By GemLife Elimbah
After almost five decades serving Australia in the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Naval Reserves, Medal of the Order of Australia recipient Carmel Tom OAM is preparing to embark on an exciting new chapter – this time at GemLife Elimbah.
Originally from Brisbane, Carmel spent 50 years living in Victoria after joining the Navy as a young woman in search of adventure. During her distinguished 47-year career, she served in a wide range of roles, including Naval Intelligence, Defence Public Affairs and as a media liaison officer with the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) under General Sir Peter Cosgrove.
In 2018, she was awarded the OAM in recognition of her outstanding service to the veteran community.
Now, Carmel is looking forward to returning to her Queensland roots.
“I always wanted to come back to Queensland,” she said.
“My youngest son and his family are here, all eight of my brothers and sisters are here, and so many of my friends have returned as well. I just had to get back to the people I love and trust.”
Carmel was one of the first unconditional contract holders at GemLife Elimbah and is eagerly awaiting settlement of her new Delany design home.
She said the welcoming sales team and thoughtfully designed homes made her decision an easy one.
“The home was within my budget, and I loved the design straight away,” she said.
Featuring a welcoming front porch, spacious open-plan living, butler’s pantry and double garage, the Delany offered everything she was looking for.
Beyond the home itself, Carmel is looking forward to embracing the resort lifestyle, spending time in the future Country Club, making new friends, swimming, gardening, knitting and enjoying the sense of community.
Having spent much of her life in the close-knit environment of the Navy, she says GemLife feels like a natural fit.
“GemLife feels like an extension of that – a place where everyone has their own space but can come together whenever they choose,” she said.
With her trademark sense of humour, Carmel has a simple philosophy for this next stage of life.
“You’re a long time dead,” she laughed. “So, start living.”
Located in the Moreton Bay region, GemLife Elimbah offers over-50s a relaxed lifestyle with architecturally designed homes, resort-style facilities and a welcoming community, all within easy reach of the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.
Selling now, to book a tour of the display homes or to find out more, visit gemlife.com.au/elimbah or call 1800 835 926.
