Senior Living
Glasshouse Views celebrates Christmas in July FOR residents at Bolton Clarke Glasshouse Views, Christmas comes more than once a year. The home has been taking full advantage of the chilly weather, recently celebrating Christmas in July. The event was the perfect excuse for residents to pull out their best Christmas sweaters with family and
friends over a delightful high tea and some great local entertainment. Glasshouse Views resident Valerie Stirling says the highlight for her was spending time with her two daughters and creating new festive memories together. “A lot of planning and hard work went into making the day special and it was well worth it,” Valerie said.
“I’ve never celebrated Christmas in July so to share the afternoon with my daughters and see other residents having a great time with their families made it even more special. “Celebrations like these are really important because it helps us stay connected with families and friends.” Bolton Clarke Lifestyle Coordinator Michelle
Gibson says for the past few years, residents have really enjoyed getting festive more than once a year. “It’s a great excuse to pull out our Christmas decorations and invite families to come for an afternoon of fun,” Michelle said. “We were lucky enough to be joined by local artist, Jonathan, who had
everyone singing along. “I don’t think it matters what time of year it is, singing Christmas carols and putting on a paper crown out of a bonbon never gets
old!” Residents are now eagerly counting down the weeks until they can celebrate Christmas again at the end of the year.
Sunshine Coast over-50s benefit from healthy ageing program
Maria Gill, with grandchildren, Bailey (2) and Imogen (4).
A HEALTHY ageing program, which saw 94 per cent of participants report positive progress towards their health goals, is being expanded across Australia, following its successful Sunshine Coast pilot. A total 95 Sunshine Coast residents aged between 57 and 85 years took part in the 12-week trial, offered free through a partnership between over50s developer GemLife and
Amplar Health. The pilot highlighted a well-recognised challenge in preventive health: most people know what they should do, but not always how to make those changes stick. By focusing on practical, achievable actions, and providing personalised guidance, participants were able to turn knowledge into healthier habits. The initiative is part of
a $6 million investment by GemLife into holistic wellness initiatives across its over-50s communities, aimed at helping Australia’s ageing population live well. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures show more than a third (36.9 per cent) of the population will be aged 50 and over by 2032. Participants in the healthy ageing program receive personalised
one-on-one coaching to improve areas including physical activity, nutrition, sleep, mental wellbeing, social connection and preventative healthcare. It will now be offered to all new residents of GemLife’s communities nationwide, including 12 across the Sunshine Coast and broader South-East Queensland, opening access to nearly 1,000 residents.
Welcome to Glasshouse Views Supporting you to live and age positively With spacious, modern and flexible accommodation options, on-site services and a range of activities, Glasshouse Views is centred around your health, happiness and wellbeing. •
Private rooms designed with care needs and comfort in mind
•
Person centred care, dementia care and respite services
•
High safety standards and a registered nurse 24/7
•
Dedicated care, lifestyle, hospitality, housekeeping and maintenance team
Glasshouse Views Aged Care 96 Peachester Road, Beerwah QLD 4519
07 5439 2400
A TOUR TODAY
Bolton Clarke
Bolton Clarke is the brand name for a group of companies being RSL Care RDNS Limited ACN 010 488 454, Royal District Nursing Service Limited ACN 052 188 717 and RDNS HomeCare Limited ACN 152 438 152.
PAGE 20 Glasshouse Country & Maleny News, Tuesday August 11, 2026
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Senior Living
Glasshouse Seniors outing GLASSHOUSE Country Senior Citizens members have combined friendship, adventure and recognition during a recent outing to Bribie Island, while welcoming new members to join the active local group. Sixteen members enjoyed a bus trip to Bribie Island, beginning with a visit to the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre where they were treated to a morning tea. The group then headed to Bribie Island RSL for lunch before touring the popular Butterfly House.
Club president Patricia said the outing was another opportunity for members to socialise, explore local attractions and enjoy time together. A highlight of the day was the presentation of a 25-year service badge to long-time member Rita Cruickshank in recognition of her dedication and commitment to the organisation. The Glasshouse Country Senior Citizens committee is led by president Patricia, secretary Linda, treasurer Frank and vice-president
Virginia, who continue to organise regular outings and activities for members throughout the year. The club welcomes new members and visitors who would like to enjoy social outings and connect with others in the community. The next excursion is planned for August, when members will visit the Hologram Zoo in Nambour. For membership information or to enquire about upcoming activities, contact president Patricia on 0430 433 734 or via patriciajutila@gmail.com.
