The ACT Retirement Villages Residents Association (ACT RVRA) has received a $25,000 grant from the ACT Government to help retirement village residents understand and exercise their rights.

“The Government has heard that retirement living can be complex, especially for some residents to understand their financial rights and obligations,” the Justice and Community Safety Directorate said. “Some residents may face additional vulnerabilities, for example due to isolation or difficulty navigating technology.”

The funding will be used to establish a ‘virtual’ office and dedicated phone line, so residents and stakeholders can get in touch and share information. The ACT RVRA will be able to tell people in retirement villages that they are there to help, and can talk to government agencies and join discussions to show off their good work and share useful ideas. Some of the money will be used to create newsletters and other materials for residents, ensuring that everyone, even those without internet, can stay informed with important updates.

Peter Beagle, president of the ACT RVRA, said the grant would enable the association “to more effectively advance and protect the interests of residents and prospective residents of ACT Retirement Villages”.

“By strengthening the activities of the ACT RVRA, the funding will make a tangible difference to the lives of ACT retirement village residents and prospective residents, who will be provided with independent information, advice, advocacy and representation, and the knowledge they need to understand and exercise their rights, and actively participate in their community.”

The ACT RVRA, a volunteer-run organisation with limited funds, was chosen with one other organisation to receive grants in 2023‑24 from the Uncollected Goods Charitable and Social Welfare Fund. This fund, managed by GreaterGood, a foundation established by the ACT’s Public Trustee and Guardian, distributes proceeds from the sale of unclaimed goods to organisations in the ACT that promote charitable or social welfare causes, JACS said.

The grant aligns with government efforts to assist older people with their legal rights, including the ACT Human Rights Commission’s complaints jurisdictions and the Older Persons ACT Legal Service run by ACT Legal Aid.

“Ensuring retirement village residents have the resources to effectively advocate for themselves is essential for fostering thriving and equitable communities,” Shane Rattenbury, ACT Minister for Consumer Affairs, said.

Last year, there were calls for the ACT Government to establish an ombudsman to resolve disputes in retirement villages. The government report found that an Ombudsman would duplicate existing dispute resolution services, and that the dispute resolution services of the ACT Human Rights Commission were effective, but underused.

Since then, the Government has worked with the ACT RVRA, village operators, and the Commission to increase awareness of the Commission’s services. Early feedback indicates that more residents and operators are using the Commission’s services, with positive results, JACS said.

“The Government will continue to work with residents, operators and other stakeholders to look for ways to improve the regulation of the retirement villages industry. This funding to the ACT RVRA is one part of those efforts: expanding their capacity will help to make sure that residents know their rights and can make their voices heard.”