President's Message
2025 Annual General Meeting
Thank You for Outgoing President Craig Bennett
NSW Fair Trading Let's Talk Central Coast
Education Centre Report for 2024/25
Aged Care Reforms:- Part 2. Key things to know about home care changes and FREE WEBINAR
Snapshot of the RVRA Annual Budget and AMP Survey 2025
Snippets from the Board
World Mental Health Day - 10th October
Questions and Answers
National Carers Week - 12 to 18 October
FYI - important information links
Help Support your Association - for the future
RVRA Supporters
Introducing our 2025-26 President - Roger Pallant
Hi everyone
Another AGM has come and gone and after the dust has cleared I have found myself as President. Huge shoes to fill following on from outgoing President Craig Bennett. The good news is that Craig is still on the team as Immediate Past President.
Our new Board consists of:
- Roger Pallant - President
- Fran Varga - Secretary
- John Rosewarne - Treasurer
- Craig Bennett - Immediate Past President
- Diane Hart - Chair, RVRA Education Centre
- Len Mahemoff OAM
- Colin Long
The Vice-President’s position is vacant.
Trish Zilliani has stepped down from the board after many years focusing mainly on our ambassadors. Her enthusiasm and energy towards this very special group have been commendable, and notably instrumental in bringing about many positive changes. We wish her well in her future endeavours.
Where to from here? The challenges are the same, maintaining current members, finding new members, juggling finances to stay afloat, and providing the services and support our members expect.
One such challenge is attracting people onto the board. Currently we have six elected members out of a possible eight. Not enough to be able to achieve all our objectives for the coming year. Better news is that we have two people interested in joining the board as appointed members and we will introduce them to you soon after we finalise their joining process. There are still two vacant appointed board positions.
In essence we are operating with 67% of our full compliment. Some things will have to be on the back burner as we focus on major items and priorities.
There are many articles of interest in this month’s Bulletin, including a Snapshot of the latest Budget and AMP Survey and a timely article on the changes occurring in the services designed to keep us in our homes for longer.
Enjoy reading the articles in this Bulletin.
Roger Pallant
RVRA President 2025/26
AGM minutes
- The minutes of the 2025 AGM are now available on our website for members to read and review.
- The video recording will be available soon — we’ll post a notice once it’s ready to view.
https://www.rvra.org.au/members-only/agm-documents
2024-2025 President's Report — Craig Bennett
See the PDF below for:
Annual summary of highlights, lowlights and priorities going forward.
PO Box 3349 Asquith NSW 2077
President Report to the RVRA AGM 2025
This is part of the address given by the 2024-25 President - Craig Bennett
In my address I will be attempting to put a spotlight on significant events, actions and issues that have arisen
over the past year. In fact many have been and will be ongoing.
Highlights
• Financial position – thanks to Fair Trading and our Treasurer
o Remember grant funding is for a specific purpose and project – our Education Centre.
o Indicative equity at the end of the financial year was $168k.
• The development of the Education Centre
o Videos, webinars, training programs
• The surveys conducted – Australia-wide and State-based.
• The dialogue developed with other State and ACT RVRAs
• Retirement Village Regulation review
o Disappointing in some respects
o Note that we had to fight to get reinstated some of the protections residents already had - let
alone put new protections in place
o AMP progress and Secretary’s Guidelines
• Dialogue with Fair Trading proceeding
o Strata roundtable
o RV Act amendments
o Fair Trading regional forums for potential retirees
▪ Note Central Coast on Tuesday – Strata, Land lease, retirement villages and Seniors
Rights Service – moderated by Commissioner Angus Abadee.
▪ First of I think many
▪ Over 50 potential retirees there to listen to the pros and cons of each title.
• Governance
o Complete review of our procedures and processes to ensure we maintain full compliance with
the regulatory requirements of ACNC, Associations Incorporation Act and others.
o Processes mapped out to ensure that when one of us keels over the others can immediately
pick up the role.
o Constitution review
Delivered by the Incoming President at the AGM
“Today we mark an important moment in the life of the NSW RVRA as we farewell our outgoing President, Craig Bennett. On behalf of the Board, our members, and the many residents across NSW who have benefited from his leadership, I want to offer our heartfelt thanks for Craig’s outstanding service.”
“Craig has led the RVRA with integrity, compassion, and quiet determination during a time of both challenge and opportunity. His leadership has left a lasting impact on the Association and the retirement village community at large.”
Key Achievements Under Craig’s Leadership
Advocacy with Impact: Craig represented residents’ interests with fairness and credibility during consultations with Fair Trading, Operators and key stakeholders in the sector, particularly on matters such as voting rights, exit entitlements, and deferred fees.
Strengthening the Education Centre: Craig was instrumental in securing ongoing grant funding from NSW Fair Trading, enabling us to grow our education resources and deliver clearer, more accessible information to residents.
