Australia’s retirement living sector is shifting gears.
Traditional village models are giving way to a new generation of retirement communities that integrate lifestyle, wellness, amenity and value for money.
With consumer expectations changing and regulatory settings in flux, developers and operators are rethinking where, what, why and how they deliver retirement communities.
But where does the opportunity lie?
The Urban Developer Retirement Living Summit will unpack the major trends influencing the sector—from the rise of vertical retirement living and land lease communities to shifts in investment strategies, planning frameworks and valuation methodologies.
Developers, architects and sector specialists will share insights into emerging opportunities, evolving development models and the key opportunities and challenges shaping future projects.
Through a full day of keynotes, panel discussions and case studies, this summit offers a deep dive into the forces redefining retirement living in Australia.
Chief Executive Officer
Simon Owen is a seasoned leader in the retirement living and property sector, with over 25 years of experience. As CEO of Ingenia Communities, he spearheaded its transformation into a market leader, growing its market capitalisation from $30 million to over $1.7 billion. Now leading Eureka Group, Simon continues to drive innovation in senior living and community development.
Director
Tim Russell is a leading figure in Australia’s retirement living sector, with a career spanning investment banking, funds management, and property development. He founded Meridien Retirement Living (now RetireAustralia), growing it into the largest privately owned retirement village operator in Australia. Now, as founder of Aura Australia, he is pioneering high-end, community-focused retirement developments.
Head of Retirement Living
CEO and Co-Founder
Glen Brown is a highly experienced executive in the retirement living sector, with 35 years in corporate leadership. He co-founded Reside Communities in 2017, focusing on resident-centric, community-driven retirement villages. Under his leadership, Reside has delivered five communities with 570 residences and a growing pipeline of 400 more across Southeast Queensland.
Director
Jen Berryman is a Director at Chanje Partners, specialising in supporting developers and operators in creating and managing seniors living communities across Australia. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, retirement living, and aged care, she is committed to delivering exceptional resident experiences that drive successful business outcomes in the sector.
National Advisory Director
Liam Carroll is a leading advisor in the seniors living sector, serving as National Advisory Director at One Fell Swoop. With over 15 years of experience, he provides expert guidance on market assessments, development strategy, and financial modelling. His deep industry knowledge helps operators navigate the evolving seniors living landscape with data-driven insights.
Architect, Partner
Justin O’Neill is a leading architect in retirement living, bringing over 30 years of experience in designing communities that enhance senior lifestyles. As Founder and Managing Partner of O’Neill Architecture, he has pioneered innovative, resident-focused retirement developments, integrating research-driven design to create sustainable and connected living environments for Australia’s ageing population.
Associate Director
Belinda Thomas is a leading expert in seniors housing, with over 17 years of experience in strategic and statutory planning across the public and private sectors. She has managed complex residential and seniors housing projects, advising on development approvals and market trends. Belinda is a strong advocate for policy reforms to enhance the future of retirement living in Australia.
Managing Director – Asia Pacific
Ashleigh Button is a leader in the seniors living sector, overseeing Third.i’s retirement and social housing divisions, ThirdAge and Insitu Housing. As Managing Director, she drives strategic growth and operational excellence, ensuring developments meet the evolving needs of Australia’s ageing population while delivering innovative, community-focused living solutions.
Chief Executive Officer
Byron Cannon is the Chief Executive Officer of LDK Seniors’ Living, a trailblazer in retirement and aged care communities that enable seniors to age in place with dignity and independence. Under his leadership, LDK has developed The Landings in Sydney and Greenway Views in Canberra, two vibrant seniors’ living communities that integrate high-quality residences, personalised care, and a strong sense of community.
Founder & Executive Director
Tamar Krebs is the founder and Executive Director of Group Homes Australia, pioneering a revolutionary approach to dementia care. Since 2011, she has championed small, home-like environments integrated into local communities, offering personalised, dignified support for those living with dementia.
With a background in health service management and gerontology, Tamar is a recognised leader in reimagining aged care. Her commitment to human-centred care, workforce innovation, and industry disruption continues to shape the future of dementia support in Australia.
General Manager Corporate Development,
Social Infrastructure
Linda Krall is the General Manager of Corporate Development within the Social Infrastructure business at Australian Unity, overseeing the management and growth of the Group’s 36 seniors living assets, including residential aged care and retirement villages. She leads new development, M&A activity, and strategic partnerships to expand Australian Unity’s presence in the sector.
Principal and Regional Director
Frank Ehrenberg is a global leader in seniors living and aged care design, with over 25 years of experience delivering high-profile projects across Australia and internationally. As part of his firm’s global retirement living leadership team, he influences the design of age-friendly and dementia-friendly housing worldwide.
A passionate advocate for innovative seniors living solutions, Frank has spoken nationally and internationally on the future of integrated, resident-focused communities. His expertise lies in balancing client needs, project context, and collaborative design to create high-quality, sustainable living environments that enhance the lives of ageing populations.
Head of Alternatives – Valuation and Advisory
David Bruce-Clarke is a leading expert in alternative real estate sectors, with over 30 years of experience in valuations, strategic advisory, and investment consulting. As National Senior Director at Cushman & Wakefield, he specializes in seniors living, healthcare, and other alternative assets, advising financiers, investors, and government authorities on complex, large-scale projects.
With 20 years dedicated to alternative investments, David has extensive expertise in valuations, feasibility studies, acquisitions, and divestments. His work supports REITs, superannuation funds, global investment managers, and developers, helping shape the future of seniors living and aged care in Australia.
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