Objectives & Services of
The Retirement Village Residents Association (Inc)
ABN 16 674 035 894

OUR OBJECTIVES ARE:

That all residents in retirement villages may live in a stress-free environment,
retain full independence and have the right to make decisions
in matters which affect them in their chosen way of life.

OUR ASSOCIATION AIMS TO:

• Assist residents to be aware of and understand their rights and obligations.
  
  
• Defend and extend the rights of residents in Retirement Villages in New South Wales.
  
  
• Encourage residents to exercise their rights, to have input into and participate in the decision-making processes affecting their lives.
  
  
• Encourage and assist residents to form and participate in the function of their Residents Committees.
  
  
• Offer information and advice to intending residents.
  
  
• Encourage the development of positive relationships between residents and management.
  
  

THE RVRA:

• Has worked towards having greater legislated protection for residents of Retirement Villages. This activity culminated in the introduction on 1 July 2000 of the Retirement Villages Act 1999 and the Retirement Villages Regulation 2000. The lobbying input and participation by the RVRA contributed largely to this success. Most of the issues addressed within the Act reflect those raised by members of the RVRA.
  
  
• RVRA will also seek any further amendments to the Act and Regulation as are necessary for the greater protection of residents.
  
  
• Co-operates with other consumer representative bodies such as:
  
  
  • The Aged-care Rights Service (TARS)
  • The Australian Consumers Association
  • The Combined Pensioners & Superannuants Association.
    
    
• On the invitation of residents or Residents Committees organises a speaker to explain the rights and obligations of residents and/or operators. We distribute brochures at venues throughout the State where retired people are gathered.
  
  
• Has representation on various Government and non-Government committees such as the Advisory Council (Office of Fair Trading), and TARS (The Aged-care Rights Service).
  
  
• Publishes a quarterly Newsletter on current developments in the retirement village industry.
  
  
• Is not able to give legal advice or recommend a particular village to prospective residents.