Retirement Living Summit

A one-day conference exploring the future of retirement living in Australia.

Program

NETWORKING

8:30 AM

Registration and Networking

KEYNOTE

9:00 AM

The Big Consumer Shift

From traditional seniors living & aged care to lifestyle-led retirement communities

A new wave of retirees is reshaping the market, moving away from institutional aged care towards lifestyle-driven communities that prioritise wellness, connection and amenity. Developers are responding with resort-style living, integrated healthcare and social infrastructure to meet shifting expectations.

This session explores consumer trends, emerging design models and the future of retirement living in Australia.

KEYNOTE

Liam Carroll

National Advisory Director

One Fell Swoop

PANEL

Simon Owen

Chief Executive Officer

Eureka Group Holdings Limited

Justin O'Neill

Architect, Partner

O'Neill Architecture

KEYNOTE

9:50 AM

From CBDs to Coasts: Location in Focus

Exploring where retirement projects of the future will be located

As demand for high-quality retirement communities grows, developers are reassessing location strategies—balancing urban vertical villages, coastal lifestyle communities and regional expansion.

This session unpacks key growth markets, evolving consumer preferences, and investment trends shaping the next generation of retirement living.

KEYNOTE

Belinda Thomas

Associate Director

Urbis

PANEL

Tim Russell

Director

Aura Holdings

Glen Brown

CEO and Co-Founder

Reside Communities

Jen Berryman

Director

Chanje Partners

NETWORKING

10:40 AM

Morning Tea

PRESENTATION

11.20 AM

Global Innovations in Retirement Living

Lessons from leading senior communities worldwide

Across the globe, developers are rethinking the traditional retirement village model—moving towards multi-generational precincts and wellness-focused communities.

This case study explores innovative senior living projects from around the world, including designs by Life3A, that showcase new approaches to independence, connectivity and quality of life.

PRESENTER

Frank Ehrenberg

Principal and Regional Director

Marchesepartners/Life3A

PRESENTATION

11:35 AM

Policy Briefing: Retirement Sector in Focus

A breakdown of the sector’s key legal, policy and regulatory changes

From tightening consumer protections to evolving planning controls, the regulatory landscape for retirement living is shifting fast. Developers and investors need to stay ahead of compliance, funding models and policy changes that will shape the sector.

This session breaks down key legislative updates, legal risks and opportunities, offering insights on how to navigate an evolving market.

PRESENTER

Tammy Berghofer

Partner

MinterEllison

PRESENTATION

11:50 AM

Valuation Methodologies for Retirement Living

Different methods for different models in the sector

With a growing pipeline of retirement villages, land lease communities and aged care developments, understanding asset valuation is more critical than ever. From deferred management fees and government-backed models to yield-based investment strategies, each asset class presents unique financial challenges.

This session explores how different retirement living models are valued, offering insights for developers, investors and operators.

PRESENTER

David Bruce-Clarke

Head of Alternatives - Valuation and Advisory

Cushman & Wakefield

PRESENTATION

12:05 PM

Delivering The Verge at Burleigh

A new standard for vertical retirement living

PRESENTER

Judi Hutchinson

Senior Development Manager

RetireAustralia

NETWORKING

12:20 PM

Networking Lunch

PRESENTATION

1:30 PM

Empowering Retirement Living with Advanced Fibre Technology

The Role of smart fibre networks in creating connected communities

As retirement communities evolve, fast, secure, and scalable digital infrastructure is essential. Opticomm’s advanced fibre technology plays a crucial role in enhancing resident experience, improving security, and reducing long-term costs for developers. By leveraging Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP), retirement communities can future-proof their infrastructure and provide residents with the connectivity they need for a fulfilling and connected life.

High-speed fibre networks support modern retirement living needs, enabling telehealth, communication, and entertainment.
Smart security systems, WiFi, and energy monitoring enhance community safety and efficiency.
Real-world case studies demonstrate the positive impact of fibre solutions on residents’ quality of life.
Future-ready infrastructure reduces capital and maintenance costs for developers, ensuring long-term viability.

PRESENTER

Daniel Roates

Chief Revenue Officer

Opticomm

PANEL

1:45 PM

Insights from The Major Players

What is their strategic approach to new projects in the coming years?

“With major institutional and private developers steering the future of retirement living, the question is: where are they investing, expanding or pivoting next?

This panel unpacks market drivers, portfolio strategies, and investment trends, from the rise of land lease and rental models to shifting capital flows shaping the sector’s future.”

SPEAKERS

Anna Gorgijeski

Head of Retirement Living

Ozcare

Linda Krall

General Manager Corporate Development, Social Infrastructure

Australian Unity

Jason Fitzgerald

Development Director

Keyton

PANEL

2:15 PM

The Rise of Alternative Retirement Living Models

Meet the industry players putting their money where their mouth is

With demand for flexible, lifestyle-driven retirement options accelerating, private developers are exploring new models beyond traditional villages. From land lease communities and vertical retirement villages to rental-based accommodation, alternative approaches are gaining traction.

This panel brings together leading private developers to explore market demand, financial and planning considerations and the evolution of retirement living.

SPEAKERS

Ashleigh Button

Managing Director

Third.i

Tamar Krebs

Founder and Executive Director

Group Homes Australia

Byron Cannon

Chief Executive Officer

LDK Seniors' Living

INTERVIEW

2:45 PM

Fireside Chat: Justin Harrison, The Village Retirement Group

From building communities to shaping the future of retirement living

At the helm of Village Retirement Group, Justin Harrison has spent decades shaping some of Australia’s most successful and community-driven retirement villages.

In this candid fireside chat, he’ll cut through the noise to unpack what’s driving demand, the challenges of delivering at scale and how developers can respond to a rapidly evolving sector.