RVA Visit Brings on Leadership Challenge
in Canberra!
OK, that was just a coincidence. But we did make a big impact with a number of meetings across the Parliament in mid February.
The Board meeting was held at Hindmarsh Bellerive, a truly magnificent village, preceded with a behind the scenes tour of Parliament House and lunch in the Ministerial Dining Room. After the board meeting, Programmed hosted the board and guest speaker Malcolm Farr who is one of Australia’s most highly regarded journalists. Malcolm gave a great insight into the changing face of politics and media in our country, with some valuable information about how the RVA and industry can raise its profile in such a dynamic media environment.
Gail Morgan (General Manager National Advocacy), Andrew Giles (CEO) and Justin Laboo from Aveo met with more than a dozen senior staff and politicians from across the Parliament. The aim was to raise the profile of the industry, outline the significant benefits we bring to the community (and how vital this will be in the future), and to highlight some of the major impediments for the industry in growing the provision of housing and support for older people in living independently.
The meetings were a very positive foundation with the following observations:
- Greater education of the parliament of the sector, its size and contribution over the past three decades.
- Recognition there is a role for the Federal Government in assisting the industry to get good policy outcomes that can increase the supply of relevant housing for older people.
- Seniors housing is a vital part of the city building agenda.
- There was a solid understanding of what villages are, do and how they are important to our ageing community (particularly the socialisation aspects).
- Willingness to accept that having policy sit within the consumer protection departments across all jurisdictions (except SA) is not likely to assist good policy for older people and the industry in addressing housing and care for seniors.
- A keen interest in getting our message across parliament and engaging in discussions about how to grow the sector in the future and address issues they have in their electorates (eg. Creating viable aged care, health, community services, seniors housing etc, that could be delivered in a clustered hub arrangement that stimulates a local economy).
- Great interest in the budget submission we have made.
ACT Legislation Harshest in the Country
Our Canberra members will know all about this, but we thought we would share the current ACT experience with everyone as there are some significant issues that are emanating that can easily be translated into other jurisdictions, with little thought of the consequences to the industry and residents.
Over the past year, a backbench Member of the Legislative Assembly (Mary Porter MLA) has been working away on a Private Members Bill to regulate ACT retirement villages. She has had a small number of residents putting forward the proposal, and as well, a staff member who has been a regulatory champion. This issue has also sat well with the Member's community profile and her current political circumstances that mean she needs a local issue for her October 2012 re-election campaign. A perfect storm.
This is a particularly unusual circumstance as usually we deal with Governments. It has made it difficult for our ACT members and the RVA to engage because we haven't been dealing with:
- A normal policy development process. There has been no identified market failure or assessment of the impact of regulation.
- A process whereby public servants and people who understand regulation are involved.
- A team of people all working to get a balanced outcome with resources to help deliver. It has been one adviser in one backbenchers office cobbling together information.
- A Government and hence we don't know the Government's views. For the Bill to be enacted, it will need the support of one of the major parties in the Legislative Assembly.
It is also a strange circumstance given there are few retirement villages in the ACT, there have been no tribunal cases, the Code that is in place can be enforced and has worked well, and the future need for retirement villages in the ACT has been identified. In fact, Lend Lease and Goodwin have recently announced investment plans - and Hindmarsh Group is still completing its excellent and much needed seniors accommodation in Lyons.
Despite this unusual environment, the RVA and our ACT members have been actively engaged with Mary Porter. We pulled together a comprehensive submission in July 2011, most of which was not taken into account in the exposure draft of the legislation subsequently released. We then provided a supplementary submission on the exposure draft late last year and again a lot of our suggestions were ignored. The Bill was tabled in the Legislative Assembly in November and if it is enacted it will be the harshest legislation in the country.
Our ACT members met with Mary Porter again last month and she has undertaken to address in writing why our issues haven't been dealt with. We are now in the process of working with the Government to try to get the legislation amended to ensure that it can work and there is balance. The Government has recognised that there may be some issues with the legislation and as a result has called for its own Submissions. We provided a Submission a week ago and we are hoping that once this is part of a normal policy process, we might get some change
In summary, the RVA Submission points to:
- The need for an economic and regulatory impact statement to determine the impact of the legislation and indeed whether the legislation is necessary.