Promoting Collaboration: Craig helped strengthen RVRA’s relationships with like-minded organisations across NSW and nationally, ensuring we remain a respected and independent voice.
It is worth noting that under Craig’s leadership the RVRA is now widely viewed as a consumer voice across all the areas of community living as shown by the request to participate in the consumer voice roundtables organised by the Commissioners for Fair Trading, Property Council and Strata.
“Perhaps most importantly, Craig brought warmth and humanity to everything he did—never losing sight of the fact that at the heart of our work are real people: older Australians who deserve respect, security, and a sense of belonging in their village communities.”
“Craig, your legacy is clear. You leave the RVRA stronger, more focused, and more prepared for the future. We thank you sincerely for your leadership, your tireless work, and your generosity of spirit.”
“The good news is that as Immediate Past President you are still on the team and available to call on when needed. And I suspect as we move forward that could be quite often.”
“Please join me in acknowledging and thanking our outgoing President, Mr Craig Bennett.”
Roger Pallant
RVRA President 2025/26
Dear Craig,
On behalf of our team, I’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your valuable contribution to our Ask the Experts event focused on Living in Retirement Villages, Strata & Land Lease Communities.
Your insights and expertise were instrumental in making the session both informative and engaging for our attendees. We’ve received wonderful feedback from participants who appreciated the panel and the listening session, and your willingness to share your knowledge played a key role in that success.
We’re grateful for the time and effort you dedicated to preparing and presenting, and for helping us create a space where community members could better understand their housing options and rights.
We hope to collaborate again in the future and will be sure to keep you informed of upcoming opportunities.
Warm regards,
Janice Garvey
NSW Fair Trading & Regulatory Services
From Left to right:
- David Glover - Owners Corporation Network
- Craig Bennett - RVRA
- Mitchel Harvey - SRS
- Angus Abadee - Commissioner Strata and Property Services
- Shannon Lakic - Land Lease Living Association
- Sarah Burke - SRS
The Education Centre was set up in 2022 with a grant from the NSW Government. This was to enable the RVRA and its members to support the implementation of retirement village reforms in partnership with the Department of Fair Trading, and to assist residents to find the answers to those very important questions about living in a retirement village.
The Education Centre received a second grant in 2023 which ran to October 2024. In these first 2 years we concentrated on resources such as videos, resource sheets and webinars aimed at Retirement Village Residents Committees as our research demonstrated that a well-run effective Residents Committee contributes to a smoothly functioning and harmonious community.
On 1 July 2025 the RVRA received financial support from the NSW Government for the third year, for a project entitled “Finances in Retirement Villages”. This Grant will run until 30 June 2026.
The achievements from September 2024
In the later part of 2024, from the end of the 2nd grant and up to the commencement of the 3rd grant, the Education Centre concentrated on the production of Residents Committee Workshops.
There has been great interest in the workshops from both residents and operators; however, they require a large commitment from our volunteer Board, which, in addition to the actual presentation of the ½ and 1-day workshop, often requires extensive travel and even overnight accommodation.
We do offer virtual workshops and try to accommodate the requirements of the various Residents Committees and operators who approach us. There is a great need for this information as many Residents Committees struggle with their role and understanding the limitations of their functions.
A second project completed during this time was the production of a series of 3 videos which provide guidance for people thinking about making the move to a retirement village. The first interviews existing residents about the choices they made and what they think now they have made the move. The second video is about the factors to consider before making the decision, and the third is about understanding the contract. They are on our website along with the other videos and webinars we have produced.
Our continuing Outreach Program
RVRA Board members provide presentations at Retirement Villages to promote the RVRA and to assist RVRA members with issues in their Village. Since the beginning of this year we have visited 15 villages, but we are finding it difficult, with a limited number of Board members, to visit regional areas.
It is hoped that the use of Zoom meetings to reach more distant Villages in NSW will broaden the scope of the RVRA’s interaction with its members, non-members and village management. However, there is a marked reluctance for villages to try this format.
The monthly Bulletin, now in its 4th year, is an important voice for the RVRA, contributing to the Association’s influence in the sector. It aims for a high quality of article giving information to readers. We are aware that there are members who do not have on-line capability and are constantly looking for ways to reach them.
The links to the Regulation in some of the Information Sheets are in the process of being updated but the Sheets can still be used as the present links are to the 2017 Regulation. The Information Sheets are a resource, which, along with our Enquiries service, is only available to RVRA members.
This year’s 4th Annual Budget and Asset Management Plan Survey has just closed with 551 respondents, so do be watching for the publication of the Report which should be available in the next couple of months. The Survey gives us insight into the problems surrounding financial matters in Retirement Villages, and reinforces the impressions gained from your enquiries to the RVRA over many years. It was this understanding which led to the development of our current 2025/26 major project.
