BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT BCI 46 January 2025 | Page 12

LIFE & STYLE

Land lease communities give the freedom to retire well – Halcyon Gables homebuyer tells us his story

Tony Canavan knows what it takes to set himself up well for retirement . Tony , who has been an accountant for 50 years and still enjoys his work , has recently made the decision to buy into Stockland ’ s newest over 60s community , Halcyon Gables in Sydney ’ s Hills district .
Tony is focused on making smart decisions for his future , so he can spend time on the things he loves .
“ I ’ d like to remain active mentally and

Recycling made easier with new Return and Earn machine at

As the 26th return point in the Blacktown City Council area , it is now even more convenient for local community members to redeem their eligible bottles and cans to get the 10c refund .
Recyclers using the machine can print a voucher for the refund amount , which can be redeemed for cash at Woolworths , or they can opt for an e-voucher or payment directly into their bank or PayPal account using the Return and Earn app .
Locals can also choose to donate their refund to one of over 300 donation partners listed on the Return and Earn app or to the current statewide donation partner Foodbank NSW & ACT .
The food relief charity provides much needed assistance to individuals and families across NSW and the ACT .
Return and Earn has become a key fundraising channel for many charities and community groups in NSW . More than $ 62 million has been raised from donations and fees from physically as long as I can ; the prospect of older age can be a bit daunting .
“ Because of the decisions I ’ ve made , I can be with my family which is important , as is keeping myself busy , I really enjoy my work ,” Tony said .
Buying a home in the Stockland Halcyon Gables community was an easy choice for Tony as it allows him to maintain his financial freedom .
Unlike many retirement villages ,

Mount Druitt Central

hosting return points since the scheme launched in 2017 .
More than 12 billion drink containers have been returned for recycling through the network of over 640 return points across NSW , resulting in more than $ 1.2 billion in refunds back to the community .
The Return and Earn Mount Druitt Central machine is located at 10 Zoe Place and will be open daily from 7:00am to 7:00pm .
Edmond Atalla , Member for Mount Druitt said , “ Blacktown City Council residents are enthusiastic recyclers , having returned more than 673 million eligible bottles , cans and cartons through local
Deferred Management Fees , also known as Exit Fees , are not charged at Stockland Halcyon Gables , which is a Land Lease Community .
Halcyon Gables gives homeowners the ability to buy the home they want , in a community that offers an exceptional quality of life .
Then , if homeowners decide to move on from the community , they can do so with the freedom of knowing they will
return points since Return and Earn started .”
“ I encourage everyone to make Return and Earn a part of your routine , to help reduce litter , protect the environment and get a bit of extra cash for your efforts .”
For more information on Return and Earn visit : www . returnandearn . org . au .
Residents have a new location to recycle their eligible bottles , cartons and cans with the opening of a Return and Earn machine at the Mount Druitt Central shopping centre . retain all capital gains made on the sale of the property .
“ I believe most models take a fair chunk of the capital gains upon sale , but the Stockland Halcyon model doesn ’ t . This gives me the peace of mind that if I have to sell or move , I am not losing any capital gains . I ’ m looking forward to spending many years in the Gables community given the ease of living it offers ,” said Tony .
Tony can return to the area , where he once lived with family , and be close to his daughter who is living in the adjoining Stockland master planned community ; with the added time to enjoy the independence offered by Halcyon Gables , like having access to quality , world-class facilities , but not needing to maintain it all .
Buyers into Halcyon Gables select and own their homes , while paying a weekly site fee that allows them access to , shared services like having a community manager and the community bus , and access to facilities like the cinema , pool , spa and fitness centre .
“ It ’ s great to have no deferred management fees , and the weekly site fees are similar to what I ’ m paying now in strata levies , so it ’ s a good deal for me .”
“ The gated community is also attractive to me with the ability to lock up and leave , while knowing the management team , and my trusted neighbours and friends are keeping an eye on things ,” Tony said .
Ken Franklin , Project Director , Stockland Halcyon Gables , said land lease communities are growing in New South Wales as a direct result of demand from home buyers who can see both the lifestyle and financial benefits .
“ Stockland Home Buyers , like Tony , can have confidence buying into a Halcyon community . We know our customers are drawn to all the benefits of community life , but they particularly like that the financial structure is simple and transparent , with no hidden costs .”
Offering country charm , with all the conveniences of the Hills district , Stockland Halcyon Gables is , just a short drive from Rouse Hill and less than an hour to the picturesque Blue Mountains .
To find out more about Stockland Halcyon Gables , visit www . stockland . com . au / halcyon-gables .
12 ISSUE 46 // JANUARY 2025 HAPPY NEW YEAR ! theindependentmagazine . com . au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT