Three years in the making, the finishing touches are now complete to Samford Grove’s last ever homes within the community’s expansion.

An exciting milestone for the beloved community, Samford Grove’s latest residents celebrated Christmas in their fresh, new homes following the completion of Stages 3 and 4.

Since construction began in 2020, more than 100 new homes have been added to the village, including a mix of modern new apartments, single-level town homes and on-ground villas.

The expansion also included the construction of a new five-star, award-winning community centre, ‘The Homestead’, which features a range of lifestyle amenities including a library, café, hair and beauty salon and cinema. It’s great to see memories created in this vibrant community space.

If you or someone you know is considering retirement living, this is the final opportunity to secure a brand-new home at this boutique village community!

To register your interest or for more information, enquire now.

Our sister village, Brookland Robertson isn’t just a flourishing community, the village also offers a range of exciting lifestyle initiatives including a dance class each Friday afternoon to shake off the week. Residents have been enjoying the new high-energy classes and learning a thing or two from Bollywood moves to Bee-Gee grooves, the Cha-Cha and everything in between!

While over at Samford Grove, the local ‘Samford Groovers’ played a sold-out show at The Homestead recently. The group have already built a loyal fan base in the village and recently played like rockstars, with not one but… two encores! The concert helped raise money for Dementia Research, raising $250!

Our communities aren’t just for retiring, they’re also a chance to enjoy the things you love, in a friendly environment, and with plenty of events and activities running across the calendar, you’re sure to find something fun to try!

Dance class at Brookland Robertson in the Clubhouse.

Samford couple and community pioneers, Don and Daphne Greenhalgh, are celebrating 66 years of marriage, a union built on a shared love for serving their local community.

Integral to the Samford community, the pair helped create a lasting legacy in Samford Valley with the establishment of the Greenhalgh Fire Station in 1986.

Now enjoying retirement at Reside Communities’ popular Samford Grove retirement village, Don and Daphne each dedicated more than 50 years of their lives to volunteering with the Samford Rural Fire Brigade.

“I was the First Officer of the Brigade and we needed to build a shed so we enlisted everyone in the district and got the place built,” said Don.

Built in 1986, Don said he was thrilled to see the community come together to help. About 100 volunteers from across Samford gave their time and skills to contribute to what is still a very useful facility.

The initial part of the station was completed in six months by volunteer labour and subsequently named “Greenhalgh Station” to recognise Don’s organisation of the project.

Later, a much larger kitchen, storeroom and a large training room were added as an emergency control centre for the District.

Daphne was also on the frontline to help the community, in charge of answering calls and setting up a management system for communications.

“I was in charge of the telephones, I was the Chief radio operator and secretary,” said Daphne.

“It was smaller back then. The firefighters came in when they saw smoke, but as the community got bigger, we had a to build something to support it.” said Don.

After loving their life in Samford for more than 54 years together, the pair are now enjoying their retirement at Samford Grove.

“We’ve been living at the Samford Grove village for 18 years and we really enjoy the people and the community here,” said Don.

“We love being in a tight-knit community, close to where we’ve lived for so long and enjoy the nice surrounds with the mountains close-by.”

Reside Communities’ luxury Samford Grove Retirement Village has been named a national finalist in both the Best Retirement Living Development and Best Redevelopment categories in the coveted National Retirement Living Awards for 2024. 

Recognised for its exceptional resident amenities and wide range of retirement living options, the community has undergone an exciting expansion and revitalisation over the past three years. 

In partnership with Greenfort Capital, Reside has added more than 110 new villas, townhomes and apartments to the community, together with a deluxe clubhouse and expansive green landscaping. 

The village’s location in the heart of the idyllic Samford community in Brisbane’s northwest, has offered a rare opportunity to downsize in a semi-rural location with a host of everyday services just a short walk away. 

Reside Communities CEO Glen Brown said the National Retirement Living Awards were the most prestigious awards program in the sector, celebrating excellence in new retirement living accommodation across Australia. 

“We are delighted to receive this incredible recognition and I acknowledge all the hard work, dedication and passion from the Greenfort Capital and Reside Communities teams,” he said. 

“Most of all, I would like to thank all our amazing residents and staff at Samford Grove, who have joined us on this journey and who together make this such a special community.” 

Mr Brown congratulated the other finalists in the 2024 National Retirement Living Awards, which were a testament to the outstanding quality of modern retirement living in Australia. 

Award winners will be announced at a gala industry event at the Gold Coast on the 27th of June 2024. 

Only limited opportunities now remain to secure a new home at Samford Grove with the final release now selling.  

Have you visited the Samford Grove hair salon yet? Operating for over 12 years, the salon has always been a hit with our residents.

We caught up with senior hairstylist, Liza Kirk, for a chat about what’s been popular and the key trends for cutting-edge, over 60’s looks.