- The Code having worked and the fact there has been no tribunal cases in the ACT.
- The fact that the legislation has been cobbled together from other legislation around the country, there is no harmonisation, and it picks up some of the harshest provisions.
- Worrying compliance costs and the possible consequences for the industry and residents.
- Concerns about future investment in the Territory in seniors housing, particularly given the ACT has one of the oldest demographics in the country.
- And, as well, the opportunities for the ACT Government if they get the balance right and the industry is able to invest in the Territory.
So what are the learnings from all of this?
- Small problems in just one Village can become big problems for the whole industry.
- Resident associations building a relationship with their local member can be very powerful.
- One dedicated champion for residents or having had one bad experience can make change happen.
- Backbenchers working on their own copy legislation from elsewhere just like Governments.
- Need to engage as much as we can with all stakeholders but who would have predicted that a backbench MP would introduce such significant legislation rather than a government.
- The need for RVA members to work together to bring data and information to the table to strengthen arguments.
- The need for experienced legal firms, to help us make the arguments on legislation and on strong legal grounds. (Note: great thanks to Arthur Koumoukelis from Gadens Lawyers for his great assistance with developing the ACT Submission).
- For all of us to be out there selling our Village story and our unique, affordable and appropriate seniors housing solution to anyone who will listen.
The RVA and our dedicated ACT members will be working very hard over coming months to ensure all stakeholders understand the significant negative impact of this legislation and to get change to the Bill.
Ageing Asia Leadership Workshop Programme
3rd Ageing Asia Investment Forum (AAIF), 10-13 April 2012, Grand Hyatt Hotel, Singapore.
This year, AAIF2012 will bring 250 of the world's most influential leaders in housing, health and senior care to exchange strategic insights that will drive innovation in the way future generations of seniors will age in Asia.
Following the highly successful AAIF2011 which was attended by 250 international participants from 18 countries (Japan, India, China, Hong Kong, U.S.A, U.K, Australia, Thailand, Singapore, U.A.E, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Finland, Canada, The Netherlands and Sweden, Xperiential Events is pleased to announce the Ageing Asia Leadership Workshop Series led by Dr Hans Becker, CEO, Humanitas Foundation, The Netherlands.
Interact with senior executives and leaders in health, aged care and property sectors at the Ageing Asia Leadership Workshop Program, which aims to provide a training platform to revolutionise Asian attitudes towards elderly care and create happier living environment for seniors in Asia.
Asia’s rapidly ageing population requires leaders who stay ahead and anticipate the impending silver tsunami. This one-day program offers participants the latest knowledge, applied research and best practices in ageing.
This highly interactive course consists of lectures, roundtable discussions and workshops led by Dr Hans Becker. Dr Becker will share his philosophy of human happiness, management experience in revolutionising the approach towards aged care in The Netherlands, ‘yes’ culture and philosophy of care. Speakers that will complement the theme of the forum will also be invited to share their insights.
Participate in tailored programs with country specific themes at the following locations:
- 7 June 2011 (Monday), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Development Focus: Integrated retirement living & age friendly housing models
- 10 June 2011 (Wednesday), Sydney, Australia
Management Focus: The inside story to managing and operating apartments for life
- 16 June 2011 (Friday), Auckland, New Zealand
Operations Focus: Applying the art of human happiness to seniors care
In Partnership with:
Humanitas Foundation (The Netherlands), Benevolent Society (Australia) and Retirement Villages Association (New Zealand).
Click here for the draft program.
Retirement Living World China
Retirement Living World is China's ONLY and most influential retirement living industry gathering in 2012.
Retirement Living World China is specially tailored for retirement community developers, operators and investors to explore China's burgeoning senior housing market. It is designed to enable the industry to take advantage of opportunities, determine new revenue streams, identify new strategies, and form new partnerships for the development of future retirement village projects in China.
Riding on the success and momentum generated by the successful 2011 event, which attracted over 170 delegates and 35 renowned speakers, Retirement Living World China 2012 promises to be an even greater experience!
Be part of the BEST partnering and business development opportunity with China's senior housing industry and join us in June 2012!