GH Seniors enjoyed a visit to Bribie
Three decades of care AS Glasshouse Country Care celebrates its 30th anniversary this month, the organisation is taking the opportunity to reflect on three decades of supporting local people to live independently, safely and with dignity. Since opening its doors in 1996, Glasshouse Country Care has grown from a small community service into one of the region’s most trusted providers of aged care and disability support. “A lot has changed in 30 years” said General Manager, Clare Mullins. “The organisation has grown and the services
we provide have expanded to meet our participant’s needs, but our commitment to delivering personalised, compassionate care has always stayed the same.” “This anniversary is a perfect opportunity to thank the people who have made Glasshouse Country Care what it is today,” said Clare. “We’re incredibly grateful to our past and present staff, volunteers and board members for their dedication, and most of all to the thousands of local participants and their families who have chosen us to support them over
the years.” Throughout August, Glasshouse Country Care will celebrate its anniversary with a range of special activities including a fun 90s-themed Celebration Afternoon Tea, and a special series of memories from staff members shared on the Glasshouse Country Care Facebook page reflecting their experiences and favourite moments. As the organisation looks to the future, it remains proudly local and committed to supporting people across the Glass House region to live well at home.
C E L E B R AT I N G
30 Years of Care
Then & Now
This month, Glasshouse Country Care proudly celebrates 30 years of caring for our community. Since 1996, we’ve grown from a small local service into a trusted organisation providing aged care and disability support across the region. While much has changed over the years, our commitment to supporting local people has remained the same. Thank you to our staff, volunteers, board members and, most importantly, the participants and families who have placed their trust in us over the past 30 years. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to continuing to support our community for many years to come.
352 Peachester Rd, Beerwah Call us on 07 5494 6948 www.gcnews.com.au
Glasshouse Country & Maleny News, Tuesday August 11, 2026 PAGE 21
Senior Living
Every memory shapes our story Celebrating 40 years of caring and community spirit By RangeCare GREAT communities are built by people who see a need and take action. Forty years ago, a group of Sunshine Coast Hinterland residents did exactly that, laying the foundations for what would become one of the region’s most valued community organisations. In October 1986, a small gathering in Flaxton sparked a vision to support an ageing population and ensure older Australians remained connected, valued and supported within their communities. From that vision, RangeCare was born. What began as a commitment to caring for older people has grown into a legacy of compassion, connection and community. Over four decades, thousands of clients, families, carers, volunteers and staff have helped shape the RangeCare story.
Through social programs, community activities and everyday acts of kindness, the organisation has fostered friendships, encouraged independence and enriched lives across the Sunshine Coast. As RangeCare approaches
its 40th anniversary, it is celebrating the people who made that journey possible through its “Fond Memories – Remember When?” campaign. Current and former clients, families, volunteers, team members and the wider community are invited to share stories and photographs that capture special moments from RangeCare’s history. Whether it is a treasured photo from a community outing, a friendship formed at a social centre, a memorable event, or the kindness of a Cottage opening in 1996.
PAGE 22 Glasshouse Country & Maleny News, Tuesday August 11, 2026
volunteer or staff member, every memory helps tell the story of RangeCare. “The Fond Memories – Remember When? campaign is such a wonderful way to recognise the lasting impact RangeCare has had on this community throughout its 40-year history,” says Rebecca Whitaker, Marketing Officer. “It also allows RangeCare to give back to the people who have made this organisation what it is today by helping to create its legacy.” Selected memories will be featured throughout the anniversary celebrations, with participants also going into the draw to win prizes, including local business hampers and a luxury getaway valued at $1,000.
Glasshouse Men’s shed continues to give back THE Glasshouse Country Men’s Shed continues to make a positive difference in the local community, taking on projects of all sizes that benefit local organisations while providing members with a rewarding sense of purpose. One recent project began with a heartwarming handwritten letter - more than a metre long from the children at Beerwah and Districts Kindergarten. The youngsters explained they wanted to attract possums to their grounds but didn’t have a suitable nesting box. Shed members were delighted to build and donate a possum box, helping the children bring their environmental project to life. The kindergarten has since returned, asking the Shed to construct a pigeonhole-style storage unit for the children’s school bags. The Shed has also continued its successful partnership with the B2N Rail Project.