For over 36 years Liza Kirk has been helping women look and feel their best.  Since 2011, the hairstylist has been getting to know the residents at Samford Grove and adding her creative flair to hair.

“I love coming to work! I know not many people can say that, especially when Monday rolls around, but I do love what I do,” Liza said.

Born and raised in Samford, Liza is an expert in the area, and able to share her knowledge of local coffee spots and shops for residents.

“The residents are lovely, I like meeting new people and catching up with those I’ve known for a while and providing that personalised service, I like being creative and it’s not too far from home for me.”

While residents pop in for a cut, colour or a refresh, the Samford local says the experience is more than just cutting hair, she learns a lot from her clients too.

“Our residents have really interesting backgrounds, from where they’ve worked or where they’ve lived, they have interesting lives and it’s great hearing that.”

Hairdresser Liza holding a phone and taking a selfie in the salon.

After owning her own salons and even working on weddings, Liza has a wealth of knowledge and has truly made her mark at Samford Grove.

“I worked from home when my kids were younger but over the past 12 years, I’ve been able to really grow with the salon,” she said.

As for the cutting-edge trends? Liza says there’s a wide variety of looks emerging from the salon.

“There’s a few foils and modern hairstyles for the early 60’s and a few perms, which takes me back to my apprenticeship days!

“There’s a real variety of looks, we also offer brow waxing and tints in the salon too,” she said.

While no two days are the same in the salon, Liza says she has a love of both hairdressing and the Samford Grove village.

“I love hairdressing, I like the atmosphere and the staff: Bronwyn, Cathie, Des and Jacqui are all great to have, it’s a real feel-good place.”

The Samford Grove hair and beauty salon is just one of the many exciting amenities for residents to enjoy, open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

To book an appointment give the salon a call or pop in and see Liza!

Eight premium villas have just been launched at Samford Grove – the final new homes to be built within the popular northern Brisbane village – with predictions they’ll be snapped up quickly!

These final homes make up Stage Four of Samford Grove’s expansion, with only a handful of homes still left for sale in Stage Three.

The latest release was celebrated in the village with more than 130 retirees invited to explore community at a special information panel session hosted by Reside Communities Ambassador, Kay McGrath.

Following the panel discussion, guests enjoyed a delicious morning tea before taking a tour around the village and picturing their future life in the display homes.

Samford Grove’s final stage promotional panel including journalist Kay McGrath, Reside Communities CEO Glen Brown, Reside Communities Chief Operating Officer Craig Syphers, Five Good Friends CEO, Simon Lockyer and future Samford Grove resident.

If you’re considering downsizing to Samford Grove in the stunning surrounds of Samford Village, don’t delay! For more information or to see a virtual tour visit: samfordgrove.com.au/for-sale/

Whether you’re a keen green thumb or prefer the low-maintenance lifestyle, you can still enjoy a beautiful garden at Samford Grove.

Village Manager, Bronwyn O’Brien, said the community’s gardening and maintenance team look after the communal areas so residents can enjoy the beauty without the maintenance.

“Residents have their lawns mowed fortnightly, the front gardens are tidied, and the team also assist in replanting small plants,” she said.

“They also maintain all the common areas for the residents to enjoy on their daily walks or outside events and the team give their time freely with some gardening tips.”

Bronwyn said the team are also mindful of the environment and garden sustainably.

“The team are sustainably conscious and will utilise propagated plants from around the village to enhance and update other areas.”

For those looking for a passion project or to get their creativity flowing, residents like Margaret Crombie grow their own fruit and vegetables and share the produce with fellow residents.

Margaret has lived at Samford Grove for three years and found she can still follow her passions and get creative in the garden.

“At the moment the citrus seems to be doing well: grapefruit, lime, lemons mandarin and passionfruit are all growing well,” she said.

“I also have a raised veggie garden bed and a few green leaves for salads. I’ve got carrots, zucchinis, herbs and parsley and curry leaves around the place too.”

Before making the move to the village, Margaret lived off acreage and always had a love for gardening.

“It gets me outside, rather than being inside moving dust around,” she jokes.

“Gardening is a healthy thing to do, even if the fruit is cheap at the supermarket, it always tastes better if you’ve grown it yourself.”

For those who don’t have much luck gardening, Margaret says it’s all about trial and error.

“Every place is different so it’s a lot of trial and error especially living somewhere new, like a new build you have to be mindful that you need decent soil. I buy mine from the local hardware store and it’s enough for plants to thrive on. Then I build it up with more compost and give the plants a decent drink,” she said.

“Keep on trying and try seasonal growing. While something might grow well in Tasmania or somewhere near the beach, it won’t necessarily grow well somewhere else like Samford, for example.

“But you learn, here the tomatoes are grown in winter, not summer because we have fruit flies in Queensland, so it’s a lot of trial and error, but you’ll get there.”

For more information on Samford Grove or to discover the lifestyle on offer for yourself, contact our team on (07) 3289 3372.