A glimpse of what the 2012 event will bring to you:
- 5 days of intense knowledge sharing and networking opportunities
- 30+ real life case studies and lessons learnt
- 50+ world class speakers
- 200+ attendees from China's government, retirement living, aged care, real estate and investment communities
- Unlimited partnering opportunities that will benefit your strategic planning and open new doors
View complete list of speakers
Download the event brochure
In partnership with the RVA.
Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) Update
David Locke, Chief Adviser to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Implementation Taskforce, recently spoke at Russell Kennedy on the proposed new system for the not-for-profits sector. Some of the key issues arising from the adoption of a new system are outlined below.
Start Date
The registration of new charities with the ACNC will commence from 1 October 2012 (an extension from 1 July).
Agenda
In the first instance the activities of the ACNC will be confined to charities rather than the broader not-for-profits sector. Any expansion into the not-for-profits sector is not assured and would appear unlikely before 2014.
Defining a Charity
The current expectation is that the adoption of a statutory definition of ‘charity’ from 1 July 2013 will have minimal impact (consistent with the experience in other countries, such as the United Kingdom and New Zealand). In some cases charities may have to modernise their objects or statement of purposes.
Reporting
Although the reporting framework and public information portal is still under development, the expectation is that from 1 July 2013 all charities will submit annual statements to the ACNC under a ‘report once, use often’ model, with the public being able to search financial and non-financial information. Reporting requirements will be tiered, based on a ‘small, medium and large’ platform.
Proposed Reporting Tiers
The proposed reporting tiers are: small – revenue of less than $250,000 pa and not a deductible gift recipient (DGR); medium – a DGR with revenue up to $1 million pa or a non-DGR with revenue between $250,000 and $1 million pa; and large – revenue over $1 million pa. The underlying theme of the reporting process will be identifying where funds come from and where they go.
Dealing with ASIC
From 1 July 2013 charities registered under the Corporations Act will no longer report directly to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), on the basis that ASIC will obtain information from the ACNC (eg, financial information, particulars of Directors, notification of changes to Constitution).
Input Into Public Statements
Charities will be able to use the ACNC database to communicate with the public. In addition, charities will have input into the statements that accompany information made public by the ACNC (eg, give narrative to accounts, consistent with the activities of the Charity Commission for England and Wales http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/).
Requests for Charities to Update Details
Existing charities will soon be asked by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to check that their details are up-to-date (e.g. trading name and particulars of Directors). The information obtained by the ATO will form the basis of the ACNC database. Once the information portal is fully operational charities should check that their details are accurate.
Commonwealth Tax Concessions
If a new charity is registered with the ACNC the ACNC will then pass on the charity’s details for the ATO to consider whether Commonwealth tax concessions apply (e.g. income tax and GST). Charities currently endorsed by the ATO will be automatically registered with the ACNC with ongoing eligibility to be reviewed by the ACNC from 2013 (given the practical limits on the number of charities who could be reviewed at any one time, many charities may not be reviewed for a number of years).
State and Territory Tax Concessions (Fundraising)
At this stage there is no agreement on the ACNC interacting with State and Territory authorities on State and Territory based endorsements, such as fundraising approvals and stamp duty exemptions. Full harmonisation seems some way off.
Governance Requirements
Although minimum governance requirements are still under review, they are expected to deal with matters such as the management of conflicts of interest and risk management procedures.
Ensuring Compliance
It is anticipated that the ACNC will take a supportive approach to regulating charities, allowing charities to self correct (so long as there hasn’t been fraud or serious misconduct). Greater clarification on the threshold for intervention is anticipated.
Further information on the new system can be found at:
http://acnctaskforce.treasury.gov.au/content/content.aspx?doc=home.htm.
Or you can contact our Russell Kennedy team below:
What does Australian made mean to you?
Australian made stands for so much more today than it did when the little green and gold kangaroo logo was introduced back in the 1980’s.
Let’s face it, the purchasing of imported goods over an Australian made product can contribute to the erosion of Australia’s manufacturing industries, and the decline of Australia’s employment base.
While being able to compete in a global market place is important and we can’t put in place restrictive trade practices, we can encourage Australians and Australian businesses to think Australian made when they are making purchases.
