Beautiful Hervey Bay on the Fraser Coast welcomes visiting humpback whales with a wonderful Festival of the Whales each year – including markets, concerts and parades. Despite being derailed by COVID this year, the full event is set to steam ahead in 2021.
Traditionally, the event includes The Blessing of the Fleet – a multi-cultural event that includes a Hawaiian chant of benediction by Leandra Gurbiel of Aloha Ohana. Leandra has been fascinated by Hawaiian culture since her first visit 20 years ago and she’s single-handedly brought the art of hula and Hawaiian performance to Hervey Bay.
Aloha Ohana is a performance group of hula dancers, ukulele strummers and singers – made up of lively locals, including Brian Barkham and Shelley Adkin.
The two good friends are both residents of Fraser Shores in Hervey Bay – a retirement oasis of award-winning homes and resort-style facilities, spread across two neighbouring villages.
And both Brian and Shelley run the Strummers – the village’s in-house ukulele group. During the COVID lockdown, the Strummers became strolling minstrels through the streets of Fraser Shores – to lift the spirits of neighbours with music and song.
But that’s not the only ukulele gig for this vibrant pair! They also take part in HUMPS – the Hervey Bay Ukulele Musicians, Pickers and Strummers group. More than 120 members-strong, the group meets once a week to bring the house down with an incredible group sound and classic old favourites.
Brian also moonlights with the local boy band, The Flukes – a ukulele and singing group named for Hervey Bay’s whale visitors.
Both Shelley and Brian are big advocates of a busy retirement – and find there’s so much to keep them happily occupied at Fraser Shores and in the Hervey Bay community, there’s no time to be idle.
If you’re interested in a vibrant seaside lifestyle at Fraser Shores or Fraser Shores 2, check out their website and Facebook page.
About Fraser Shores
Fraser Shores features two villages which are located within the sub-tropical wonderland of Hervey Bay.
The villages (Fraser Shores 1 and 2) offer a variety of award-winning, freestanding homes that have designed for retirement living.
Choose from a wide selection of spacious brick and tile, two and three-bedroom homes including an executive model with three bedrooms, two en-suites and a hobby room.
Fraser Shore’s homes have won the Queensland Housing Industry Association’s Top Homes of the Year Award for design, character and value for money.
All designs offer high-grade insulation, careful orientation and large doors and windows for maximum cross-ventilation which allow you to take advantage of the best coastal breezes anyone can offer.
All homes are also built at ground level for easy access and feature spacious modern kitchens, bedrooms and living areas.
Finally, each home is equipped with an emergency call system, which is monitored on-site 24 hours a day by trained staff with first aid certification.
The homes are surrounded by amazing resort-style facilities, where residents have unlimited use of the full-sized bowling green, swimming pool, community centre, licensed bar, fitness centre, craft and computer room, outdoor barbecue areas, libraries and so much more.
A well-organised residents’ committee arranges functions and social activities such as outdoor and indoor bowls, pool and billiards, movie nights, tai chi, line dancing, yoga, arts and crafts, exercise and computer classes.
You will have the opportunity to meet new friends and be part of a welcoming, safe and supportive community of like-minded people.
Community lawns and gardens are beautifully maintained, so you can get on with doing what you enjoy most.
Fraser Shores conveniently adjoins a commercial and professional centre, housing medical specialists, a large general medical practice and a wide variety of shops and services.
In addition, onsite recreational vehicle, caravan and boat storage gives you the freedom to plan your travels with ease, including when you want to chase fun, sun and adventure with the ‘grey nomad’ brigade.
