Reside leaders share expertise across Southeast Queensland

Reside Communities is proud to see CEO Glen Brown and Chief Operating Officer Craig Syphers leading important conversations across the retirement living industry.

Over recent months, they have been in high demand as keynote speakers and panelists at major industry events across Southeast Queensland.  

By sharing insights on innovation, community design, and the future of retirement living, they are helping to shape a stronger, more resident-focused industry. 

Craig has also been invited to join the Property Council of Australia’s Queensland Retirement Living Committee as Deputy Chairperson for the 2025/26 term.  

“I’m eager to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the retirement living sector—ensuring positive outcomes not just for residents, but for owners, operators, staff, and partners right across the industry,” he said. 

Glen added: “Being part of these industry discussions helps us stay ahead of emerging trends and ensure we’re continually evolving to meet – and exceed – expectations.” 

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Planning for a bright future

In any thriving community, the ability to pause, reflect, and prepare for what’s ahead is just as important as the regular day-to-day activities.

And at Reside, we believe strong planning today lays the foundation for an even better tomorrow – for our residents, our teams, and the communities we serve. 

That’s why our village managers recently came together with Chief Operating Officer Craig Syphers for our annual Strategic Planning Day. 

Held in a spirit of collaboration and reflection, the day was an important opportunity to step away from daily operations and focus on the big picture, and provided valuable time to analyse performance, celebrate achievements, and discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. 

Our exceptional team brought their usual passion, insight and operational experience to the table, offering thoughtful ideas and solutions grounded in the realities of village life. Their shared commitment to continuous improvement and enhancing the resident experience was clear in every conversation. 

With their hands-on knowledge and unwavering focus on community wellbeing, our village managers continue to shape the warm, welcoming, and high-performing communities that we are known for. 

Craig Syphers said the day reaffirmed the strength of Reside’s leadership team and our readiness to embrace growth and innovation across our portfolio. 

“There’s a real sense of unity and purpose across our team,” he said. “We’re in a great position to keep building on what we’ve achieved and continue delivering the very best for our residents.” 

We’re excited for the year ahead! 

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Rocking and rolling at Samford Grove

Music, dancing, and plenty of good vibes were on the cards at Samford Grove’s Rock and Roll afternoon.

Organised by residents, the event featured a professional singer and dancers who arrived in true vintage style – driving classic cars that added an extra splash of nostalgia. 

Everyone agreed the event was a fantastic celebration of community spirit, laughter, and connection.  

Residents danced, sang along, and admired the vintage vehicles, creating memories to treasure. 

Pam Velthuizen summed it up perfectly, saying, “A great way to spend the afternoon! Loved the music, the dancing, and the cars! Many thanks for all the work putting it together – it was so much appreciated!” 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making it such a special occasion. We’re already looking forward to the next event! 

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Samford Grove couple celebrate Valentine’s Day by sharing their tips for everlasting love with the younger generation

They met and fell in love in a time when traditional gender roles were rigidly observed. 

Back then ‘dating’ was known as ‘courting’, parental approval was a must, and letter writing was a sure-fire way to win a lady’s heart. 

It might sound like hard work to some. 

But five decades later, Reside Communities’ Golden Wedding Couples are still going strong, with a lifetime of relationship experience that the younger generations can only dream of clocking up. 

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, our residents have put together a list of ‘dos and don’ts’ to help teach millennials and Gen Z ers a thing or two about first-date etiquette and the secrets to everlasting love. 

Part of the “silent generation” – born between 1928 and 1945 – this demographic is best known for its traditional values. 

Eris and Russell Platt are no exception. 

The Samford Grove couple have two daughters and have been married 52 years, after meeting and falling in love while working as public servants. Russell had just come out of the Army following National Service, and was on the front counter at the Department of Finance. Eris worked at the Department of Interior. 

They often advise their grandchildren – Clary, 17, Hazel, 15, and Maggie, 13 – on how to best present themselves on the dating scene. 

“I tell the girls to be ladylike and respectful of themselves and to watch what they’re wearing because it gives the wrong impression,” said Eris, 74. 

“Unfortunately, I think social media is spoiling the whole dating game. 

“Young people today have no privacy because everything is on the internet, and I feel sorry for them. I feel as though chivalry has been lost now.” 

Russell, 79, believes youngsters need to put their phones down and treat women with respect. 

“It frightens me because I think how it would have been back in our day if everyone had a phone in their pocket to take a picture all the time – it stifles people from being their authentic selves,” he said. 

“When I first met Eris she was an absolutely beautiful lady and I told her so. I asked her out in 1968 and we went with a group of friends to a ball at Cloudland. 

“Unfortunately, you can’t seem to go up to a woman today and tell her she looks beautiful because next thing you know you’re accused of belittling them or worse. 

“I’ve said to Clary, if you take a girl out you have to respect her and look after her – don’t try to be a smarty pants and get drunk and make a fool of her.”

For the Platts, the secrets to a happy marriage include trust, laughter and the ability to move on from an argument rather than holding a grudge. 

“Sometimes you just have to suck it up and move on,” said Eris. 

Russell agrees. 

“We just get over stuff,” he said. 

“Trust your partner, be happy, do not take yourself seriously. From the day we were married, music was always played at our house and it still is. We still go to see bands and sing songs. 

“We also have a few glasses of wine together most nights. Someone once told me he had observed that couples who drink together stay together so that must be it!” 

 

Top tips from Reside’s ‘golden oldies’ 

 

  • Dress sensibly and smartly 
  • Be ladylike 
  • Always enjoy a drink together 
  • Be a gentleman 
  • Don’t run before you can walk 
  • Work on your relationship 
  • Trust each other 
  • Don’t hold a grudge 
  • Don’t argue 
  • Never say, “I told you so!” 
  • Go dancing together 
  • Don’t take yourself seriously 
  • Don’t try to be a smarty pants 
  • Put your phone down and have a conversation 
  • Sometimes you have to “suck it up” and move on 

 

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Esperance resident gifts luxury cruise to the daughter who helped her move into the community

The daughter of an Esperance Hope Island resident has received the perfect belated Christmas present – a luxury 12-day cruise courtesy of her mum and Reside Communities.

Joyce McKenzie was the lucky winner of a prize draw introduced as part of our welcome program for new residents purchasing a home in one of our communities in 2024.

However, Joyce has decided to gift the prize to her daughter Karen McKenzie, who together with her partner Geoff Thew was instrumental in her mother’s move to Esperance early last year.

The $25,000 luxury Silversea cruise aboard the Silver Nova will depart from Melbourne in November, voyaging first to Tasmania and then travelling along the east coast of New Zealand, finishing in Auckland. The prize, purchased through Cove Travel, includes return Business Class flights, transfers and shore excursions.

“I was so surprised when mum called to say she had won a cruise from Reside and asked if Geoff and I would like to go in her place,” Karen said. “We love cruising and have never been on this route before so are really looking forward to the voyage!”

Reside Communities CEO Glen Brown said he was delighted to see the prize of a luxury cruise going to the daughter of an Esperance resident while offering his commiserations to eligible purchasers who had missed out.

“We wanted to do something special to show our appreciation for residents across our Esperance, Samford Grove, Brookland Robertson and Fairway Carindale communities and thought ‘what could be better than a cruise’,” he said.

“But family members like Karen also play a hugely important role in the decision to move into retirement living and remain heavily involved in their parents’ lives through regular visits and ongoing support.

“So it’s fantastic that this involvement has been recognised with Joyce gifting this cruise from Reside to her daughter – we couldn’t be happier for her.”

The McKenzie family members have lived in various homes on Hope Island for the past 25 years so the opportunity for Joyce to stay in the area when moving to retirement living was too good to pass up.

“Esperance was the perfect solution for mum with its location just five minutes from me and things like the onsite café and hairdresser, and Hope Island Marketplace just across the road,” Karen said.

“It is still in the area mum loves with high-quality apartments and the advantage of security, low maintenance, nice gardens, like-minded people and being close to everything she already knows.

“There are good people on her floor who always ask about her and would be there to help if she ever needed it. She can also just go downstairs or over the road for a coffee and a chat.