Commencement of our new grant project 25/26
The FT grant project for 25/26 is “Finances in Retirement Villages”, and we are well into the fourth month of developing educational resources aimed at providing residents committees, finance subcommittees, residents, and managers in retirement villages a better understanding of this crucial area.
Planned are more videos – in fact we have just completed the filming of 3 on the costs associated with entering, living in and leaving a retirement village. These will be edited and on the website progressively before the end of the year. We are planning a series of webinars on transparency in the Budget process and meetings in collaboration with the DCM Institute. These are planned for early 2026.
In the pipeline
Planning for 26/27 is well under way. Communication plays a vital role within villages, contributing to community cohesion, clarity in understanding rights and responsibilities, promoting inclusivity and empowering residents. It is the backbone of a successful retirement village. We plan to develop resources which will improve retirement village resident’s access to clear, unbiased, and comprehensive information
The first years of the Education centre have established a strong foundation upon which to provide much needed resources to the Retirement Village community. As a volunteer organisation the RVRA faces many challenges, but the dedication and enthusiasm of the Education Centre Team and the RVRA Board make up for most of these. We hope for continued support from the NSW Government, but most importantly we value the continued support from you, the RVRA members.
Diane Hart
Board Member
Chair Retirement Village Education Centre
A division of Aged Care Steps Pty Ltd
25 Sept 2025
Key things to know about home care changes
Following on from our previous article about the new Aged Care Act that comes into
effect from 1 November this year (after being delayed from 1 July); in this article, I focus
on the key changes to aged care services at home.
From 1 November, a new program called Support at Home will replace the current
Home Care Package system, bringing significant changes.
On the positive side, there will be more packages available, which should reduce waiting
times. But there will also be changes to the contributions (fees) you pay – and for some
people, this could mean paying more for the care services you use.
There has been some negative media attention, particularly related to the consumer
costs; however, the means testing of care contributions aims to ensure fairness and
affordability for all Australians as well as long term sustainability of the system.
A significant portion of care costs within your allocated budget are still subsidised by
the government, but depending on your means, you’ll be expected to contribute towards
the cost of services you use.
No Worse off principle
If you were approved for, or receiving, a Home Care Package as at 12 September 2024,
you will be eligible for fee concessions, so you are no worse off under the new rules.
What’s changing?
All existing Home Care Packages will cease on 1 November 2025, and everyone will
transition to Support at Home. You might not see a disruption in your services, but you
will notice changes.
Some key differences in the new system:
• A new fee structure, based on your financial circumstances and the services you
access
• You will continue to be charged by your provider, but only after you have
received services
"Aged Care Explained" - FREE WEBINAR
Wednesday 15 October 5.30-6.00pm
Navigating the aged care system can seem overwhelming, with complex rules, confusing jargon and confronting choices to be made - often at a time of great personal stress. The changes to aged care (including fees) which start on 1 Nov this year, bring even more complexity and higher costs for people who need to access aged care support – both at home or in a residential environment.
If you are thinking of your own future care needs, or need help for an older loved one, this free webinar is a good way to learn about how aged care works and the fees payable. Start planning ahead by joining our experienced aged care specialist - Jennifer Langton, in this webinar to help you understand your care options, the costs involved and how to avoid the common pitfalls.
The RVRA thanks the 553 respondents to the fourth RVRA Annual Budget and Asset Management Survey.
It is an excellent result and confirms the genuine interest in these issues in retirement villages in NSW. The Survey was launched early August 2025 posing questions which will be of great use to the RVRA as we lobby politicians and key stakeholders on behalf of all residents.
RVRA Meetings
During August RVRA Board members met with representatives from the Property Council, the Retirement Living Council, Fair Trading, and various Operators.
Members Enquiries
August was a quiet month. There were 21 enquiries from members covering a total of 34 categories (some enquiries covered 2 or more call categories).
The largest number of calls categories were about Management (11), followed by Legal and Legislation (8), and Residents Committees (6).
The Retirement Villages Regulation 2025 commenced on 1 September, 2025.
https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/pdf/asmade/sl-2025-436
The RVRA Information Sheets links are being updated to the new Regulation. Members can access Information Sheets dealing with many topics in the Members Only section of the website.
The Retirement Villages Education Centre
The Education Centre’s Report for the year 2024/25 is published in this bulletin.
Village Visits
If you wish your village to be included in the Village Visit schedule, please contact Cathy on 1300 787 213 (option 1) if you have not already done so.
Annual RVRA Budget and AMP Survey
The RVRA 2025 Budget and AMP Survey closed on Monday 8th September and the responses are being analysed and the Report prepared. A preliminary Snapshot is available in this Bulletin.