In a high Australian dollar environment, we can and should be thinking of new ways to promote Australian goods and services locally and overseas. So when faced with the choice of selecting locally manufactured goods or goods which are often cheaper but produced overseas, people think about investing in Australia, investing in Australian businesses, creating Australian jobs, and promoting high quality Australian products and services.
What does that mean for you and what are the benefits of choosing a local manufacturer over an importer?
- Price – local manufacturers may not always be the cheapest but we are remarkably competitive.
- “Australian Made” is now the benchmark in quality – as the manufacturer, a local company has total control over the quality of the product.
- Reliability and dependability of supply.
- Flexibility – with the ability to work one on one with clients to help them achieve their desired outcome.
- Product back up and service – you are in the hands of real people you can trust. You’re not depending on a container to dock on time and crossing your fingers it arrives safely and undamaged.
- Choosing locally manufactured product ensures jobs and skills stay right here in Australia, where they should be.
Governments are leading the way in promoting the purchase of Australian goods and services but more can be done by all of us. Late last year the Federal Government mandated that Commonwealth projects worth more than $20 million had to spell out in detail how Australian businesses can compete and win work. The rules were extended to cover states and private businesses. The Federal Government has said it is committed to lifting the use of Australian-made products in big construction projects.
You can find information Made in Australia here - http://www.australianmade.com.au/consumer-site/
Article submitted by Darko Popovich of Vicpole, an Associate Member of the RVA.
Regional Update - NSW/ACT
Minister’s engagement with RVA
NSW Minister for Fair Trading, Anthony Roberts, has continued to increase engagement with all stakeholders in the industry in 2012.
The Minister’s key advisors attended the NSW RVA office in January for a half day visit that involved getting a clearer understanding of the day to day operations of the RVA and the services it provides to its members. The visit also included a tour of 3 villages in the inner Sydney metropolitan area.
Further to this, the Minister’s Chief of Staff addressed the NSW/ACT Regional Committee at its February meeting on matters affecting the industry and giving an update of the Minister’s initiatives for the industry.
Standardised Contract Project
The Standardised Contract project has continued on in 2012, with the committee assembled by the Office of Fair Trading in the final stages of finalising a Draft Standard Contract to be released for Public Consultation in mid-late March.
ACT Retirement Villages Bill
As reported previously, an amended Bill was introduced into ACT Parliament on November 16.
The RVA through General Manager of National Advocacy, Gail Morgan and NSW/ACT Committee representative, Erik Boddeus co-ordinated a submission to the Bill and lodged on 24 February.
A meeting has also been held with Mary Porter and her staff and other meetings are currently being co-ordinated with other parliamentarians in the ACT to push the RVA’s position.
A full copy of the submission is available by clicking here.
Growth Plan Gets Go Ahead for Sustainable Sydney
The Australian and NSW governments have signed off on a program, which paves the way for 30 years of sustainable growth in western Sydney. Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke and NSW Planning and Infrastructure Minister Brad Hazzard in December announced the Sydney Growth Centres Strategic Assessment Program, which will streamline delivery of new homes to meet growth, cut red tape for developers and provide certainty for communities. A strategic assessment provides a big-picture study under national environmental law, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, of an area to assess how environmental values can be best protected while allowing sustainable development.
Community Wants Independent Experts for Development Decisions
New research reveals the community wants independent experts - not local councilors - making decisions on significant development projects. The research - conducted by Auspoll for the Property Council of Australia - tested community attitudes towards council performance and development assessment. Over 1000 homeowners across NSW were surveyed, particularly on the use of independent planning panels that determine significant projects. The future of independent panels is being evaluated during the current review of the State’s planning system.
Health Data at Your Fingertips
NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, has launched a new interactive web-based application that puts health data at your fingertips. Dr Chant said Health Statistics NSW allows users to access data and tailor reports about the health of the New South Wales population for their own use. "This exciting new technology is the first of its type in Australia and puts New South Wales ahead in making information on the health of the population widely available in an interactive way through the internet," Dr Chant said.
NSW Communities Benefit from Seniors Week Grants
Minister for Ageing Andrew Constance has announced $188,000 in grants to communities across the State for NSW Seniors Week 2012 celebrations, events and activities. 267 local government, community, volunteer and not-for-profit organisations would benefit from grants of up to $1000. Grants are being allocated to a variety of projects that offer a wide range of recreational, artistic and educational opportunities for older people, Mr Constance said.
