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The ARQRV

 (The Association of Residents of Queensland Retirement Villages)
 

Your Website for News and Information

• Aims of this Association
• About the ARQRV
• Membership Form

Aims of this Association

The ARQRV will promote the concept of living in Retirement Villages as a preferred, and affordable retirement option to which the elderly – and the not quite so elderly – can retire in comfort, dignity and security.  Here they will be able to enjoy a convenient, and congenial lifestyle where leisurely and pleasurable activities outnumber the chores.

The ARQRV aims to advance and protect the rights and interests of ALL residents in Queensland Retirement Villages whether they are Pensioners or Independent Retirees.

The ARQRV will act as an advocate for Residents living in FREEHOLD, LEASEHOLD OR LOAN/LICENCE units on issues which are of concern to ALL older Australians.

About the ARQRV

Accommodation for the elderly has been, and remains a concern for any caring Society.  These days we have to expect to pay our way; otherwise we couldn’t have the standard of accommodation and services Retirement Villages provide today.

Why Do We Need This Association?

In recent decades, the Retirement Villages scene in Queensland, and other states has witnessed the entry of National and Multinational companies, and their market share has rapidly increased.  The emergence of the “for profit” motive, and companies’ commercial responsibilities to shareholders has introduced a new dimension to the concept of Retirement Villages.  The rules of commerce are now much more in evidence: Caveat Emptor – Let the buyer beware!

A balance has to be struck between these commercial interests, and the interests and well-being of Retirement Village residents which do not always coincide.  These commercial enterprises are very well resourced with influential lobby groups, and legal firms acting on their behalf.

The Association of Residents of Queensland Retirement Villages (ARQRV) was formed in 1992 on the advice of the then Minister for Consumer Affairs to represent the interests of Retirement Village Residents in negotiations with the industry and all levels of government.  The Association represents residents from Leasehold, Loan/Licence and Freehold Retirement Villages.

The ARQRV is an organisation with an informed knowledge of the legislation pertaining to Retirement Villages, and an understanding of the structure and function of the Retirement Village industry.  The ARQRV has to be familiar with all aspects of lifestyles in Retirement Villages, and sensitive to the needs and aspirations of the residents.  We believe the ARQRV fulfils those roles.

What Else Does This Association Do?

The ARQRV encourages the formation of Residents’ Committees in Retirement Villages – your village voice, as provided for by the Retirement Villages Act (RVA).  The Association also encourages residents to play a more active role in the administrative and financial affairs of their village.  Meetings and Newsletters, and this website also help to promote this role.

Even though the ARQRV Committee are unpaid volunteers from Retirement Villages they are usually available to advise and answer questions from residents and prospective residents by email, letter or phone about village life and its relevant legislation.

The ARQRV publishes a quarterly Newsletter that keeps members informed about issues that may affect residents in Retirement Villages.  Some elderly residents are not always aware of their rights as citizens or as residents in a Retirement Village.  What residents are entitled to expect in Retirement Villages is a topic dealt with in the Newsletters and this website.

How Does The ARQRV Function?

The Association has ten volunteers from Retirement Villages throughout Queensland who form the Executive Committee.  This committee is elected annually at an Annual General Meeting of members of the Association.  Any members may nominate or be nominated for this committee.

In each Retirement Village in which we have members we encourage a volunteer to act as the Association’s “Liaison Officer”.  The Liaison Officer undertakes to:-

1. Distribute the Newsletters to members’ mailboxes.
2. Collect members’ annual subscriptions and remit them to the Association’s Treasurer.
3. Recruit new members.
4. Facilitates the two way flow of information between their members and the Executive Committee.

Membership of the Association currently involves an annual subscription – unless one is a Life Member – covering January to December.  The subscription covers one or more residents living in the unit.  New members joining on or after the 1st October will be credited with membership till the end of the following year.

Membership form

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