Image (left to right): Oak Tree Burpengary residents Carolyn and Meredith
From five acres to a fresh start
When Meredith moved into Oak Tree Burpengary nearly nine years ago, she was looking for a simpler, more relaxed way of life. After years of living on five acres and caring for horses, she was ready for a change.
“I’d always planned to retire to a retirement village,” Meredith explains. “I’d finished competing with my horses, but I still had five acres to look after. It was a lot of work, and the joy had gone out of it.”
Like many animal lovers, Meredith’s biggest concern was her dog. One afternoon, she spotted an ad in the local paper for Oak Tree Burpengary. “It said ‘pets welcome’! I rang the Village Manager immediately and made an appointment. Once I visited, I just knew this was the place for me. Everything was so neat and tidy, and it felt warm and welcoming.”
Building a community, together
Settling into her new villa, Meredith found herself right across from the village’s open grass area. It wasn’t fenced, and it wasn’t being used much. But with her dogs in tow, she began to spend time there. “I worked to get fencing put in, then brought down some furniture so people had a place to sit. And as they say, if you build it, people will come.”
Today, that simple idea has grown into something special. The space is now a true dog park and a thriving social hub. “Every Thursday afternoon we meet down there. Everyone brings a plate, we have a few drinks, and we chat and socialise. And it’s not just for dog owners, it’s become a lovely place for anyone in the village to gather.”
Meredith is quick to point out that while she got things started, the park is now very much a community effort. “It’s not just me. Everyone has contributed. We’ve added flower gardens and a veggie patch, and whatever grows is there for anyone to pick. It’s a shared space, built by all of us.”
Her villa is just a stone’s throw from the park, which she describes as the perfect setup. “I can join in when I want to, but I also love that Oak Tree is such a quiet, peaceful place. You can have fun and then go back to your own villa for complete relaxation. It’s not rowdy at all, it’s just really lovely and relaxing.”
The freedom to live your way
Between caring for her dogs, tending to her own back garden, and enjoying Thursday afternoons at the park, Meredith has found a rhythm that suits her perfectly. “That’s the beauty of Oak Tree. You can live your life the way it suits you. Join in when you like, or enjoy your own space when you want quiet time.”
Advice for others
Looking back, Meredith is certain she made the right move. “It was the best decision of my life at this time of my life. Moving here gave me freedom. Instead of working just to maintain a property, I can spend time on the things I enjoy, and that’s what retirement should be about.”
And for those still sitting on the fence about retirement living, her advice is simple: come and see for yourself. “Look at how much time you’re spending working to keep your home versus how much you’re enjoying life. Then come and talk to the residents and the manager, and find out the benefits. That way you can make an informed decision. That’s what I did, and I’ve never looked back.”