Above: Crafter and resident, Cheryl Johnson showing some of the products that the group creates.

On Saturday mornings, a group of keen creatives at Samford Grove come together for ‘Craft and Coffee.’

For some residents, it’s a chance to connect with neighbours and for others, it’s a chance to work on a project or just have a bit of fun.

Samford Grove resident Elaine Holmes came up with the idea just over a year ago and it’s quickly become an anticipated social event in the community.

“I’m a qualified art teacher and about 18 months ago, I got some ladies together to redesign old jewellery and that’s how it all started,” Elaine said.

“It’s a chance for ladies to come together and paint or craft, knit, sew, and we do that every Saturday morning.”

Elaine also lends her skills on the first Saturday of every month for a creative class in the village workshop.

“It’s very informal and it’s just a fun art lesson,” she said.

“I can show them how to paint something, but we usually just have fun with a bit of paint and others do needlework or make cards or little gifts.” 

But it’s not all ladies. Elaine said some of the men have become involved too.

“It’s mostly the ladies but a few of the men come along and they’ve created woodwork pieces too.”

The projects are then sold in an honesty box in the library for residents to purchase. Elaine says this is important for those who simply can’t get to the shops.

“It’s designed for those who can’t drive but might have a grandson coming around next week or someone’s birthday is coming up, so they have a way to grab a card or a small gift,” she said.

Although it’s just a bit of fun, Elaine’s ‘craft-urdays are also a social event for residents to connect with one another and socialise.

“It’s about getting to know each other, there’s no charges for the workshop, it’s just a chance to come along and we enjoy the laughs.”

“Residents can choose to have their work in the shop, or they can just do it for fun, it’s not formal in any way, we’re all volunteers.”

Elaine says the weekly sessions are most important for those who might not have family close-by.

“Some residents might not have families here and this helps them out.”

“It’s also good for new people to come and meet other ladies with similar ideas.”

Craft and Coffee is held in the dining area at the Homestead every Saturday at Samford Grove.

Residents can also learn something new in a workshop un by Elaine on the first Saturday of every month.

If you’d like to support the creative club, gifts are available to purchase in the library for under $15.  

 

To tour Samford Grove’s facilities and discover the lifestyle on offer for yourself, contact our team on (07) 3289 3372. 

 

The Samford Grove couple marked the occasion with an anniversary cruise around the tropics, from Brisbane to Hawaii. A stunning achievement, the couple were also lucky enough to celebrate the milestone twice!

With an anniversary dinner to mark their wedding day on April 15, upon crossing the international date line just after Tonga, the couple got to re-live the day with a second celebration, before cruising into Tahiti.

“We had dinner on the Saturday night and once the boat crossed the International Date Line, we had a second dinner for the Saturday again,” Laurie said.

In honour of their anniversary, Laurie and Linda received cards from King Charles III and wife Camila, the Governor General, David Hurley and wife Linda, the Governor of Queensland, Dr Jeanette Young, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and local PM for Samford, Peter Dutton.

Laurie and Linda met while both serving in the army in Melbourne, before marrying in 1963.

“I served in Vietnam then later stationed in Enoggera. We lived in The Gap for a number of years until eventually Samford,” said Laurie.

Linda raised their two children before working as a Car Park Supervisor while Laurie was a SS Manager for the Australian Lighthouse Services.

The couple have two children together and four grandchildren, with their son living in Sydney and their daughter in Brisbane.

The couple moved to Samford Grove in 2021 and both enjoy living in the village.

“It’s very good, it’s a nice place to live, we really enjoy our time here and the people,” Laurie said.

As for the secret to a long-lasting marriage? Laurie said it’s all about communication.

“We like anyone have disagreements, but it’s about making sure the disagreements don’t last.”

Laurie with dedicated cards he received for his anniversary.

Since day one Samford Grove Sales Manager, Desley has enjoyed watching the vision for the community become a reality and has helped countless downsizers embark on their retirement journey.

“As the Sales Manager here, I am very blessed to work with a great team of like-minded individuals,” Desley said.

“Samford Grove is very unique compared with other retirement villages. We are a small boutique village, and once complete at the end of the year, will only have 131 homes in total.”

Word spreads quickly about Samford Grove…

“Many of our residents are known to each other prior to moving in and we receive lots of referrals, which is the best compliment Samford Grove and Reside Communities can receive – it means we are doing something right.”

Of course, how could we not talk about Samford’s beautiful surrounding valley-views. Desley says it’s not just about the views, but also the community at large.

“It is a wonderful feel every morning driving into the valley – how could you not enjoy the beauty on offer. If I go down to the village shops during the day, I have to allow time for all the little chats that I have with the locals. It’s been great to be involved with the Chamber of Commerce and Bowls clubs nearby. They really appreciate what we do and that our village has value added to their community.”

Samford Grove Sales Manager, Desley Arnold smiling. Desley wears bright orange blazer with a leopard print scarf.