Description
This award recognises excellence in the development of projects in the retirement and aged care, independent living, assisted living, over-55 lifestyle communities or seniors living sector.
Eligibility
This award is open to property developers, owners, operators, design teams, not-for-profit organisations, governments, community associations, public institutions, and owners operating in Australia and New Zealand.
The award is open to all projects that have been completed in the period between 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2026.
Judging Context
The judges will be looking to recognise projects that demonstrate excellence across all phases of its development lifecycle.
The jury’s emphasis will be on design, leadership, community and social outcomes, and innovation.
Generic Questions
Remember this section is about setting the context of your submission- this section is not scored.
The Elevator Pitch (100 words)
In 100 words, outline the main reasons why the project should be recognised.
These may include: the project’s design, product and pricing, delivery program, project innovation, community outcomes, market acceptance and/or financial performance; and how value was created and challenges were overcome.
Please outline the objectives, key performance indicators (KPIs) and value proposition; the budgets, resources, team, delivery program and key milestones; and the methodology for how success was measured.
The Essentials
Project name & address
Project team (up to 10)
Start & finish date
Current status (# stages, % comp)
Site area
Freehold/Community title
Product mix (% types)
Lot / Unit Sizes (min & max)
Price range (min & max)
Product features (designs, layout)
Product finishes (int & ext)
Communal facilities
Retail / commercial facilities (type, m2)
Judging Criteria
Design and Town Planning – 20%
In 200 words or less, describe how the project demonstrated excellence in design and planning throughout its development.
TIP: In this section, we are looking for specific examples of excellence in the design of the project, such as architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and interior design, and innovative approaches to town planning and community engagement.
Engineering, Construction, and Delivery – 15%
In 200 words or less, describe how the project demonstrated excellence in engineering and construction throughout the delivery of the development.
TIP: In this section, we are looking for specific examples of excellence in engineering, such as structural, civil, mechanical, hydraulic, traffic, vertical transportation and/or electrical, as well as innovative construction delivery methods, such as prefabrication, modularisation, material and procurement supply chains, resource management plans and/or safety plans.
Market Acceptance and Appreciation – 10%
In 200 words or less, describe how the project demonstrated market acceptance and customer appreciation through its development and operation.
TIP: In this section, we are looking for specific examples of market acceptance and appreciation such as buyer and/or occupant demand, sales velocity (speed), sales revenue (price), product innovation and customer loyalty and/or satisfaction.
Financial Performance and Risk Management – 10%
In 200 words or less, describe how the project demonstrated financial performance and risk management throughout its development and occupation.
TIP: In this section, we are looking for specific examples of how the project delivered an above-average financial performance (e.g. development profit, return on investment and/or internal rate of return) whilst demonstrating how risk was managed and mitigated throughout the delivery of the development.
Environmental Sustainability – 15%
In 200 words or less, describe how the project demonstrated environmental sustainability throughout its development and operation.
TIP: In this section, we are looking for specific examples of how the project delivered environmental sustainability throughout both the development of the project and its operational life, such as through the use of sustainable and/or recycled products, passive design strategies, energy systems, efficiency ratings, awards or accreditations.
Stakeholder Management, Teamwork and Collaboration – 5%
In 200 words or less, describe how the project demonstrated excellence in stakeholder management, teamwork and / or collaboration.
TIP: In this section, we are looking for specific examples of how the project team managed both internal and external stakeholders in a collaborative way.
Community and Social Outcomes – 15%
In 200 words or less, describe how the project contributed to desirable community outcomes and demonstrated social impact throughout its entire lifecycle.
In this section, we are looking for specific examples of how the project was able to deliver benefits to the local community through its development and after its development, such as through new job creation, economic development, philanthropic contributions, productivity gains, community facilities, public spaces and/or any other public outcome.
Holistic Excellence – 10%
This is based on the overall holistic excellence the submission has demonstrated as determined by the judges. No additional information is needed for this section.
Supporting Documentation:
Development Plans
Master plans
Site plan / layout
Precinct / location plans
Elevations / sections
Lot plans / unit layouts
3D perspectives
Imagery
12-20 x professional photos (JPEG or PNG)
Other
Technical reports
Marketing collateral
Videos
Websites
Calculations
References
Testimonials
Other Comments
Joint submissions are encouraged.
Multiple entries based on separate examples are permitted in this category.
