Home National Retirement Living Summit National Retirement Living Summit – Program
Program
Full program to be announced soon.
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Monday 8 June 2026
Day 1
Site Tours
Golf Day
Welcome Function
Presidents Dinner
Monday 8 June 2026
Day 1
Site Tours
Golf Day
Welcome Function
Presidents Dinner
Tuesday 9 June 2026
Day 2
- Conference sessions
- National Retirement Living Awards Gala Dinner
Wednesday 10 June 2026
Day 3
- Conference sessions
Program
Please note the program is subject to change at any time
Wednesday 18 June 2025
Day 1 program
Time
Session information
11:00am – 4:00pm
Summit Site Tours
Coaches depart from and return to The Star Brisbane.
Ticket required – not included with a conference registration.
To find out more about our site tours.
5:00 – 7:00pm
Sponsored by
Welcome Function
Get to know your fellow attendees who you will be spending the next couple days with. There will be an official welcome to country.
Ticket included with full registration.
7:00pm – 9:30pm
Sponsored by
President’s Dinner
Invitation only
Thursday 19 June 2025
Day 2 program
Time
Session information
8:00am – 9:00am
Registration open
9:20am – 10:20am
Sponsored by
Keynote
Crowd favourite and renowned demographer Simon Kuestenmacher returns to the stage as opening keynote speaker for the 2025 National Retirement Living Summit.
Simon brings sharp insight to one of Australia’s most complex housing challenges: how to make better use of the homes we already have.
As millennial families begin to look beyond the inner-city rental market, is Australia missing a generational opportunity to better use the housing we already have? Why do so many older Australians remain in large, under-utilised homes in well-located suburbs and what policies, if any, could shift this dynamic?
In this session, Simon will explore the untapped potential of rightsizing as a way to rebuild Australia’s housing market, along with all the data you’ve been waiting to see on where older Australians live, how they want to age, and what that means for the next generation of homebuyers and workers.
Torie Brown
Executive Director – Student Accommodation Council
Property Council of Australia
Moderator
10:20am – 11:00am
Sponsored by
A View From the Top
As Australia continues to suffer against a policy trifecta of an ageing population, a housing supply shortage and an aged care system under strain, retirement villages are more relevant than they have ever been.
Meanwhile, global headwinds, supply shortages and government policymakers continue to impact operators’ ability to deliver more age-friendly communities.
Leaders from across the industry will share their views on emerging trends and demand forecasts, alongside their thoughts on the opportunities and challenges ahead.
11:00am – 11:40am
Morning tea
11:40am – 12:20pm
Concurrent Session
Ear On the Ground- Understanding Trends and Experiences with Workforce and Customer
People sit at the heart of retirement communities, navigating a complex landscape of workforce challenges, operational demands, and growing psychosocial dynamics. In an era of staff shortages, shifting regulations, and increasing competition for talent, understanding the lived experiences of village managers and their teams is critical to building a sustainable and thriving workforce.
This panel brings together experienced professionals from across industry to share insights into the realities of recruitment, retention, and day-to-day operations in retirement living. From addressing workforce shortages and supporting staff wellbeing to managing operational pressures and fostering positive workplace cultures, our panellists will provide a ground-level perspective on the evolving trends shaping the sector.
Attendees will gain practical strategies to enhance workforce resilience, improve staff engagement, and position retirement living as a rewarding career path.
11:40am – 12:20pm
Concurrent Session
Making the Move: Exploring the Benefits and Barriers to Retirement Villages
For many older Australians, the decision to move into a retirement village is shaped by a complex mix of push and pull factors—balancing lifestyle and care aspirations, financial considerations, and housing suitability. While retirement communities offer social connection, security, and age-friendly living, barriers such as outdated government policies and financial disincentives, continue to deter many from making the move as identified in the RLC’s report Removing rightsizing roadblocks: Homes for all Australians.
This panel will delve into the key motivators and barriers influencing the decisions of older Australians. Experts will explore how financial policies, such as Age Pension asset tests and Commonwealth Rent Assistance thresholds and changes to superannuation policy, impact decision-making, and discuss how recent advocacy efforts are pushing for policy changes that could unlock tens of thousands of homes.
12:25pm – 1:05pm
Sponsored by
Concurrent Session
Shared Care in Action: Exploring New Models for Integrated Support and Care
Australia’s population continues to age, and while people are living longer, healthier lives, the pressure on residential aged care and healthcare services is mounting. With a major demographic shift on the horizon, the need for innovative solutions in home-based care has never been greater.
The rollout of the Government’s Support-at-Home program has been delayed to ensure it is implemented more effectively, but demand for in-home care is already outpacing available funding. As policymakers grapple with balancing financial sustainability and rising demand, the number of Australians relying on home-based support packages continues to climb.