After previously building 18 picnic-style barbecue tables for workers’ camps, members have now been asked to construct a further 10. The project team supplies the timber, while Shed volunteers cut, assemble, sand and finish each table with protective clear varnish before delivery. Whether building wildlife habitat boxes for local children or producing quality furniture for major infrastructure projects, members generously contribute their time and skills to support the wider community. Just as importantly, every project provides friendship, purpose and the satisfaction of giving back proving that retirement can be the beginning of a new chapter of meaningful community service. The Glasshouse Country Menshed is open 8am– 12pm Mondays and Wednesdays and is located at 352 Peachester Road, Beerwah.
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Senior Living
Discover the benefits of gentle tai chi THE slow meditative moves of tai chi offer a life-long path for health and well-being, suitable for all ages and health conditions. The public is invited to try some tai chi at upcoming free Open House events on the Sunshine Coast. These events are hosted by the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Australia, a volunteer, non-profit and charitable organisation. Attendees will meet instructors, learn about health benefits and experience a few tai chi moves for themselves. This is an ideal way for brand new beginners to get a feeling for tai chi. Benefits of the Taoist Tai Chi® movements include improved body awareness, balance, strength, posture, flexibility and circulation. Tai chi helps relieve stress, back pain and many other health problems. To find out more, phone 1800 108 801, or visit www. taoisttaichi.org.
My family legacy from the Boer war By Matilda Cutmore MY grandmother and grandfather lived in a place called Rustenburg in South Africa, known for some of the biggest platinum mines in the world. We spent just about every weekend and every holiday there. They lived in a beautiful old house, over 100 years old, with thick nine-inch walls and a big verandah right around. It was a really peaceful, nice place. My grandfather had a bit of an interesting history. His name was James Gilliand, an English name, but he was from Irish descent. During the Boer War, which was absolutely devastating for the Boers, there was a very strong feeling that the English didn’t play fair. The strategy of the Boers was to attack and retreat, attack again and retreat. The English countered this tactic by adopting a scorched earth policy.
They burnt 30,000 farms to the ground killing all the animals.
They rounded up all the women and children and put them in concentration camps where about 28,000 of them died. So, the Boers were not very happy with the English, obviously. My grandfather’s reaction was clever. He arranged for one of his servants to take him, in a wheelbarrow, to Lord Kitchener’s home. He was aware of Kitchener’s love of cards, and he invited Kitchener to a game.
Because my grandfather spoke English, Kitchener assumed my grandfather supported the English side of the war. During these er card games, my grandfather elicited the battle plans from Kitchener and he reported them back to the Boers. The story goes that a friend of my grandfatherr became aware of his subterfuge and reported it to the English authorities.. He was arrested and sentenced to death by an English tribunal. ed Kitchener countermanded the sentence and had my he grandfather deported to the desert area of southwest Africa, now known at Namibia. His wife and two wn of her children were thrown into concentration camps where they died. The Boer War ended in 1902. My grandfather came back to South Africa and in 1906, he married again (my grandmother) and they had six children. My mother was the middlee
one. My grandfather died when I was four years old, so I didn’t really know him. I just knew the story which had been handed down. Another interesting story handed down to me was that the family found a document which may have belonged to my grandfather during his
My Grandfather had a bit of an interesting history.... Matilda Cutmore exile in West Africa in 1901. It showed the location of a cache of diamonds. Myy onlyy uncle who was a doctor, went to West Africa to see if he could find the diamonds, and he did. But he didn’t want to share this treasure with anyone. It reminds me that the rich get richer poor while the poor stay poor. This ends the legend of my grandfather.
THE WRITE STUFF - Do you have a life story that deserves to be told? Perhaps it’s a tale of triumph or blunder, the happiest moment or a time of profound sorrow. Whatever it is, we’d love to hear it. We’re inviting readers to share their personal stories for publication. We’re not looking for a perfect story, just honest writing so give it a go and send us 400-450 words with a title, your name, age and town: editorial@gcnews.com.au
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