The makers of Halcyon Gables are casting an enticing vision for over 60’ s living through aspirational design and quality facilities.

Halcyon Gables was conceptualised to provide an aspirational lifestyle enriched with fun, friendship and freedom for each and every homeowner. Key to this exciting, first of its kind development from Stockland in NSW, are the facilities and shared spaces that connect and nurture the community.

Positioned in the Hills’ District, just a short walk to the future Stockland Gables Town Centre and lake, Halcyon Gables provides great access to Greater Sydney and day-to-day amenities. But with so much on offer on-site, homeowners may choose to stay within the gated community more often than not.

The meandering streets and connected walkways create a neighbourhood feel that builds towards a resort style Lodge and multiple lifestyle precincts.

When speaking about the conceptualisation of Halcyon Gables’ facilities, Architect Adam Beck of BDA Architecture, said that he and his team‘ approached the design to have a heart and a hub’ that would anchor the community for years to come.

Taking inspiration from the beautiful landscape of the Hills’ District, Adam describes the exterior aesthetic as having a‘ beautiful expression in the architecture and the built form of the location in which it is set’.

From the striking gabled roof to the sandstone facades and established native trees that have been left in place, to the orientation of the buildings to provide breathtaking views, each design decision is intentional and combines to create a distinct sense of place.

When asked about the facilities at Halcyon Gables, Project Director Ken Franklin explained that“ whether you’ re coming from one side of the community

or the other, you will have a shortcut there, whichever facility that you want to use and enjoy”.

As such, the four lifestyle precincts( Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Creative and Sporting) are separate, yet seamlessly connected to encourage regular use and create opportunities for organic interactions and connections.

Inside, interiors have been carefully designed both for aesthetic and function. When interviewed about the project, Halcyon Gables Interior Designer Charlotte Correard of Pike Withers, shared that while each precinct was a“ communal facility, they were also an extension of each owner’ s home”.

Expanding on their shared vision for Halcyon Gables, Pike Withers Director Amanda Pike said that they were intent on“ incorporating the surroundings” while achieving a“ boutique hotel feel” in order to create community spaces that homeowners“ would be proud to bring

family and friends”.

As a result, each community precinct perfectly combines quality, function & comfort. Spaces ebb, flow and evolve as homeowners and guests move through them, with grand rooms and clusters of cosy corners providing options to encourage usage- all elevated by aspirational yet welcoming colours, finishes and furnishings.

At the heart of The Lodge is a striking sandstone fireplace that symbolises the heart of the community and provides the perfect place for homeowners and guests to meet, gather and connect.

From inside to out, Halcyon Gables is a community that perfectly blends aspirational aesthetics with day-to-day function to inspire the evolution of a thriving over 60’ s community.

To find out more about Halcyon Gables call 1800 050 050 or visit www. stockland. com. au / halcyon-gables.

A first of its kind dental pilot project which has seen improvements in participants’ oral health could be the blueprint for other pilots – and a government seniors’ dental scheme.

The Seniors Dental Benefits Schedule Pilot tackled the oral health of 70 Sydney seniors with a chronic disease and socioeconomic disadvantage, from November 2024 to March 2025. Under the pilot, dentists provided dental treatment, hand-in-hand with bespoke advice and information designed to improve oral health and reduce the risk from dental disease on the rest of the body.

Academics from the University of Sydney’ s Faculty of Medicine and Health then evaluated the effects of the dental treatment of the participants’ dental and overall health, with results released on the 27 th April. They found improvements in oral health outcomes, particularly in the management of tooth decay, gum disease, and provision of prosthodontic care.

“ Participants also commented on the dental health education they received to help them clean and floss more, and see their dentist more often. These improved oral habits will have a beneficial knock-on effect on their chronic health condition,” said ADA President Dr Chris Sanzaro.

“ The results of the four-month pilot

show that this scheme is a valuable blueprint for similar pilots to be rolled out around the country and inform the construction of a Seniors Dental Benefits Schedule( SDBS) down the track.”

The program’ s holistic approach supported both treatment and behaviour change, potentially reducing further tooth loss and improving oral health. Patients reported better-fitting dentures, improved confidence and a greater understanding of oral hygiene practices, while all untreated tooth decay, a major problem in this cohort, was successfully managed and prevented from progressing to more severe disease. Prosthodontic and restorative services delivered involved multiple appointments and procedures, reflecting seniors’ complex oral rehabilitation needs.

Further, patients previously hesitant to go to the dentist due to cost, waiting times, transport or language barriers reported positive( oral) outcomes while improved access encouraged earlier intervention and treatment completion that would’ ve otherwise been delayed or missed.

“ If future pilots generate similar results, the government should see this as the clear proof it needs to introduce a dental scheme for seniors,” said Dr Sanzaro.“ The pilot also demonstrates that with regular oral health

maintenance people wouldn’ t have to be suffering in pain with unmet oral needs, heading to emergency departments for urgent care. The SDBS would make this a reality for millions of older Australians.”

University of Sydney Academic A / Prof Bradley Christian who led the evaluation added:“ While this demonstration project supports the feasibility of similar dental pilot programs, it’ s clear that scale-up and implementation will require more evidence from a broader cohort of participants across metro, rural and regional populations to assess variation in oral health needs, service delivery capacity, population reach and economic impacts.

“ These considerations would be essential for informing the design and implementation of a potential broader Senior Dental Benefits Schedule.”

The ADA has been urging successive Federal Governments to fund a seniors dental scheme, calculated by the Parliamentary Budget Office to cost $ 1.143bn a year in 2025-26 for 2.8m eligible seniors, rising to $ 1.263 billion in 2026-27.

“ To provide dental services to every Australian would cost between $ 5bn and $ 12bn a year and no government has ever been able to take this on. So the SDBS is a necessary and affordable option and a rollout of similar pilots to this one is a positive step in the right

direction to achieving this,” said Dr Sanzaro.

The pilot was a joint partnership between Primary Dental( a part of the ForHealth Group), Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network, the Australian Dental Association, Race Dental and the University of Sydney. Participants’ comments:“ I know how to manage my dental health better now and it has improved my diabetes.”

“ Public dental waiting lists are too long and I haven’ t seen a dentist for 5 years due to cost, and it was painful to eat and drink. Since I was on the pilot project I have my new denture and I can eat a lot more food and drink than before.”

“ Seniors can’ t afford dental care it’ s out of our reach.”

“ The government should roll this pilot out to all seniors with a healthcare card.”

“ All seniors should be able to have good oral health and the government should offer it to anyone on a pension.”