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Aug 8, 2019
Living in Mount Ousley
Mount Ousley is a residential suburb of northern Wollongong on the foothills of Mount Keira. It lies between Fairy Meadow and Mount Pleasant and its name is also given to the road that crosses the nearby Illawarra Escarpment on the Princes Highway into Wollongong. This means easy access to the freeway to Sydney or down the coast for the weekend. With a population of 1600, living in Mount Ousley comes with close access to shopping and education options for different families, along with different levels of housing. The area boasts the beautiful Greenslopes Reserve is a public garden and recreation area, an ideal park area for a picnic. Mount Ousley attractions Mount Ousley is a clean and green area, that offers a neighbourly spirit, and peace and quiet. The area boasts the beautiful Greenslopes Reserve is a public garden and recreation area, an ideal park area for a picnic. If you’re hungry, the area also has Red Rooster or if you’re after netball supplies, MTS Netball can work with all your netball needs. Transportation from Mount Ousley Whether you need to get into the city of Wollongong or a nearby suburb, there are two bus stations for easy access. Stations are at: Ramah Ave after Foothills Rd Foothills Rd at Cabbage Tree Lane Schools in Mount Ousley There are two Mount Ousley public schools to choose from. The first is Elonera Montessori School and Preschool on Mount Ousley Rd. Another option is Mount Ousley Public School, which is actually located in McGrath St, Fairy Meadow. Along with these schools, Mount Ousley also has a preschool facility available – Mount Ousley Preschool, which is located in David Crst, Fairy Meadow. Living in Mount Ousley If you’re looking at living in Mount Ousley, you’ll find it boasts leafy streets with quality homes and often beautiful ocean views. The homes range from the more established to modern designs to sturdy homes that have stood the test of time. The topography of the area can differ greatly, with not all areas being level – in fact some areas being very steep. This steep topography lends itself to features such as uniquely designed homes, beautiful escarpment views or stunning water views from some homes. If you’d like to talk about finding your next home in Mount Ousley, give Joanne a call on 0426 264 771. If you have any family or friends that might benefit from real estate guidance, please feel free to pass on my details or share this link. I’d love to be able to help.
Jul 24, 2019
Living in Mount Pleasant
Are you considering living in Mount Pleasant in Wollongong? This beautiful area is situated on the eastern slopes of Mount Keira and consists of open forests of eucalypts. An exclusively residential area with a population of nearly 1400, it boasts many high quality homes ideal for professionals, singles and families with kids. In fact, it was once nicknamed Babytown because of the number of large families that lived in the area. Mount Pleasant attractions for families While a residential area, Mount Pleasant still comes with its attracts. They include the aptly named Sublime Honey farm, which sells honey and honey-related products. The other attraction in the area is the Illawarra Rhododendron Garden, which contains thousands of azaleas, hundreds of rhododendrons and rare companion plants like camellias. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic lunch or wedding. For the more adventurous, Mount Pleasant also has Rewindmc, a quality classic, retro and cafe racer motorcycle tours and rentals for the Illawarra and Southern Highlands areas. Transportation in Mount Pleasant There are numerous bus stations throughout Mount Pleasant to allow easy access into the city and other areas in the Illawarra. Stations are at: New Mount Pleasant Rd after Brokers Rd New Mt Pleasant Rd at Rose Pde New Mount Pleasant Rd opp Dobinson St Ramah Ave opp Woodland Pde Ramah Ave opp Alvan Pde Ramah Ave before Brokers Rd Ramah Ave at Greenslopes Ave Mount Pleasant schools If you’re moving to the area with children, Mount Pleasant has its own school – Pleasant Heights Public School. The school, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2019, caters to primary aged children. However, there are other nearby schools in areas like Fairy Meadow. Living in Mount Pleasant One of the great things about living in Mount Pleasant is the quality of the homes. Homes are usually sturdy 4 bedrooms, although there are some 3 bedrooms. They are usually a large with 2 or more bathrooms, and 2 or more garages. People living in the area are usually looking for their 2nd or 3rd home purchase. The topography of the area can differ greatly, with not all areas being level – in fact some areas being very steep. This steep topography lends itself to features such as uniquely designed homes, beautiful escarpment views or stunning water views from some homes. If you’d like to talk about finding your next home in Mount Pleasant, give Joanne a call on 0426 264 771. If you have any family or friends that might benefit from real estate guidance, please feel free to pass on my details or share this link. I’d love to be able to help.
