Who owns the village?
The village is owned by Sunraysia Syndicate Management Limited ACN 081 281 110 & managed by Property Essentials, managers of quality retirement accommodation offering comprehensive continuing care and support services for people over the age of 55 years.
How can I be sure that the standard of facilities care and support services provided will not diminish over time?
One of the main benefits of a lifetime license, as opposed to other types of security of tenure, is that Sunraysia Syndicate Management Limited retains ownership of the village and therefore a prime interest in ensuring that the reputation of the village’s facilities and services are always maintained at the highest possible standard.
Are there any restrictions over the amount of time that residents can spend away from the village?
The only requirement is that residents advise village management of the intended period of absence and any changes to that period which may occur.
One of the many advantages of living in a retirement village is that you can holiday or travel for any length of time without worrying about the maintenance and security of your home. This is taken care of, so you can enjoy your leisure time with piece of mind.
Payment of fortnightly contributions to outgoings must be maintained during such absences.
Can I still do some gardening?
If you desire, however, you will need to maintain that garden to a standard in keeping with the rest of the village gardens.
Our friendly and helpful gardening staff will maintain all common areas of the village gardens and will be available to provide limited assistance and advice.
What “inclusions” are there in the particular residence in which I am interested? Who is responsible for maintaining these items and replacing them when they were out?
A list of inclusions is attached, they will be maintained from the service fee account and generally be replaced from the sinking fund. In cases where there is damage as a result of negligence then the cost may be passed on to the individual resident.
How does one apply for residence in the village?
Initially, this simply involves filling in an “Letter of intent” for your selected accommodation and paying a holding deposit of $800 to Sunraysia Syndicate Management Limited, which if fully refundable if you are unable to proceed.
We require that you discuss the documentation with a solicitor of your choice prior to signing and exchanging agreements.
If the agreement is made subject to the sale of your existing home, any deposit paid by you is fully refundable should you be unable to sell your home in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Only the legal costs and expended disbursements are non-refundable once contracts have been exchanged.
When can I take up residence?
After settlement in full unless prior special arrangements are made with the owner.
Can I make improvements to the villa?
Improvements must first be approved by Village Management. These costs are mostly non-refundable. On termination of your license, items purchased by you such as awnings may be removed and the villa restored to its original condition.
What is the position regarding pets?
Small house animals or caged birds may be permitted. Permission to keep a pet may be revoked if the pet disturbs other residents or causes damages to the village.
Does the Village provide an emergency call system?
One of our key objectives is to ensure that, wherever possible residents live in a normal, healthy, independent environment. At no additional charges all dwellings are equipped with an emergency call system which is monitored 24 hours a day, so help is always close at hand.
Can the owner terminate my occupancy at anytime? If so, under what circumstances can the owner do this?
Yes, according to Part 8 of the Residence Agreement.
- On the death of the Resident or the death of the last surviving Resident where more than one person is a Resident pursuant to this Agreement.
- If two qualified medical practitioners (one appointed by the Owner and the other nominated by the Resident) certify in writing that the Resident needs care of a kind not available at the Village.
- If the Resident breaches this License, the License shall terminate after the end of notices server by the Owner.
Is my long-term occupancy at the Village secure?
Yes, your long-term occupancy is secure under your Residence Agreement and Retirement Village Act.
What is the in-going sum I must pay and the regular maintenance charges and any extraordinary cost which can be imposed on me?
The in-going sum is the Premium in your Residence Agreement.
The regular maintenance charges:
Residents pay a fortnightly contribution known as the “Service Fee” to cover their share of items such as council and water rates, insurance (other than contents insurance), electricity for the common areas and maintenance of grounds and buildings. Personal items of expenditure, including electricity, telephone and contents insurance, are not covered by contributions to ongoing and must be paid for separately.
Are the residents actively involved in decisions concerning the level of maintenance and services provided and their cost, and how are these fees varied in the future?
Village management will ensure that every resident has a voice in the affairs of the village. A Residents’ Committee has been established and meets regularly to discuss matters of common interest and any recommendations it might wish to make are forwarded to the Management.
Representatives of this Committee will also be involved in the formulation of the village’s annual outgoings budget each year.
When do I get access to my money after I leave the Village?
Refund of the Premium shall fall due upon settlement of the new lessee.
What system does the Village have for resolving disputes?
A Village Disputes Committee will be established and be made up of one member chosen by the residents, one member chosen by management and one member chosen by both the residents and management. This Committee will hear any Village disputes that are referred to it.
What is the Capital Replacement Fund used for?
The owner shall set aside all such amounts received for the purpose of repairing, replacing or renewing any communal improvements and structural repairs to Village Buildings. This might include refurbishment of roadways, replacing the furniture and other fittings in the Community Centre.