The Bundaberg region’s newest over-50s oceanfront address Drift Bargara welcomed its first resident Rosemary Welldon, who downsized from her family home on the Sunshine Coast to make the move north.

Ms Welldon’s recent move-in follows data showing that the Bundaberg region grew by two per cent in the past two years, with similar growth rates forecasted beyond 2024. [1]

“I lived in my previous home for 27 years but decided to make the move as my daughter and her family moved to Bundaberg a few years ago and they really love it,” she said.

“I thought it was silly to keep going back and forth between the Sunny Coast and Bundaberg, so I decided now was the perfect time for a lifestyle change!

“I found out about Drift Bargara when I was up for one of my visits. My daughter drove me past the development site and said, ‘Look at this mum! – an over 50s residential community.’ I’d never considered living in a place like this until then.

“What appealed to me was the safety and security. My family have their own lives to live, and I don’t want to be in their back pocket all the time. At Drift I can join social groups, make friends with my neighbours and explore Bargara.

“I thought that if I moved into a house on a block of land I might have felt isolated, so Drift was the perfect solution for me. I’m excited to get out and about in the broader community – my daughter said there’s a local group called The Almond Croissant Club and I’ll definitely be getting involved there!”

Ms Welldon said that once Drift’s Community Clubhouse is up and running, she can’t wait to learn how to play pickle ball and tennis while making new friends.

“I’m at the age now where I’m looking forward to all those social aspects to keep me entertained.

“My grandkids will love visiting me here too, there’s a lot on offer. We are right on the ocean, with a beautiful walkway and you can walk right to the town square and explore all its hidden treasures.

“What I love about Bargara is that it’s like the Sunshine Coast was when I was growing up – quiet, friendly, and easy to get around. I think there’s going to be a boom here soon once people realise just how great this area is.”

Ingenia Lifestyle Drift Bargara’s first resident Rosemary Welldon. Photo by Brodie Maas

Ingenia Lifestyle Drift Bargara’s first resident Rosemary Welldon and Ingenia Lifestyle Sales Manager Hester Van Der Straaten. Photo by Brodie Maas

[1] Council Statement: Councils make communities liveable – Bundaberg Regional Council