NSW Whole of Government Ageing Strategy
Work by the NSW Government to develop a comprehensive ageing strategy continues apace. The RVA attended a consultation session in Sydney in January and provided a written Submission in February. You can find a copy of this submission here - http://www.rva.com.au/industry/pages/services/advocacy/government_submissions
Regional Update - Queensland
Civil Proceedings Bill 2011
The Civil Proceedings Bill 2011 was introduced into Parliament in August 2011. The Bill proposed amendments to the Retirement Villages Act in relation to the calculation of exit fees. The RVA jointly with ACQI provided a submission and representatives from both RVA and ACQI appeared before the Parliamentary Committee where the industry's position on the Bill was put forward.
The Retirement Villages Act amendments about exit fee calculations contained in the Civil Proceedings Bill 2011 (QLD) have now been proclaimed and commenced on 1 March 2012.
Seniors Logging On For Latest Information Needs
Queensland Seniors can now log online to a one stop shop for information thanks to the launch of a new State Government website dedicated to seniors. This website has now been up and running for one month and has proven to be successful. The Seniors website is home to a wide range of senior specific content from Seniors Card and concessions to transport, health, finance and grand parenting. To view the website log onto
http://www.qld.gov.au/seniors.
Fraud Prevention Education Program
Over the last few months, the RVA has been working with the Queensland Police Service Fraud & Corporate Crime Group to put together an education program to educate our seniors on the risks of being targeted for fraud.
If you have residents, resident family members or any village staff that would like to know more about the sessions, please RSVP to Sara Hassall at Phone: 07 3267 8960 or Email: sara@rva.com.au.
Further sessions will be run over the coming months.
RVA Breakfast Boost Seminar - Re-Sales Administration
Are you confident and up to date with all the legal requirements in regards to administrating a re-sale of a unit? Often there will be interesting issues that arise when considering and implementing new fee structures and when entering into new contracts. Boost your ability to meet the statutory requirements of the Retirement Villages Act when reselling a unit. Sponsored and presented by Hynes Lawyers, Julie McStay a Partner at Hynes Lawyers has specialised for many years in providing corporate and commercial advice to aged care providers and retirement village operators.
Date: Thursday 15 March 2012
Time: 8am – 10am
Venue: Hynes Lawyers, Level 1, 25 Montpelier Road Bowen Hills
Cost: $132.00 (inc GST)
Click here to register to attend.
New Members
The RVA welcomes our newest Village and Associate Members:
- Cabanda Retirement Village
- Dial an Angel
- Orbit Homes
Rosewood People’s Aged Care Home, Inc., also known as Cabanda Aged Care / Retirement Village, is the realisation of the dreams and plans of many of the Rosewood Community to provide care for those in need. Opened in 1987 it is a not for profit organisation owned by the community and operated by a committee of locals. Cabanda is committed to enriching the lives of all older, frail and disabled persons within the Rosewood district by providing a secure, safe and caring environment.
Dial An Angel is Australia’s only national group specialising in Home, Aged, Child and Family care. Since 1967 the agency has been assisting Australian families through live-in as well as Visiting Angels. They are able to provide all home-based services: domestic housekeeping, child care, supervised contact visits, in-home nursing, eldercare, garden and home maintenance, concierge services, pet care, caretaking, and assistance with home and corporate functions.
Orbit Homes has over 30 years experience in providing housing solutions for corporate and residential markets. Orbit Homes has a dedicated team within its projects division focused on providing housing solutions for a number of property developers. Ranging from large-scale independent living units in retirement villages, to one-off duplexes, Orbit Homes work with government agencies such as Defence Housing Australia, as well as leading Australian developers including Stockland, Delfin, Lend Lease, and a number of other developers creating individual wealth through housing and property development. The same core values that have made Orbit Homes so popular with new home buyers - impeccable construction standards and friendly, proactive customer service - helped maintain fruitful long-term relationships with these joint venture and project partners.
Village Operators / Managers Teleconference Meeting
To further involve our Village Members from across the region, the RVA QLD will be running its second Member Teleconference on Tuesday 3rd April from 12.30pm. The session will cover up to date information on the RVA, goals and plans for the coming year and any key items of importance that you as members wish to discuss. Further information about the teleconference will be confirmed closer to the date, but lock the date and time in your diary today.