“We didn’t look at anything else as we didn’t think there could be anything comparable in terms of the standards and safety of Esperance. After we took mum for a look around, we pretty much signed up the next day.”

 

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Christmas greetings from Reside Communities CEO Glen Brown

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and what a year 2024 has been!

Here at Samford Grove, village life is flourishing – reflecting the positive impact of our collective efforts and the strong foundations we’ve built. Of course, none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of everyone at Reside Communities.

As we reflect on the milestones and achievements of 2024, we’re reminded of the power of connection, collaboration, and continuous enthusiasm. And there’s plenty to celebrate!

Here are some of the highlights from this year…

 

Community celebrates official completion in style

It was fantastic to celebrate the $80 million expansion of Samford Grove, which has now sold out.

As well as delivering more than 100 much-needed homes for local retirees, the three-year redevelopment project also included the construction of The Homestead – a luxury community centre with café, lounge, bar, cinema, indoor pool, gym, beauty salon, consultation room for visiting practitioners and alfresco barbecue areas and gardens.

We marked the occasion with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony and residents’ lunch.

Local Federal Member for Dickson and Liberal Party Leader Peter Dutton was on hand to do the honours on the project that has delivered more than 100 much-needed new homes for local retirees and a brand-new luxury clubhouse.

Mr Dutton was joined by Bruce and Denise Morcombe of Reside’s charity partner, the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, and Reside Ambassador and leading journalist Kay McGrath.

Longtime Samford resident Olive Gilbey was asked to cut the celebration cake, alongside Reside Communities representatives.

Mr Dutton said communities such as Samford Grove allowed more people to live their best lives in retirement while enjoying the great lifestyle on offer in the Samford Valley.

“Call me biased, but there’s nowhere in Australia better to live than my electorate of Dickson and Samford has always been one of the most attractive locations within this great region,” he said.

“I congratulate Reside Communities on the completion of Samford Grove and wish all the residents a happy, relaxing and well-earned retirement.”

 

A prestigious national award

Our village then went on to win a prestigious National Retirement Living Award for best development by a village operator with more than 500 retirement dwellings.

The awards celebrate excellence across all parts of Australia’s retirement living sector, acknowledging and recognising the outstanding contributions and innovations made by organisations, individuals, and communities in creating exceptional retirement living experiences.

It was a great honour to have been recognised. Together with our partner GreenFort Capital, we are very proud of the Samford Grove development and the opportunity it represents for local seniors to live their best lives in retirement.

Samford Grove exemplifies our people first approach to creating retirement living communities that offer a level of quality, service and connection for residents to thrive.

Happy holidays!

As we enter the holiday season, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you – our residents, staff, partners, and stakeholders – for your ongoing dedication and commitment. Your contributions make a real difference in shaping the vibrant, thriving communities we are so proud to call home.

We look forward to another year of growth, success, and continued connection, and we are excited for all the opportunities 2025 will bring.

May this festive season bring you joy, peace and time to reflect on the wonderful moments of 2024.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at Reside Communities!

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Residents step out on 20th anniversary of Day for Daniel

Residents have put their best foot forward for the 20th anniversary of Day for Daniel – Australia’s largest child safety education and awareness day in memory of Daniel Morcombe.

As proud partners of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, Reside Communities’ villages across Southeast Queensland always participate in fundraising activities to raise awareness and educate people on the important role grandparents play in child safety education.

Following the walk around Samford Grove village on October 25, residents gathered for a breakfast fundraiser for the Daniel Morecombe Foundation.

As well as wearing red, some residents chose to purchase Day for Daniel merchandise online prior to the event, including hats and T-shirts.

It was December 7, 2003, when 13-year-old Sunshine Coast schoolboy Daniel was abducted while waiting to catch a bus to buy Christmas presents.

His body was found eight years later, following the largest criminal investigation in the history of Queensland.

Along with fighting for the causes they believe in, Daniel’s parents Bruce and Denise have worked hard to ensure the Daniel Morcombe Foundation is at the forefront of child safety in Australia and providing up-to-date resources for children, parents, schools and communities.

In a new development, they are looking to expand their annual child safety lessons from primary schools into high schools next year.

Reside Communities CEO Glen Brown said it was important to recognise the role that grandparents have to play in child safety.

