INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINERS who performed alongside the likes of Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole now reside at Immanuel Gardens on the Sunshine Coast. 

Norman and Nancye Berg appeared on Japanese television, their puppets were featured for 49 years promoting a cake called Bunmeido Kasutera on the longest running ad winning seven national television awards.

Their professional history includes Australian Ballroom Dance champions in 1952 and appearing alongside artists such as Burl Ives, Trini Lopez, Robert Goulet, and Kathrine Grayson.

Adding tap, Jazz, classic and adagio to their repertoire and performing as specialty dancers in leading Australian venues, the International theatre and cabaret circuit transformed Norman and Nancye into real stars.

The couple diversified their act introducing puppets which led them to tour with Academy Award winning American puppeteers Walton and O’Rourke from the movie Lilli.

Their independent living unit at Immanuel Gardens provides glimpses of their fame revealed in a quilt with memorabilia and a montage of photographs showcasing a stunning couple performing early in their career.

Nancye said the dancers spent two years making their own marionettes which eventually replaced their dance act.

“We then toured extensively in the Asian Countries and was the first marionette act to appear for cabaret entertainment in Japan,” she said.

The couple were nominated for two Australian Mo Awards and were even selected to represent Australia at the Vancouver Expo in 1986.

For health reasons Nancye retired from performing and became a director of an entrepreneurial company in Sydney.

Nancye also compiled a book on show jumping which was published by Ure Smith of the Hamlyn.

Norman toured extensively with the marionettes for the NSW, Victorian and Queensland Arts Councils for 14 years until he and Nancye retired to Immanuel.

Immanuel Gardens provides the 242 residents with independent living units, low and high care facilities, with a social program including activities such as music, bowling and community lunches.

Resident since 1998, Nancye said as soon as she drove into Immanuel Gardens it felt like home.

Nancye and Norman recently celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary at Immanuel Gardens.

“My husband and I love the unit.  We have been so happy and both of my sisters have since moved in,” she said.

“It has a lovely homely atmosphere and we have a great community centre.

“We see the bush and the ocean from our units and we’re close to hospitals and doctors services here.” 

The retirement community located on the north-eastern slope of Buderim Mountain on the Sunshine Coast enjoys a private bush setting over 77 acres of undulating green space with ocean views.