Jun 24, 2019
June 2019 News
When selling your property, you should ensure you select a good real estate agent. While every agent has their own way of doing things, good real estate agents will always have some common traits, and we highlight seven of these 7 qualities to be on the lookout for when looking for the ideal agent to sell your home. Our Buyers Bulletin provides information on the new Coalition government initiative to help younger Australians buy their first home. Learn about the latest vacancy rates and median rental values for the Illawarra in the Rental News. We are also very happy to be able to share with you our latest Client Stories ~ it is always lovely to hear from people who have been happy with the services that we can offer. If you would like to receive our regular newsletter into your inbox, simply subscribe to receive this FREE and valuable information tool. YES, SUBSCRIBE ME TO YOUR NEWSLETTER We hope you enjoy this latest newsletter edition, and welcome your feedback for any articles that you may wish to be included in future editions. If you have any family or friends that might benefit from real estate guidance, please feel free to pass on my details or share this link. I’d love to be able to help.
Apr 24, 2019
Living in Fairy Meadow
If you are wondering where to buy property and looking for a suburb close to the city of Wollongong, that’s family-friendly and has everything you need to sustain great health and wellbeing, Fairy Meadow is really one of those Illawarra suburbs. Living in Fairy Meadow means you're only 4kms from the centre of the city and with a population of 7,400, it caters to a variety of different family makeups, living options and shopping needs. Here’s just a taste of what living in Fairy Meadow can be like for you: Fairy Meadow Attractions for Families It’s close proximity to the beach makes Fairy Meadow an appealing location for those who love the outdoors, water and staying healthy. The two beaches are Fairy Meadow Beach and Puckey’s Estate. The Fairy Meadow SLSC, started in 1950 and has become an integral part of the community Speaking of the beach, Park Run starts at Fairy Meadow Beach every Saturday and is a free community event that brings the area together. If ball sports are more your style, the suburb has its own Fairy Meadow Bowling Club, which features regular entertainment outside of its games roster, and a Tennis Club, which is popular with all ages. Other sporting and active living options for those who love to stay fit and healthy include United Divers, McKeon Swim Centre, Fairy Meadow Surf Life Saving Club and Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort. Those with a creative streak may be drawn to the Fairy Meadow Community Centre. It has a full calendar of events for various ages and demographics, including music classes for little ones, dancing for older students, martial arts and church groups from different cultures meet at the centre. It’s also used as a function centre for different events. Another place to meet with friends is the Fraternity Club, which includes different restaurants, play space for the kids, regular giveaways and promotions, and more. Or maybe the Illawarra Woodworkers Group in Fairy Meadow might be more your scene if you have a passion for woodcraft. There are also many churches, including Fairy Meadow Anglican Church, St John Vianney Catholic Cathedral, Citylife Church, Towradgi Congregational Church, Wollongong Christian Reformed Church and Fairy Meadow Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses all in the area. Whether you’re thinking about your own eventual transition into aged care or wanting to be close to a loved one in aged care, Fairy Meadow is close to the Tarrawanna Aged Care facility. If you love spending time in parks, you have a full selection, including Guest Park, Bassett Park, North Dalton Park, Puckeys Estate, Thomas Dalton Park, and Fairy Meadow Beach Park. Eating out and socialising Want to find nightlife close to home? Then Fairy Meadow has two great spots – The Charles Hotel and Cabbage Tree Motel Fairy Meadow. However, if you’re simply after a good meal with friends or family, then there’s an array of cuisines – from Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, Lebanese, Aussie barbecue and steaks – and even drive through takeaways. Or pick up some fish from the local seafood shop and cook up a feast at home and don’t forget to grab a cheesecake for dessert too. On weekends, there’s always somewhere to go for a coffee and cake to relax. Living in Fairy Meadow One of the advantages of living in Fairy Meadow is the diversity of housing. From apartment living to older affordable homes on the Princes Highway, newly renovated properties and large, modern homes in Daisy Street. Units are aplenty in Fairy Meadow and ideal for investors and first home buyers. Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort offers affordable, full-time housing in relocatable and manufactured homes. and is located close to the beach and includes tennis courts, putt-putt golf and more. All bases are covered when living in the Wollongong suburb making it true lifestyle living. Fairy Meadow was the first settlement, before housing moved out to Balgownie and Tarrawanna where bigger homes are now positioned. The houses increase again in size in Mount Pleasant and Mount Ousley, where there are larger, grander style homes. Cabbage Tree Lane, Fairy Meadow local resident, Tony Roder, fell in love with Fairy Meadow and says it has the best coffee shop in town, and has brought his family back together again. If you’d like to talk about finding your next home in Fairy Meadow, give Joanne a call on 0426 264 771 or reach out. Find out what property is currently for sale in the area and feel free to call into one of the open for inspections. Wollongong’s Best Shopping Love a bit of retail therapy? Fairy Meadow has it all, often avoiding the need to go into the Wollongong City Centre. With free, easy to access parking and three supermarkets – Aldi, Woolworths and Coles – it makes grocery shopping a joy again. For those who love finding grocery bargains, Fairy Meadow is home to the Leisure Coast Fruit Market, a popular fruit market with its fresh fruit and vegetables. The large business is also home to a garden centre, which is only one of two in the entire Illawarra region. Cake shops in Fairy Meadow include Zweefers, and Pasticceria Massimo Papa. Your banking needs are covered at IMB Bank and Bendigo Bank within the main shopping precinct, as your insurance requirements with GIO being located on the Princes Highway. Fairy Meadow also has one of the oldest butcher’s shops – Paul’s Butchery – a continental butcher that attracts people from across the entire region. More into beauty and general retail? There are hair salons, lingerie shops, music stores, bookshops, sports stores, bridal stores, activewear, Salvos Stores, Vinnies and Officeworks. If you’re after a bigger purchase like a car, Gateway Holden is located on the Princes Highway. If you’re looking for things to improve the home, try the hardware stores, pool centre and let’s not forget a family pet, with a local pet store in the area. Transportation If you don’t have your own vehicle to navigate through the flat suburb and easy access streets, there are other options for transport in Fairy Meadow. A train runs from Fairy Meadow Station in Elliots Rd that will take you from Sydney to Bomaderry. A bus moves throughout Fairy Meadow 7 days a week, with stops at: ● Fairy Meadow Station, Elliotts Rd ● Fairy Meadow Demonstration School, Balgownie Rd ● Princes Hwy opp Fairy Meadow Demonstration School ● Princes Hwy opp Collaery Ave ● Innovation Campus, Squires Way ● Vereker St at Cabbage Tree Lane ● Elliotts Rd before Carters Lane ● St John Vianney’s Catholic Church, Princes Hwy ● Princes Hwy opp Guest Park ● Cabbage Tree Lane opp McLean Ave ● Princes Hwy after McGrath St ● Meadow St before Balgownie Rd ● Princes Hwy at Elliotts Rd Schools in Fairy Meadow One of the greatest advantages of living in Fairy Meadow when you have a young family is the schooling options. Whether it’s academic schooling, dance, drama, singing or music, there are different schools to suit different styles and abilities. Here are the schools you can access without leaving the suburb: ● Little Peoples – 478 Princes Hwy, Fairy Meadow ● Willy Wagtails Garden – 43 Florence St, Fairy Meadow ● Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School – 48 McGrath St, Fairy Meadow ● Mount Ousley Public School – 31 McGrath St, Fairy Meadow ● Towradgi Public School – Carters Ln, Fairy Meadow ● Fairy Meadow Demonstration School – Princes Hwy, Fairy Meadow ● Joanne Grace School of Dance – 88-92 Jardine St, Fairy Meadow ● Cons Music Drama School – 25 Balgownie Rd, Fairy Meadow ● G4 Guitar School Wollongong – 52-56 Princes Hwy, Fairy Meadow ● SINGsational – Norman Street, Fairy Meadow ● Rhythmic Moves School of Dance & Performing Arts – 43 Daisy St, Fairy Meadow ● Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts – Lysaght St, Fairy Meadow Service Providers Fairy Meadow has attracted a lot of professional, service-based businesses to help locals. If you’re looking to move, there are self-storage services, while if you’re moving in, there is insurance options and Australia Post. When it comes to your car, there’s in-car installation or towing services (let’s hope you don’t need those though). If you are moving into aged care or have a loved one you’re moving into aged care, there are services to help you with the transition. Joanne has helped many families transition loved ones into aged care and out of long-standing family homes. If you would like to know what houses are for sale in Fairy Meadow, or if you are considering options to sell your home in Fairy Meadow, call Joanne on 0426 264 771 for assistance. Considering how you can Right Size your Home and perhaps move into Aged Care? Register for this short course and learn how to best right size your home when moving into aged care. If you have any family or friends that might benefit from real estate guidance, please feel free to pass on my details or share this link. I’d love to be able to help.
