When Tracey was offered a brand-new apartment at CHL’s Seachange development on the Gold Coast, she embraced downsizing from the home she had lived in for almost 30 years.

“I moved into my previous home when my daughter was six and she is about to turn 35,” says Tracey.

A neighbour told Tracey about the CHL Seachange apartments for people over 55 in Miami, prompting her to  to express her interest to Queensland State Government.

“As soon as I heard I was accepted, I started selling things and was happy to offload things I didn’t need. I think I was just so excited about the whole thing,” she says.

“To be here is a blessing and I’m making the most of it. I have this beautiful view of the mountains and the sunset from my balcony. I like photography so I come out in the afternoons to watch the sunset and click away.”

Tracey’s family moved from Melbourne to the Gold Coast when she was 10 years old. “We spent all our time at the beach as kids. I’m a beach girl. I can go across the road and watch the sun rise, take a photo, have a coffee and walk on the beach. I love the location here – you can’t beat it.”

“I enjoy the idea of using the rooftop space here to have some gatherings where we can get to know each other. I have met a lot of ladies and made a few friends. It’s important as you get older to have a social life. It helps so much with mental health.”

Tracey says while she was grateful for the long-term home she had in public housing when she was raising her daughter, moving to her new home has improved her quality of life.

“It’s a lifestyle change. I said to my sister, ‘I am going to be a whole different person now that I’m here’.  I feel very calm and relaxed here and looking forward to a whole different me,” says Tracey.

“I’m extremely grateful for the unit. It means more to me than I can express. In the afternoon all the sun comes streaming into my place and it’s bright and airy. My old place is also now available for someone who is struggling to find housing.  It’s a win for everyone.”