Enter the RLC’s Shared Care model—an approach designed to deliver home care services more efficiently through pooled funding, which has been funded for a pilot to rollout in the coming financial year.
Join our expert panel as we delve into the evolving role of the retirement sector in providing community-based care. The panel will explore how operators are already supporting residents throughout their care journey and discuss how these opportunities empower older Australians to live independently for longer.
12:25pm – 1:05pm
Sponsored by
Concurrent Session
Marketing with Meaning: Building Trust and Community in Retirement Sales
The decision to move into a retirement community is about more than just rightsizing—it can be about lifestyle, security, and a sense of belonging. Yet, despite the many benefits, some misconceptions about retirement living persist, creating barriers to trust and engagement.
This highlights the need for marketing strategies that not only promote the benefits of retirement living but also actively address concerns and build confidence in the sector. This panel will explore how authentic, values-driven marketing can bridge the gap between perception and reality, helping prospective residents see the true value of retirement communities.
With diverse retirement living models—ranging from independent lifestyle villages to care-focused communities and flexible “lock and leave” options—marketing strategies must evolve to resonate with different audiences while addressing common misconceptions head-on. Panellists will discuss how operators can refine their messaging, increase transparency, and showcase real resident experiences to build trust in the sector through marketing.
1:05pm – 2:05pm
Lunch
2:05pm – 2:45pm
Stronger Communities, Stronger Economy: Australia’s Social Infrastructure Future
As Australia’s social infrastructure evolves, sectors such as retirement living, aged care, and community housing play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s economic and social future. Beyond meeting the needs of an ageing population, these assets contribute to workforce participation, investment opportunities, and sustainable urban development.
Australia’s public policy leaders will explore the future of social infrastructure as a critical enabler of economic productivity and community wellbeing. What are the strategic opportunities for growth and innovation? What are the economic and social headwinds expected in the future? How can public and private sectors collaborate to unlock greater value? And what policy and investment frameworks will drive long-term success?
2:45pm – 3:15pm
Corporate Partner – Census Sponsor
2024 PwC Retirement Living Council Census Launch
Celebrating its eleventh edition in 2024, the National Retirement Living Census stands as the most comprehensive data source on retirement villages in Australia. Partnering again with PwC, it covers a wide range of information, including the physical characteristics of villages, ownership details, business attributes, and key demographic information.
With record-breaking participation for the second year in a row, the Census is an invaluable resource for policymakers and investors, offering a deep understanding of the sector’s dynamics. It sheds light on the key drivers, challenges, and opportunities on the horizon, guiding informed decision-making and strategic planning for the future of retirement living in Australia.
3:15pm – 3:45pm
Afternoon tea
3:45pm – 4:30pm
Sponsored by
Navigating Geopolitical Currents with Hon Simon Birmingham
The Honourable Simon Birmingham, ANZ’s Head of Asia Pacific Engagement and Chairman for South Australia, will explore the profound impact of global geopolitical shifts on Australia’s economy, with a particular focus on investment impacts. Drawing on his extensive experience as a senior Cabinet Minister, including roles as Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, and Minister for Finance, Simon will provide critical insights into how trade tensions, economic policy shifts, and international relations are reshaping Australia’s financial landscape.
Simon will discuss how policymakers and industry leaders can navigate these disruptions, mitigate risks, and harness opportunities to ensure economic stability. The session will also examine the outcome of the 2025 election and the potential impact on global dynamics on housing affordability, interest rates, and investment trends, shedding light on how geopolitical forces shape domestic markets.
4:30pm – 4:40pm
Day 1 Wrap Up
4:40pm
Summit Day 1 ends
6:30pm – 11:00pm
National Retirement Living Awards Gala Dinner
Friday 20 June 2025
Day 3 program
Time
Session information
8:00am – 8:55am
Registration open | Networking Breakfast
8:55am – 9:00am
Conference Opening & Housekeeping
9:00am – 10:00am
Sponsored by
The Best is Yet to Come? Longevity Lessons with Marcus Pearce
Australia is living longer, but not necessarily better. With one of the highest morbidity rates in the developed world – an average of 12.1 years spent in poor health at the end of life – there’s a pressing need to redefine what ageing well looks like.
Last year Marcus Pearce suggested Australia’s first Blue Zone will be a retirement village. Having visited many retirement communities over the past year, he returns to the National Retirement Living Summit to challenge operators and service providers to shift the narrative: how can industry embrace its greatest asset – the people already living in their communities?
Marcus will explore how retirement villages can be powerful agents of change, injecting purpose, connection, and wellness into residents’ later years. From often overlooked stories of residents who thrive in village life, he will show how elevating resident voices can drive both perception and performance.
