Bob Caves remembers a time when he could go to the beach for a swim, and leave his front door wide open.
He had a house just a couple of blocks back from the sand at Buddina and the thought of a break-in could not have been further from his mind.
It was the 1980s and the coast was a much quieter place.
The Nicklin Way was brand new, the Maroochy River Bridge was still years away and the Sunshine Plaza was known as The Sands.
Fast forward 20-plus years and the Coast is a hive of activity with bridges, four-lane motorways and multi-million dollar houses on the market.
But is it better or worse than before?
“I think it’s changed for the better really,” Bob said as the Coast’s older generation prepared to enjoy a hectic round of activities for Seniors Week 2007. “I used to love it when it was sort of quiet and it’s so different now. I love it anyway, whichever way.”
Bob moved to the Sunshine Coast from Sydney in 1986 to escape the hustle and bustle of city life after he retired. He had lost his wife to cancer a few years before and thought a northerly change was just what he needed. Now with two decades of coast life under his belt, Bob considers himself a true local.The 82-year old is not quite as busy as he was back when he worked in Sydney as a mechanical engineer, but he certainly has his hands full.
He is president of the Kawana Senior Citizens Club where he runs the Thursday morning get-togethers and occasionally organises getaway trips to places like The Whitsunday’s.
“I think we all must have some interest that keeps us on the move, otherwise you stagnate,” Bob said.
“The old brain gets a little bit tired so it helps considerably.”
And as far as Bob’s concerned, the life of a senior on the Coast is a very good one. “I have made heaps of friends in the (Kawana Senior Citizens) club and my job is to keep everybody happy,” he said.
By Blythe Seinor
© APN News & Media Ltd 2007.
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