Catalina Lake Macquarie

06/03/2026

Looking back through these photos one thing is clear – Catalina has always had a wonderful sense of fun!

From Hawaiian nights and themed dinners to murder mysteries and a few memorable dress-ups, these snapshots capture just some of the moments that have brought residents together over the years.

There’s laughter in every room, friendships in every frame and plenty of stories behind each costume.

What makes these memories special isn’t just the themes or the events themselves – it’s the people who organise, join in, come along to watch and enjoy the atmosphere. Everyone contributes in their own way and that’s what brings each gathering to life.

As Vickie shared:
“Memories of years gone by at Catalina. What a great place to live, we have so much fun.”

And she’s absolutely right. Here’s to the memories already made and to many more moments still ahead!

04/03/2026

It’s wonderful to see our Catalina community continue to grow with new faces joining and more opportunities for future residents to become part of village life.

With Stage 5 now selling, more homes are becoming available within our established and welcoming community.

Each brand new villa has been designed to comply with the latest Australian standards for age and disability access, featuring wider doorways and halls, step-free interiors, emergency call systems and a fully accessible kitchen, bathroom and master bedroom.

Importantly, optional in-home support services are now also available in collaboration with our independent home care partner of choice, Baptist Home Care.

Stages 1 to 4 have sold out so, if you’ve been considering your next chapter, now could be the perfect time to explore what’s available in Stage 5.

Book a tour and see why so many residents say it feels like the right choice from day one in the village.

Contact us on 1300 927 786.

03/03/2026

If it’s Tuesday, chances are the Catalina Village Craft Room is already busy.

Residents gather around the tables to work on sewing, patchwork and quilting projects, sharing ideas as they go.

Alongside these projects, some residents take the time to handmake quilted hearts with others in mind. Each one is stitched by hand and finished with care, ready to be shared beyond the Craft Room.

Inspired by the ‘I Found a Quilted Heart’ initiative, these hearts are left for someone else to discover. It’s a small reminder that there’s always a way to leave a mark of kindness on someone’s day.

Organised by Fran, Crafty Tuesdays are about making something meaningful and knowing it might brighten someone else’s afternoon.

27/02/2026

People often arrive at retirement living with certain expectations and many are surprised by how different life at Catalina really is.

One common belief is that moving into a village means giving up independence. At Catalina, residents live in their own homes, come and go as they please and choose how they spend their time with support nearby if it’s ever needed.

Another assumption is that retirement villages are quiet or lonely. In reality, there’s always something to do, whether that’s joining a resident group, spending time in shared spaces or simply catching up with neighbours.

Some also worry that moving into a village means being cut off from family and the wider community but Catalina is a place where grandchildren visit, family and friends are welcome and residents continue to spend time out and about.

For many, the biggest surprise is just how normal – and fulfilling - life feels at Catalina once you’re here!

Now Selling ...

25/02/2026

Life at Catalina isn’t just lived inside the village.

Alongside regular lunches out, residents also head out on shopping trips and mornings away to places like Morisset, Lake Haven and Tuggerah.

These outings give people the chance to get out, visit familiar places and stay connected to the wider community, whether that’s picking up groceries, going to the shops or stopping for a coffee.

Having these trips built into village life means residents can keep doing the things they’re used to doing, with the added comfort of organised transport and company.

22/02/2026

“This was exactly what we hoped for when we sold our previous homes and came to Catalina.” – Elisabeth, resident

Moving into a retirement village is a big step and it’s not something people take lightly. For many residents, what they are really looking for is a place that feels settled, welcoming and easy to live in.

Elisabeth’s words reflect that feeling. Life at Catalina is built around community, shared experiences and knowing the people around you. Over time, those small moments start to feel like home. 🏡

If you’d like to learn more about life at Catalina, book a tour of our village by calling 1300 927 786.

20/02/2026

Across the village, there are many ways residents get creative, from patchwork and appliqué to watercolour painting, diamond dots and book club.

Some residents enjoy working with their hands. Others like to read, paint or simply sit and work on something alongside other people. These groups give people a chance to keep doing what they enjoy and to share that time with others around them.

For many, these sessions become something to look forward to each week as a member of the warm and friendly Catalina community.

19/02/2026

Baptist Care is part of the support available to residents at Catalina, and this month they held on-site consultations for anyone who wanted to talk through concerns and options.

These sessions gave people the chance to either plan ahead or simply start a conversation, all in a familiar setting without needing to travel out for appointments.

Having access to Baptist Care on site at Catalina means support is close by when it’s needed, giving residents reassurance as they go about their day.

Now Selling ...

17/02/2026

Support continues to show up in small and meaningful ways, through neighbours helping neighbours at Catalina.

The Helping Hands Program brings residents together to lend a hand where it’s needed, whether that’s a lift to an appointment, help in the garden, walking a dog or taking care of a small job around the home. Everyone contributes in their own way, based on their skills, time and interests. 🤲

What makes this program special is how naturally the residents have taken it on with such a willingness to help one another. There is no fuss, just a community that knows someone is always nearby ready to help.

It’s part of what makes life here feel settled and supportive. 💙

13/02/2026

A recent Friday evening at Catalina brought familiar faces, good food and plenty of conversation as residents and friends came together for another Happy Hour in the Hangar Bar.

A big thank you to Noo and the Squadron Café team for the delicious food, and to Lyn and Ian for all the work they put in behind the bar. With around 90 residents and friends joining in, it showed just how popular these nights are across the village.

These evenings have become a regular part of life at Catalina, bringing everyone together to enjoy each other’s company and a friendly atmosphere.

11/02/2026

The Men’s Shed Morning Tea is a regular catch up for many men at Catalina. 👨‍🦳☕️

Each month, residents come together over a coffee to talk, listen and catch up with people they know. Some come for the conversation while others come to sit, share a coffee and enjoy the company of other men within the village.

The Men’s Shed itself is a space where people can be together, work on small projects or simply drop in for a chat. These morning teas help keep those connections going, supporting both social and emotional wellbeing through time spent with others.

These mornings have become a way for friendships to grow and for people to keep in touch with one another.

Discover the latest release of beautifully designed Independent and Supported Living Villas at Catalina Village — an exclusive opportunity for seniors seeking comfort, freedom and support in one of Lake Macquarie’s most thoughtfully planned retiremen

08/02/2026

At Catalina, everyday wellbeing is supported through a range of visiting services.

Residents can book in with Mihiri at the salon, Brett from podiatry, Nin for a massage and Kane for chiropractic care, without needing to go anywhere else. 💇‍♀️💆‍♂️

These are familiar faces for many residents, which makes fitting these visits into the week feel simple.

Having these services on site means support is close by when it’s needed, helping people feel settled in their routines.

Discover the latest release of beautifully designed Independent and Supported Living Villas at Catalina Village — an exclusive opportunity for seniors seeking comfort, freedom and support in one of Lake Macquarie’s most thoughtfully planned retiremen