The RVRA AGM
The RVRA AGM was held at 10 am on Thursday, September 25th, 2025. If you were unable to attend, you can view the video and read the President’s and Treasurer’s reports on the RVRA website: https://www.rvra.org.au/members-only/agm-documents.
The objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health.
This year, Mental Health Australia’s theme for World Mental Health Day is:
Connect with your Community
- On 10 October, Mental Health Australia encourages everyone to have conversations about mental health, reduce stigma, reach out for support – and connect with our communities.
- This year’s 2025 World Mental Health Day calendar includes daily tips throughout October for good mental health.
Learn more about Mental Health Australia - https://www.mentalhealthaustralia.org.au/
A community can take any shape.
This year’s 2025 World Mental Health Day calendar includes daily tips throughout October for good mental health.
COTA NSW are hosting a special webinar “Let’s Talk About Mental Health” - Presented in partnership with NSW Health, the Department of Communities and Justice, and the NSW Government.
* Starts 11am on 14 October
This month our topic is the Annual Management Meeting.
Q1: What is the purpose of an Annual Management Meeting?
A1: Management must hold an Annual Management Meeting within 4 months of the end of the Financial year at which they answer questions on the financial reports, discuss any future plans for the village and answer questions from residents.
Notice of the meeting must be given at least 14 days beforehand and include an agenda. There is a list of agenda items to be covered at the meeting (Act s 72A (4); Reg 21) and residents are invited to ask questions.
In some villages residents are invited to submit their questions to the Residents Committee prior to the meeting so they can be rationalized to avoid repetition. This list of questions, or residents individual questions, could be submitted 7 days before the meeting, although questions may be taken from the floor at the meeting. Questions which can be asked are covered in Reg 22 and Act s 72B.
Management must provide residents with a copy of the Audited Annual Accounts that details the income and expenditure of the village during the previous financial year (s 119, 119A) within 4 months after the end of the financial year (s 119(1)). These are discussed at the AMM. If Management has more than one village, consolidated accounts can be audited, but separate statements must be provided for each village (s 119).
Q2: Our village is a combination of leasehold and strata residents. We have a Residents Committee and a Strata Committee. We are to have our Annual Management Meeting soon and our Manager says there’s no need for the strata residents to attend as they will have their own AGM. Is this the case?
A2: An Annual Management Meeting (AMM)is required even in villages that include some residents on Strata scheme contracts (who are required to also hold an Owner’s Corporation AGM). It is mainly an information session called by management in which management provides finance reports and future plans and answers questions from residents (Reg 21). The AMM is chaired by management or their representative. This is an ideal opportunity for residents to make comments on the running of the village and to raise any queries they may have about the budget process, maintenance, capital works, future plans, etc.
Diane Hart
Chair Education Centre
Carers are people who provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental health condition, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue or who are frail aged.
Anyone can become a carer, at any time.
Tips to support carers
The Carer Wellbeing Survey found carers who had good access to support had healthy levels of wellbeing compared to those who had no or limited access to help.
Carer Gateway provides information and advice on the supports available to carers across Australia, and has a great range of online resources to help promote carer wellbeing.
To find out more, and to access online support services, head to carergateway.gov.au
Compass - Free Event
Thursday Oct 23, 2025 12:30 PM
Join us for an important conversation about making an enduring power of attorney.
Here's your opportunity to ask an expert about making an Enduring Power of Attorney. Join the FREE Q&A and have your questions ready!
Misconceptions about dementia and decision-making
https://www.compass.info/featured-topics
Many Australians incorrectly believe that a person with dementia cannot make any decisions for themselves. Supported decision-making can be all that’s needed.
4 min read
Help Us Keep Advocating for Fairness in Retirement Villages
Thank you for being a valued member of the Retirement Village Residents Association (RVRA) - or for considering membership. Our members' support has helped us continue advocating for fair treatment, stronger protections, and better representation for residents across New South Wales.
As you know, while most retirement village operators do the right thing, there are still many cases where residents are left vulnerable—facing unfair fees, poor communication, or inadequate dispute resolution.
With limited government resources and many competing priorities, retirement village concerns are often pushed to the side.
That’s why we are requesting your help.
A donation to the RVRA will directly support our work, including:
- Advocating for legislative reform
- Providing information and advice to residents
- Engaging with government and village operators
- Giving residents a stronger collective voice
You can donate online (either direct through our website or using GiveNow) at:
👉 https://www.rvra.org.au/donate
Every donation—no matter the size—helps us remain independent, effective, and committed to protecting the rights of all residents.
Thank you again for being part of this important association. Together, we can ensure retirement villages remain places of safety, fairness, and respect.
On behalf of the RVRA Board - thank you for your support.
Kind regards
Roger Pallant
RVRA President
The RVRA appreciates the support of the following professional services organisations.
To become a Supporter of the RVRA, contact us.