Queensland State Election
Premier Anna Bligh has set the date for the State Election as 24 March 2012 - almost exactly three years since she became the first elected female Premier in Australia. Queensland is currently in the midst of the campaign and the RVA and our Queensland members will seek to build a relationship with any new Minister and/or Government, as soon as practicable.
Regional Update - SA
Member Services
The first of a series of regional visits commenced in January with visits to Mt Gambier, Penola and Naracoorte.
The visits were warmly received by owners, managers and staff and enthusiastic tours of the villages and facilities were given. These villages show that the regional areas of the state have some excellent villages for SA residents. The next regional area to be visited by our Member Services Manager will be the Copper Coast.
More Discounts And Easier Public Transport For Seniors
More than 310,000 Seniors Card holders will receive their copy of the 2012 Seniors Card Discount Directory, Your Lifestyle Guide, over the next few weeks.
The 2012 directory boasts more businesses than previous editions, so Seniors Card holders can get hundreds of discounts on products and services from holidays, shopping and eating out to car servicing, insurance and health services.
The Minister for Health and Ageing, John Hill, said even a small discount makes a difference in these tough economic times. “Feedback has shown that seniors are looking for discounts on every day items such as groceries, and I’m pleased that an iconic South Australian supermarket retailer – Romeo’s Retail Group - has come on board as a partner this year,” Mr Hill said.
The online version of the 2012 directory, available at www.sa.gov.au/seniorscard features improved compatibility and allows card holders to search, zoom and easily navigate to each business partner’s website.
More Housing Options To Fuel The Territory’s Growth
Chief Minister, Paul Henderson has announced a new housing initiative as part of the Northern Territory Government’s strategic housing package.
The Territory Government is proposing to introduce a Dual Occupancy option to give owners of residential blocks of at least 1000 square metres the opportunity to build a second residential dwelling onsite, as part of a plan to give Territorians more options in the housing market.
Regional Update – Vic/Tas
Update on the Response to the CAV Retirement Villages Discussion Paper
Industry submissions were due to Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) by December 2011 in response to the Retirement Villages Discussion Paper (released by CAV in October 2011).
The RVA submitted a well-rounded response, representing the RVA member consultation session, manifold Retirement Villages Act Working Party (consisting of legal representatives, group and single operators) and VIC/TAS Committee meetings along with the case studies provided. The RVA feels the submission is a solid representation of the industry’s point of view as it demonstrates the impacts and overlapping opinions of representatives and operators.
All of the submissions are available on the CAV website. Please click here to see them.
RVA Continues to Strengthen Relationship with the Residents of Retirement Villages Victoria (RRVV)
Terry MacDonald, president of the RRVV, and the RVA have continued to work together through the latter part of 2011. Aside from regular meetings, the RVA is supporting the RRVV in their unified approach towards a differential rate for the valuation of retirement village units.
The RVA happily accepted the invitation to attend the RRVV Forum in March and looks forward to remaining involved with the RRVV throughout 2012
Victorian Building Permit Activity Tops $24 Billion in 2011 Up 1.5% On 2010
The value of building permit activity in Victoria in 2011 was a record $24.2 billion, an increase of 1.5 per cent on 2010. Releasing the Building Commission's pulse data, the Deputy Building Commissioner, Neil Savery, said that in 2011 building permit activity in eight of the 12 months exceeded $2 billion - similar to 2010. The pulse data shows there were strong increases in the value of building permit activity in the Residential (including high rise), Commercial, Retail, Industrial and Hospital/healthcare categories in 2011 compared with 2010, while Domestic and Public Buildings declined, Mr Savery said.
New Members
The RVA welcomes our newest Associate Members BlueCross Community and Residential Services and Domaine Retirement Services Pty Ltd, National Associate Member Orbit Homes and Village Member Mountain View Retirement Village.
BlueCross offers the unique ability to navigate effortlessly between a broad suite of services, across the complete continuum of ageing (community, respite, transitional, residential).
Domaine Retirement Services Pty Ltd is subsidiary of the Darnley group (an award-winning builder that provides high-end professional construction of a range of quality housing and property developments) who are now entering the village management segment.