“It’s not just parents who are responsible for child safety,” he said.

“Grandparents can play an important role in teaching and protecting their grandchildren, and our residents have a unique opportunity to help instil important lessons that can ensure future generations are well-prepared.

“It was fantastic to see all our villages taking part in this very important fundraising event in memory of Daniel Morecombe.”

 

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Rock around the clock: residents hit the dancefloor for charity fundraiser!

Hawaii met Rock ‘n’ Roll when our residents hit the dancefloor for two high energy events. 

In June, our talented ukulele group donned their Hawaiian shirts and performed for the residents. This was followed by a scrumptious afternoon tea.

   

With plenty of singing and hula dance action to be had by all, we also raised funds for Dementia Research.  

Thanks to resident ukulele member John Pollock for his efforts organising such a great afternoon.  

Everyone was raring to go again when the Rock ‘n’ Roll night came around in July, and this time it was classic rock tunes that got everyone on their feet.  

Organised by residents Sue and Phil Shipton, the event was one to remember. As these pictures show, the line dancing was spectacular!  

 

 

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Samford Grove wins prestigious national award

Our village expansion has been recognised as Australia’s best retirement village development in prestigious 2024 industry awards announced this month.

Samford Grove won the National Retirement Living Awards category for best development by a village operator with more than 500 retirement dwellings in its portfolio.

The accolade follows the extensive 3-year redevelopment of our village in the picturesque Samford Valley that delivered more than 100 much-needed new homes for local retirees.

The redevelopment also included the construction of The Homestead – our luxury community centre with café, lounge, bar, cinema, indoor pool, gym, beauty salon, consultation room for visiting practitioners and alfresco barbecue areas and gardens.

The National Retirement Living Awards represent the industry’s most coveted and prestigious awards program, celebrating excellence across all parts of Australia’s retirement living sector.

The awards acknowledge and recognise the outstanding contributions and innovations made by organisations, individuals, and communities in creating exceptional retirement living experiences.

“We are delighted that Samford Grove has been recognised by our industry’s most prestigious awards program and we thank the National Retirement Living Awards judges for this honour,” said Reside Communities CEO Glen Brown.

“Together with our partner GreenFort Capital, we are very proud of the Samford Grove development and the opportunity it represents for local seniors to live their best lives in retirement,” he said.

“Our residents have worked hard their whole lives to build a nest egg and they a comfortable and secure retirement in a home that meets their needs now and into the future.

“Samford Grove exemplifies our people first approach to creating retirement living communities that offer a level of quality, service and connection for residents to thrive.”

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Community celebrates official completion in style

Samford Grove residents and special VIP guests have celebrated the village’s official completion in style with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony and lunch.

Local Federal Member for Dickson and Liberal Party Leader Peter Dutton was on hand to do the honours and say hello to residents, many of whom he has personally known for a long time.

Mr Dutton was joined by Bruce and Denise Morcombe of Reside’s charity partner, the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, and Reside Ambassador and leading journalist Kay McGrath.

Samford resident Olive Gilbey was asked to cut the celebration cake, alongside Reside Communities representatives.

Samford Grove is the only retirement community in the picturesque Samford Village and is now home to more than 160 residents after the extensive 3-year redevelopment.

Reside Communities CEO and Co-Founder Glen Brown said he was delighted to have Mr Dutton along to cut the ribbon to officially mark the project’s completion,

“Until now, the Samford Valley region has been very limited in terms of new housing options designed specifically for seniors, so the completion of our Samford Grove expansion is a great outcome for local community,” Mr Brown said.

“The overwhelmingly positive feedback we continue to receive from our residents is a testament to what Reside has delivered here and we are extremely proud of the new Samford Grove.”

Mr Dutton said communities such as Samford Grove allowed more people to live their best lives in retirement while enjoying the great lifestyle on offer in the Samford Valley.

“Call me biased, but there’s nowhere in Australia better to live than my electorate of Dickson and Samford has always been one of the most attractive locations within this great region,” he said.

“I congratulate Reside Communities on the completion of Samford Grove and wish all the residents a happy, relaxing and well-earned retirement.”

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