Nov 26, 2018
12 days of Christmas hamper giveaway
We’re so excited to share our 12 Days of Christmas Hamper Giveaway starting Saturday, December 1, with the help of our friend Wan – our Elf On A Shelf. The aim of our 12 days of Christmas business giveaway is to showcase some of the amazing businesses here in Fairy Meadow in the Illawarra region. We’re blessed to have some of the best shopping, eateries and services right here in Fairy Meadow, and we encourage you to shop locally this Christmas. What You Can Win We’re unveiling the prize details each day from December 1, which is valued at $1,500. Businesses include: Fraternity Club – $200 pizza gift voucher Allure Beauty – deluxe facial and express pedicure Fairy Meadow Newsagency – beach towel, cooler bag and cocktail glasses The Broken Drum – voucher and reusable coffee cup Hillross Financial Fairy Meadow Harley and Johns Seafood Hello Petal Massimo Papa CasaMia Lingerie Al Aseel LokaMo Active Wear One Agency JD Property Agents Fairy Meadow Make sure to support these businesses. So how do you enter then? How To Enter To enter, tell us “why you’d like to win the 12 Days of Christmas hamper”” on ANY or ALL of the 12 days worth of posts from December 1 to December 12, 2018, which will appear on Joanne Danckwardt’s One Agency JD Property Agents page with the hashtag #OrangeElfHamper. TERMS & CONDITIONS: Entrants must be aged 18+ and resident in the Illawarra region. Entrants are responsible for collecting their prizes from One Agency JD Property Agents business in Fairy Meadow. Entries will be judged on their creativity by a panel. Entries open on December 1 at 6am and close at 11pm December 12 and winners will be announced on the Facebook page on December 13. The giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook and Facebook accepts no responsibility for entries. Your Extra Assignment There’s a little extra challenge we’ve thrown in too. While this isn’t part of the competition, we do hope you have some fun with it. In each of the daily videos we’ve hidden our little friend Wan – the Elf On A Shelf. Your job is to see if you can spot Wan. Sometimes he’s hiding, sometimes he’s obvious and sometimes he’s just getting into plain mischief. We do hope when you’re next shopping in Fairy Meadow you pop in and say hi to Wan. He does love visitors. If you have any family or friends that might benefit from real estate guidance, please feel free to pass on my details or share this link. I’d love to be able to help.
Oct 24, 2018
Creating social change with KOCO
Countless initiatives are being born every day by amazing individuals who are creating social change. We thought we would take the opportunity to share a story that has inspired us. What is Knit One Change One (KOCO)? Danielle Chiel is the owner and founder of KOCO (Knit One Change One) – an Australian company formed in partnership with women who live in rural villages of Southern India. KOCO means Knit One (garment), Change One (life). KOCO employs women from rural villages in Southern India, with many of these women having little or no formal education, and no employment opportunities apart from seasonal labour work. Each woman employed by KOCO not only learns the skill and science of hand knitting, but also English and mathematics skills, time management, and communication skills. KOCO artisans are trained to hand knit to exact specifications for catwalk fashions for global fashion brands, along with huggable toys, luxurious homewards, amongst other things. All the proceeds are used to help train, and employ more unskilled women in Rural Southern India to knit so they can support their families and live a more empowered life. KOCO has a goal to employ 40,000 women in rural south India, breaking negative economic cycles and ensuring the viability of village life. In order to achieve this goal, they need to knit one million garments each year. How you be creating social change with KOCO? With Christmas well on the way, we are helping to promote these beautiful hand-knitted Christmas decorations on behalf of Danielle of which proceeds will go towards her Knit One Change One Project. By purchasing 12, you will be helping to employ one woman for a week. You can visit https://www.koco.global/mission/ to view the full story, and see and purchase the amazing designs. One Agency JD Property Agents and Joanne Danckwardt are proud to support Knit One Change One, and are an affiliated partner of the Change Agent Initiative where industry experts choose to give back collectively and help create social change. Will you join Joanne in supporting Danielle Chiel with the Knit One Change One initiative – creating social change with KOCO to assist women in Southern Rural India? Please feel free to spread the word. You can connect with me on Facebook and watch Danielle’s journey unfold or contact me on 0426 264 771 for further information. If you have any family or friends that might benefit from real estate guidance, please feel free to pass on my details or share this link. I’d love to be able to help.