Orbit Homes was started some 30 years ago by two brothers, Craig and Paul Millson, and has become one of the leading new home builders in Victoria. Orbit Homes have a passion for building and an eye for design.
Mountain View Retirement Village is located in beautiful Leongatha, in South Gippland Victoria, and offers boutique retirement living, in a modern, luxurious and environmentally friendly community.
Special Purposes Living Award Winner – Lend Lease’s Martha’s Point
The RVA proudly congratulates Lend Lease’s Martha’s Point on winning the Special Purposes Living Award.
The judges said “The project’s community centre is centrally located within the development, allowing simple access from all dwellings. Its location ensures that it is at the centre of village life. All dwellings are single level, with 1 or 2 car garages. The units have cathedral ceilings in the living areas, making the rooms feel quite spacious.”
Residents can play tennis, bowling and croquet onsite. The community centre offers a range of facilities and activities including a bar, gym and swimming pool.
The project is efficient, providing a moderately priced facility which is highly successful in this market segment and locality. This success is demonstrated by the long waiting list for units and the level of activity observed by the judges.”
To find out more about Martha’s Point, please head to the website: Martha’s Point.
RVA 2012 Annual Lawn Bowls Tournament
As part of the inter-village program, the Retirement Village Association invites villages to participate in the RVA 2012 Annual Lawn Bowls Tournament, the objective of which is to promote liaison between member villages and residents.
This social mixed fours competition is open to residents of member villages only. The heats will be held at Balmoral Gardens, The Village Glen, Cumberland View and Blue Hills Residences on Tuesday the 13th of March 2012. The finals will be held on Tuesday the 20th March at Blue Hills Residences Cranbourne.
Please contact Joëlle Muns, at joelle@rva.com.au for more information.
Industry Networking Forums 2012
The RVA series of networking forums was well-received in 2011 with village staff, managers and associate representatives enjoyed the opportunity to discuss local industry issues amongst their peers.
We will be holding a new series of Networking Forums in different areas throughout the state in 2012. Please stay tuned more details on the forum near you. Joëlle Muns, Regional VIC/TAS Manager Member Services and Business Development, looks forward to meeting you and the opportunity to discuss key industry issues.
Regional Update – WA
New WA Manager Appointed
Adam Nelson has been appointed as the new RVA WA Manager – Member Services and Business Development and commenced in the role on 20 February.
Adam has a customer service and business development background and has had previous involvement with National Lifestyle Villages.
It will be Adam’s main goal to liaise with all WA members in his initial weeks with the organisation to further increase his knowledge of the industry and connect with the membership on how the RVA can increase its services to members in the region.
Building Industries Get More Time for New Laws
An extension of time has been granted for the implementation of the final piece of the Government's package of building industry legislation, which modernises Western Australia's outdated laws. The Building Act 2011 will provide for a new approval process and empower state and local governments to issue permits and enforce compliance with building standards. "On commencement, the Building Act will provide for a new building approval process and empower state and local governments to issue permits and enforce compliance with building standards," Building Commissioner Peter Gow said.
Public Comment Sought on New Coastal Planning Policy
Acting Planning Minister Troy Buswell released a draft revised policy and new guidelines for public consultation following a full review of the State Coastal Planning Policy. Mr Buswell said the proposed revisions and additions provided more guidance to the Western Australian Planning Commission, State Government bodies, and local governments for land use and development on or near the coast. "The review of the State Coastal Planning Policy takes into account the latest planning information locally, nationally and internationally, from learning from application of the policy, and an extensive internal and targeted external consultation," he said.
More information can be found at http://www.planningwa.gov.au
WA Labor has New Look Shadow Cabinet
WA Labor leader Mark McGowan has made cost of living pressures a top priority for his new Shadow Cabinet, by creating a new portfolio dedicated to the issue. Mr McGowan will retain the Regional Development portfolio and will also take responsibility for Economic Reform. "WA Labor believes regions must be elevated to the Leader's portfolio due to their importance in driving the WA economy and I would retain that portfolio should I become Premier. Furthermore, Mick Murray, Jon Ford and Sally Talbot will become regional ministers," Mr McGowan said.
