• Archive for January, 2010.

  • A concept well worth sustaining

    Published by master at January 24th, 2010

    Speaking of sustainability, National Lifestyle Villages works closely with the Environmental Technology Centre at Murdoch University to ensure our villages are at the forefront of environmentally sustainable development. Each village is designed for long-term social, environmental and financial sustainability. Not satisfied with just meeting the ‘triple bottom line’, NLV also practises sustainable governance whereby our internal policies ensure we are meeting sustainability targets for both Lifestylers and the NLV team. In 2006 NLV was named “Overall Winner” at the Western Australian Environment Awards and in 2005 NLV won the City of Wanneroo Environmental Excellence Awards and was the recipient of research grants from the Premier of Western Australia’s Water Foundation. To promote sustainability we’re continually striving to reduce energy use that contributes to climate change.

    Multiple recycling bin systems, Reuse Rooms, Asset Recovery Centres and solar hot water systems are all being added to the sustainability measures already in use. We’re serious about helping to ensure our children and grandchildren will continue to experience the enviable lifestyle we enjoy.Village landscaping is designed to create environmentally friendly and sustainable gardens that showcase the colour, variety and attractiveness of Australian and other exotic plants, while taking advantage of their low water and nutrient needs. During the building phase of each village, NLV retains as many existing trees on the site as possible. Over time, National Lifestyle Villages become safe, green environments that are home to a wide variety of bird species. All gardens have centrally controlled subsurface reticulation — the most waterwise irrigation system currently available. NLV’s dedicated landscaping team are available to help Lifestylers maintain their compact, easy-care gardens. Each Lifestyler has input into their garden design and is invited to attend gardening workshops where the landscaping team provides information on how to maintain a healthy garden without harming the environment.

    But wait – there’s more

    Published by master at January 20th, 2010

    Appropriate governance International research demonstrates that a professional management team that practises appropriate governance is the essential foundation of all successful villages and communities. NLV is indisputably one of the most innovative lifestyle village operators in Australia. We are one of a very small minority of companies that design, develop, market, sell and finally operate lifestyle village communities.

    Our involvement is complete and ongoing. We know that the promises we make today are the ones we will be delivering on in the future. NLV does not “on sell” its villages, it remains the operator and this self governance is an important ingredient to NLV’s success. Communication with administration Our village administration staff ensure the smooth operation of the village. While many Lifestyler concerns can be addressed through the Lifestyler-elected Village Council, they can also be raised at our regular village forums, or by chatting with one of our friendly village team members.

    Maintenance free garden Relax — you’ve served your time pushing a lawnmower! All communal landscaping and street-side garden maintenance is taken care of by the professional NLV Village Care and Maintenance Team. Every NLV garden displays the glorious colours of beautiful Australian native landscaping, maintained in an environmentally sustainable manner through the use of innovative, award-winning subsurface reticulation systems, and our own in-house award-winning landscape architects.

    Security a priority

    Published by master at January 15th, 2010

    An unfortunate reality of modern life is that people in the suburbs often don’t feel secure in their homes. National Lifestyle Villagers enjoy a safe environment, where monitored access and gated card entry after hours create a sense of security – where concerns for personal safety are left far behind. In fact 98.8% of our Lifestylers rate a greatly improved sense of personal security as one of the major benefits of moving to a National Lifestyle Village. Security of tenure When you make the move to a National Lifestyle Village you’re a valued member of the community for as long as you want to stay. Our lifetime lease agreement assures you security of tenure for up to 60 years. Naturally you’re free to leave the village whenever you choose. Financial security Your home is just that – your home. You’re free to sell it whenever you wish, and it is a willable asset. All the profits are yours to keep apart from the selling fee. The modest weekly rental is indexed to CPI, so you can be assured this fee will always be affordable and easy to manage. Quality of management We’re involved with each NLV project for the long term.

    All the decisions we make are focussed on building enduring, mutually beneficial relationships with our Lifestylers. At NLV we’re very proud of our reputation as a professional manager of communities. We leave no stone unturned in the interests of our Lifestylers — partly because we want them to tell their friends about us! Full disclosure, sustainable policies, responsive and open lines of communication, monthly forums and appropriate maintenance, all contribute to the sense of wellbeing that Lifestylers will heartily attest to. Don’t just take our word for it though; please visit one of our villages and talk to the Lifestylers — they’re our best salespeople.

