Mick and Julie’s Catalina Journey

Transitioning into retirement is a significant milestone, and for Mick and Julie, it marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

For Mick and Julie, retirement wasn’t about stopping—it was about shifting gears and finding a new way to stay active while enjoying a more relaxed pace of life. After 13 years in their home near Lake Macquarie, the couple realised they needed a lifestyle that offered less maintenance and more time to do what they loved.

Embracing a new lifestyle

Mick’s work as a shipping consultant had brought them to Australia from New Zealand years earlier. “I loved my job—it kept me busy and challenged,” he said. But the long hours and the physical upkeep of their home were becoming difficult to manage. Julie, on the other hand, had been ready to retire for some time. “I was looking forward to more time for myself and the chance to get involved in activities I actually enjoy,” she shared.

Over dinner one evening, they discussed the idea of a retirement village. “We liked the thought of living somewhere that took care of the gardening and maintenance, whether we were there or not,” Mick explained. They also wanted to join a community where they could enjoy regular activities and connect with others. Already active in their local Rotary Club, they wanted a place with a similar social environment.

Finding the perfect fit at Catalina

After researching various options and visiting several villages, the tranquil bushland setting and convenient location of Catalina stood out. “It’s close to the M1, so we have easy access to both Sydney and Newcastle,” Julie added.

Although their move required some compromise—their new home didn’t have the double garage they had initially wanted—they quickly fell in love with their Nowra design villa. “The single garage is still very spacious, and we gained a third bedroom that I’ve turned into my office,” Mick said. The private alfresco area with bush views quickly became a favourite spot for the couple—and their Jack Russell, Marley.

Staying active in retirement

Since moving to Catalina, Mick and Julie have embraced the opportunities to stay active and engaged. Julie has taken charge of the weekly cinema screenings in the village’s private 60-seat cinema, curating a diverse range of films for the community to enjoy. She also teaches yoga classes twice a week, which have quickly become a hit among residents. “I’ve always liked being busy and organizing things, so this has been a great fit for me,” she said. While Mick continues to balance work and leisure, honing his skills on the competition-standard Bowling Green and regularly attending technology workshops hosted on-site and social gatherings in the club.

For Mick and Julie, retirement isn’t about slowing down—it’s about staying active and engaged in a supportive, vibrant community. “We’ve found the perfect balance here,” Julie said with a smile.

If you’re considering a lifestyle change that combines independence, convenience, support and connection, Catalina might just be the answer. To learn more, contact Catalina at 1300 927 786.