Greg & Michelle - Marina Terraces

Words by Jamie Jansen

Greg and Michelle’s story is a classic - tired of the gloomy weather in Sunbury, Victoria, they set out in search of new horizons and ultimately landed on the sunny shores of Port Douglas.

What started as a quest for a sea change transformed into an exciting new life when they acquired and revitalised Marina Terraces, a charming property and holiday retreat. This venture not only enriched their lives but also inspired their grown children to join them in relocating, marking an exciting new chapter for the entire family.

Let’s take a step back to the beginning of their journey. Greg, a seasoned real estate professional since 1983, met Michelle at an office where he was sales manager and she was the receptionist. Their collaboration laid the groundwork for their relationship.

When Greg opened his own real estate office, he brought Michelle on board to manage administration and launch a rental division. In 23 years, they grew their Ray White franchise from a small office to one of the top performers in Victoria and Australia, earning multiple awards and setting a new standard for Ray White offices in the state.

Married in 1995, Greg and Michelle had two children and dedicated themselves to their real estate business, often working six or even seven days a week to achieve their goals. They built a remarkable reputation, with Greg excelling in auctioneering and negotiation, while Michelle managed accounting systems as a senior trust bookkeeper for more than 15 offices.

In 2018, they decided to leave real estate behind and embark on a new adventure. Tired of the relentless Victorian weather and lifestyle, they set their sights on Far North Queensland, dreaming of a place where they could enjoy the sun and a more relaxed way of life. They explored locations from Mission Beach to Cairns but were drawn to Port Douglas for its charm, vibrant community, and business potential.

When they stumbled across a neglected property on Port Douglas Road, in walking distance from Macrossan Street, in November 2019, they embraced the challenge. Little did they know that shortly after taking over, COVID-19 would hit. However, this period proved beneficial, providing them with the time to plan and execute renovations that would elevate their new business. Drawing on their extensive experience in real estate, they used the first six months of the pandemic to develop their business model.

Greg and Michelle completely transformed its appearance. Initially hidden behind overgrown foliage, they opened up the space and applied a fresh coat of paint, making the building standout to passersby.

They replaced the outdated kidney-shaped pool with a modern design, surrounded by tropical landscaping, and added a new driveway, continuously enhancing the property at every opportunity. In just four years, their efforts paid off as they boosted their Booking.com rating from a modest 7.1 to an impressive 8.7. Their renovations and hard work not only brightened the property but also created a welcoming atmosphere that has captured the hearts of many guests, ensuring they return time and again.

Since arriving in Port Douglas, Greg and Michelle have been greeted warmly by the community. They quickly connected with locals and tradespeople, many of whom, like themselves, had also moved from Victoria in search of a better lifestyle. They appreciate the friendly locals and believe the community is filled with fascinating individuals, each with unique stories about why they chose to live here. Living on-site at Marina Terraces has allowed them to meet people from all walks of life, the unit owners representa diverse age, creating a vibrant and varied community that is a pleasure to work within the Body Corporate.

Greg and Michelle’s productive working relationship is built on years of collaboration in real estate. Michelle, a skilled bookkeeper specialising in trust accounting, oversees all bookkeeping and systems, and as the director of first impressions at reception, she knows what needs to be done. Meanwhile, Greg manages operations, including maintaining the grounds and assisting guests. As on-site managers, they are always on the move, continuously planning to prepare for high and low seasons, ensuring maximum occupancy for owners and optimising their returns.

They cherish the laid-back atmosphere of Port Douglas. Despite their busy schedules, they enjoy breaks at the local footy club or the scenic Tin Shed, often grabbing a beach chair and sandwich and heading to the beach just 80 metres away. When the weather allows, they love fishing on their boat, just 15 minutes from home.

As they near the fifth anniversary of their new venture this November, Greg and Michelle reflect on their journey with satisfaction. Their time in Port Douglas has been a rewarding adventure, filled with hard work, family ties, and meaningful community connections. Looking ahead, they remain committed to improving their business while enjoying life in this beautiful part of the world.

marinaterraces.com.au