successful Black and White degustation dinner was held for the second year running in August with a turn out of 70 guests, live music, and the perfect ambiance with a candlelit 7 course meal.

Photos were taken on arrival of every person or couple on a white love seat placed at the front of the Clubhouse with a green leafy backdrop of white hanging flowers ensuring every moment was made special from the time guests arrived until they left! (Each person will be sent a photo as a memento of the evening.)

The evening kicked off with a glass of sherry before being seated with live music and vocals by Russell and Khristina. Tables were dressed in a black and white theme and the room

BELLINGEN TRIP TO THE MARKETSHappy shoppers hired a bus and set off to the Bellingen community markets, one of Australia’s largest and most diverse regional markets, held on every third Saturday of the month. Followed by some lunch at Urunga, located in Bellingen Shire and famous for its surf spots.

Everyone had a great day out and can’t wait for the next trip to the markets.

Another really successful Garage Sale was held this year with over 1000 people attending. Lots of people with bags of goodies filled the Tea Room as the weather was not great, but it didn’t deter our bargain hunters!

$617.90 was donated to the Hastings Cancer Trust from the sale of tea, coffee and scones and the sale of plants. No-one went hungry because The Lions Club was there with their popular BBQ and sold a lot of sausages.

was lit with lots of candles and no other lighting, that really gave the room an intimate feel about it.

Music played until nearly midnight with the last guest leaving just after. Everybody had so much fun and were eager to know when the next one will be.

So a big thank you goes to Kath Wills, Val Parsons and Wendy Halpin who organised this event and plan to do the same again next year!

2019 GARAGE SALE

6 COURSE DEGUSTATION DINNER

Spring 2019 7

Exclusive, prestigious and entirely functional, the Palm Beach Traditional is among our finest (and largest) designs due to its high ceilings and innovative layout. A highlight is the exceptionally large living and dining area, providing plenty of room for spreading out. You’ll enjoy the classy wrap around kitchen finished off with Miele appliances and an Essastone bench top and waterfall end.

Architect designed for our warm climate, your living space flows outside to a paved courtyard – perfect for a bbq or an ideal spot to enjoy the sun on a casual Sunday afternoon.

The oversize master bedrooms (with en-suites) are away from the main living area, providing the privacy you’ll love and the comfort you deserve. If you’re after a spacious home with style then look no further than the Palm Beach Traditional.

Palm Beach TRADITIONAL

Enjoy your morning coffee on the

courtyard

Ideal forthose who

love cooking

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A fresh, easy to make and tasty salad that will add colour and flavour as a delicious accompaniment to your bbqs.

Ingredients ☐ 250g farfalle pasta☐ 350g mixed medley tomatoes,

halved☐ 1 roma tomato, sliced☐ 60g pkt Australian Baby Rocket☐ 100g cherry bocconcini, coarsely

torn☐ 1/2 cup basil leaves☐ 2 tbs olive oil☐ 1 tbs balsamic glaze☐ Shaved parmesan, to serve

MethodSTEP 1 Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of boiling water following packet directions or until al dente. Refresh under cold water. Drain well.

STEP 2 Place the pasta in a large serving bowl with combined tomato, rocket, bocconcini and basil. Drizzle with oil and balsamic glaze. Season. Gently toss to combine. Sprinkle with parmesan. *Recipe can also be found online at Taste.com.au

CAPRESE PASTA SALAD*

SpringtimeR ECIPE PICK

Ample room to move around,

relax and entertain

Stylish en-suite

bathroom

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The OCR Traveller’s three day trip to Gloucester was run by Helen and Bob Hoban and Val and Ken Parsons with over 30 homeowners joining them.

Although our Travellers Group was originally formed by caravan and motor home owners, on this occasion they also booked quite a number of rooms in the local Motel.

Winter in Gloucester is chilly to say the least; however the lovely open fire in the Pump House on the Caravan Park helped to keep the cold at bay during happy hour.

The highlight of the week was dinner on the last evening, where the Motel closed off the dining room especially and everyone came along dressed in something based upon their initials. The evening was hilarious with everyone making a big effort, with pirates, romans, angels, superheroes and even a “Where’s Wally” characters.

Next trip planned is to Sawtell towards the end of the year – watch out Sawtellians!

OCR TRAVELLERS RECENT TRIP TO GLOUCESTER

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1 6 2Check the solution at oceanclubresort.com.au

SUDOKU – Hard levelDid you know that Port Macquarie’s Spring weather usually has pleasant temperatures that fall between 10 degrees and 23 degrees. September is usually the driest month and humidity is very low, making it very comfortable during this season.

Daylight saving time is observed in Port Macquarie starting in October and ending in April so it’s a great time of year to get up early and make the most of our beautiful sunrises and enjoy the longer evenings too.

Little wonder the CSIRO say ours is the perfect Australian climate!

Creative GARDENINGCoral and Col Draper have wasted no time in beautifying the extra courtyard space their new Noosa Zero home provides. With some lateral thinking, the addition of a vertical garden has added a creative and calming dimension. Col says “We are keen gardeners and Coral came up with the idea of adding vertical gardens to add extra green. The project took just two days and we’re really pleased with the result, though it will get better as the plants grow.”

Thanks for sharing this with us: fantastic work Col and Coral.

WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT spring

September ▶ 63.5mmOctober ▶ 76.1mmNovember ▶ 158.1mm

September ▶ 9.2 daysOctober ▶ 10.5 daysNovember ▶ 14.4 days

Average rainfall: Average rainfall days:

Facts: (source: weather-atlas.com)

Spring 2019 11

Regular feedback from visitors consistently praises the immaculate presentation of our resort, especially the landscaping. Although we are just 6 years young, our full-time operations and housekeeping team of four take enormous pride maintaining the visible (and not so obvious) areas of the resort. A big thank you to Mark, Cam, Josh and Kim!

▶ Annual days worked: 960▶ Annual hours: 7,680▶ Most frequent activity: Mowing▶ Petrol used (estimate): 3,380l▶ Other activities: pool maintenance,

bowling green upkeep, hedge trimming, clubhouse and leisure centre maintenance, assisting home owners with their gardens.

scenesTHEBehind Facts at a glance