You will be pleased to know there are associations of retirement village residents in most states around the country that advocate for, and assist retirement village residents.
Although state-based, they form a loose national coalition and regularly discuss topics of mutual interest.
The resident associations are mostly self-funded, charging a low membership fee to retirement village residents who are interested in becoming a member. The Queensland residents’ association also receives State Government funding, such is the value placed on the work they do in advocating for residents.
The associations are run by volunteers, also residents of retirement villages. By all accounts, they are very busy!
Resident associations are a useful point of contact for residents who may have an issue with their retirement village operator or simply want to check some advice given to them by village staff. They are a great first “port of call” before declaring a dispute with an operator and will advise if you actually have a case of not. The associations also assist retirement village resident committees with advice. It is not unusual for association staff to know the senior executives of the larger retirement village operators in your state. Many an issue has been quickly resolved with a simple phone call from the association!
Resident Associations are also active in representing the interests of retirement village residents to State Governments. The states regularly review their retirement villages legislation and will often seek input from resident associations.
State associations of retirement village residents
- Queensland – the Association of Retirement Village Residents (ARQRV)
- New South Wales – the Retirement Villages Residents Association (RVRA)
- Victoria – the Residents of Retirement Villages Victoria (RRVV)
- Tasmania – Tasmanian Association for Residents of Retirement Villages (TARRV)
- ACT – the ACT Retirement Village Residents Association (ACT RVRA)
- South Australia – the South Australian Retirement Villages Residents Association (SARVRA)
- West Australia – the Retirement Village WA
The last word
I think the retirement village resident associations are fantastic. After you move into your retirement village, I definitely recommend you join your state association and support their work.