    A life enriching experience awaits

    Published by master at January 14th, 2010

    Once upon a time, many generations ago, 45 was considered the threshold to old age. How times have changed! If you’re like a lot of people around this age, you feel there’s a whole world of living and a wealth of experiences still ahead. If so, your instincts are correct. Current research demonstrates that most people beyond 45 have at least 30 more active years ahead. Staying fit, active and young minded, is the key. Nothing illustrates this fact better than the growing international popularity of Masters sporting events. There’s a whole new life waiting for you. The kids have left home. The mortgage is paid. For the first time in a long time, you have time. Time to do your own thing, time to mix with your favourite people, time to travel to places you’ve always wanted to. You’re healthy, happy and still young at heart — the world’s your oyster! You’re certainly not Robinson Crusoe feeling this way. To a man and woman, NLV Lifestylers are enjoying life in a way you possibly never knew existed. National Lifestyle Villages are simply the launch pad where you can embark on what will probably be the most enjoyable, enriching and carefree time of your life. When you turn the key in the front door of your new home at a National Lifestyle Village, you’re opening the door on your next great adventure: new friends, travel, recreation, personal growth and freedom. Privacy is there when you want it. Worries about security are a thing of the past. You’re ready to get on with the things that matter: new people, new places and new experiences. You know life’s not a rehearsal, and whether you’re a couple or single, married or divorced, you’re more than ready for the second act.

    People make our world go round

    Published by master at January 10th, 2010

    Lifestylers aren’t ‘old’ – in any sense of the word. Active people between 45 and 75 years ‘young’ are the majority of those making a beeline to National Lifestyle Villages. The average Lifestyler is about 59 years. Although there’s no such thing as a typical Lifestyler, most have owned their own house in the suburbs. No longer requiring a large family home, and finding routines such as lawn mowing and maintenance have lost their charm, Lifestylers have opted for a sea change or tree change. Preferring to spend their time on hobbies, travel or socialising, they’ve discovered that a National Lifestyle Village gives them the freedom to do just that. When first moving into a village over 70% of Lifestylers rate personal security as an important issue and one of the reasons they made the move. A year later the same people tell us the sense of security they feel as part of a close-knit community is one of the best things about the NLV village lifestyle.To help us fine-tune the NLV lifestyle we’ve spoken to a great many people considering a lifestyle change. The following features, common to most Lifestylers have emerged: ~ The desire to be able to “lock up and leave” their home for a holiday — without any fear of unwelcome surprises on returning; ~ An embrace of the unique NLV lifestyle, with its unbeatable combination of privacy and community living; ~ An appreciation of the ability to enjoy sport and leisure activities without having to hire or maintain the facilities; and ~ A warm and welcoming attitude to new Lifestylers joining the community. Do you think you might be a potential Lifestyler?

    game or do you enjoy spectating

    Published by master at January 5th, 2010

    At a National Lifestyle Village the list of activities is extensive: indoor heated swimming pools, spa and sauna. Tennis and squash courts await. Is lawn bowling your game? How about bocce? Imagine if your own home had all these features! Tempted? Well, we’ve only scratched the surface. At a National Lifestyle Village you’ll enjoy a whole new quality of life. With the freedom of choice provided by everyday access to the kinds of facilities you’d normally only expect at a first-class resort. Dance floors, fitness centres, pool tables, dartboards and internet kiosks. Plus some features you wouldn’t expect even at a resort: extensive outdoor entertaining and barbeque areas, plus clubrooms and a library. By the time a hundred homes are occupied in each village, a social club is in full swing, coordinating events, activities, shows, the choir, art classes, Tai Chi, and a host of other activities. And a village bus — purchased by NLV but operated by Lifestylers — is available through the village social club. Life at an NLV village could be aptly described by the phrase ‘never a dull moment’ or ‘like being on holiday every day’. The atmosphere is bright, breezy and vibrant, with new friends to make, and new interests to discover every day. And when it’s time for a little quiet relaxation, the peaceful privacy of your own architecturally designed home invites you to put your feet up and chill out.

    IT Trends 2010, Network TV Channel 3 Dimensions

    Published by master at January 3rd, 2010

    Discovery Communications and ESPN will soon launch 3-dimensional television network in the U.S., hoping that the 3D technology can go to the theater area and for the TV show at home. The announcement was made Tuesday (05/01) yesterday in the CES event in Las Vegas, where the 3D TV will be a major theme in this year 2010. Discovery said it had held a joint venture with Sony and IMAX 3D to create a service, which will be targeted to 24-hour television channel which presents movies, environmental programs and other content in 3-dimensional version.

    Separately, ESPN will also feature 85 sporting events this year in the channel from ESPN 3D FIFA World Cup matches in 2010 on June 11, 2010, and 25 other World Cup matches. Major electronics vendors like Sony, LG Electronics and Panasonic also plans to create a 3D TV and Blu-ray player at the end of this year.

    For that, some kind of indication of consumer demand will be a special 3-dimensional glasses and other devices when watching 3D TV at home, according to Howard Stringer, CEO of Sony. Discovery, which owns the Discovery Channel and 12 TV networks in the U.S. will work with Sony and IMAX to provide a special channel 3D.

    As for Sony and IMAX will provide television license rights to present 3D films and other content, also provide advertising and sales. While the IMAX will be a 3D theater service provider and promoter of the service, Stringer added.