We were in Wanneroo and we wanted to downsize. We have got a big van and we were looking for a sea change – and my twin daughters are in Bunbury. We did all the research and looked at the Joondalup and Mandurah villages. We looked at putting a park home on caravan parks, but they have not got the security.

Here we can go away and not have to worry. We had alarms in Perth, but you still panic a bit when you go away. It’s the neighbours here that are great and that are always looking out for you. And with a house in other places, for insurance you have to be in it for a number of months of the year, or you have to get a house-sitter. Our house in Perth sold very quickly and it freed up some money, although Bob is still working. We also needed an area for the caravan, which we have got and it is secure.

The village has a nice community feeling. The neighbours are excellent, which isn’t always the case in the suburbs. We have had friends go into the Joondalup village and they couldn’t believe the social life. We have morning teas for the ladies, we are knitting for charity and we have got a bus. The village management here are like family – they really are.