Attendees will be encouraged to rethink the role of storytelling, community leadership, and public engagement in promoting a more optimistic, empowered view of retirement living.
This session will provoke a shift of mindset towards a future where retirement villages aren’t just a housing solution, but a cultural force in redefining ageing in Australia.
Dr Brett Robinson
Chief Executive Officer, RetireAustralia
Vice-President, Retirement Living Council
10:05am – 10:40am
Sponsored by
Concurrent Session
Village Voices: Sharing Resident Experiences
Retirement villages are more than a roof overhead —they are vibrant communities built on connection, security, and wellbeing. While amenities play a role, it’s the people and their experiences that make a village feel like home. Ensuring resident voices are valued and acted upon is key to maintaining enriching spaces for both residents and staff.
When recent media reports sought to patronise residents as incapable of decision making, many residents publicly challenged this portrayal. This is further enforced by the Age Discrimination Commissioner’s recent report Shaping perceptions: How Australian Media Reports on Ageing.
For the vast majority, retirement living is a positive choice—valued for its affordability, security, and strong sense of community. While challenges exist, they do not define the experience.
This session will share resident perspectives, offering practical insights into what truly enhances wellbeing in retirement communities. We’ll explore how education, transparency, and proactive dispute resolution mechanisms can address concerns while celebrating the positive aspects of village life. Join us to uncover strategies that empower residents, strengthen community culture, and ensure retirement living remains a fulfilling choice.
Vanessa Clarke
Chief Retirement Village Officer, Retirement Villages Unit
South Australia’s Department for Human Services
10:05am – 10:40am
Sponsored by
Concurrent Session
Connected and Protected: The Expanding Role of Technology in Retirement Communities
As technology advances, retirement communities are embracing smart solutions to enhance connectivity, security, and overall quality of life for residents. From high-speed fibre networks and smart access control to personal alarm systems and community-wide WiFi, operators are leveraging cutting-edge innovations to create safer, more efficient, and better-connected living environments.
This session will explore both greenfield and brownfield technology solutions—whether building from the ground up with smart infrastructure or upgrading existing systems without excessive costs. Panellists will discuss the real-world benefits of integrated technologies, highlighting how they improve resident experiences while driving operational efficiencies and long-term cost savings for operators.
10:45am – 11:20am
Sponsored by
Concurrent Session
Code for Quality: Raising Standards and Behaviour in Retirement Communities
As the number of older Australians grows and more attention is paid to how we age, ensuring high standards in retirement communities is more crucial than ever. This panel will explore the latest updates to the Retirement Living Code of Conduct, industry best practices, and the growing focus on resident rights and accountability.
With the Victorian Parliament introducing a mandatory Code of Practice to strengthen protections for retirees, the focus on operator and resident standards is shifting. Experts will discuss strategies for fostering respectful community behaviour, improving transparency, and navigating new regulations. This session will provide essential insights on raising the bar for ethical standards and creating thriving, well-managed communities.
10:45am – 11:20am
Sponsored by
Concurrent Session
Rethinking the Model: Innovation, Investment and DMF Alternatives
For over 50 years, the Deferred Management Fee (DMF) has been the standard operating model for retirement villages across Australia, underpinning affordability for residents and financial sustainability for operators. But as expectations shift and new entrants emerge, financial offerings in the retirement living sector are diversifying at pace.
Rental communities, membership-based models, high-rise strata communities, land lease and even bond structures are offering new choices for an increasingly sophisticated market — with the increase in care services, and the integration of aged care, social and affordable housing, also playing an increasing role in long-term success.
This session will explore how these innovations are reshaping consumer expectations, challenging traditional business models, and creating new pathways for investment and growth. What role does the DMF play in a future of greater choice, flexibility and personalised value?
11:20am – 12:00pm
Morning tea
12:00pm – 12:50pm
In Conversation with Anna Bligh AC
Former Queensland Premier and outgoing CEO of the Australian Banking Association, Anna Bligh joins the Summit for a fireside Q&A, where she will reflect on her experiences navigating leadership in times of intense public scrutiny. From the challenges of political office -including leading Queensland through natural disasters and policy reform – to the pressures of representing the banking industry at the height of a Royal Commission, Anna has faced some of the toughest tests of leadership and accountability.
In this closing session, we’ll explore how she managed public trust and industry reform in the face of fierce criticism. What lessons can be learned from the Banking Royal Commission and how might they apply to other sectors under the microscope? What does effective crisis leadership look like in industries that serve the public interest?
This in-depth discussion will offer insights into governance, corporate responsibility and the evolving expectations of leadership in Australia. Whether you’re interested in politics, finance or policy reform, this is a conversation not to be missed.
