ABOUT ARQRV

It could be said that Retirement Villages have their origin in the eighteenth century and earlier Almshouses of England and Europe, which were provided and maintained as charitable institutions by churches and local parishes – accommodation for the elderly poor. From that time, accommodation for the elderly has been and remains a concern of any caring Society.

We have come a long way since those times and these days we expect to have to pay our way; otherwise we couldn’t have the standard of accommodation and services that present day retirement villages provide. In that gradual evolution from almshouses to retirement villages,  churches and other charitable institutions have led the way.

Why Is An Association Needed?

In recent decades, the retirement villages scene has witnessed the entry into it of commercial interests, and their market share is increasing. The emergence of the "for profit" motive and its attendant commercial responsibility to shareholders for a profitable return on their investment, 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 commercial interests and the interests and well-being of village residents which, almost inevitably, do not always coincide. Those whose interests in retirement villages are as a commercial enterprise are very well resourced and have influential lobby groups and law firms acting on their behalf.

To try to bring a degree of balance into the equation is the reason that the Association of Residents of Queensland Retirement Villages was formed. It came into being in 1992, on the advice of the then Minister for Consumer Affairs, with the purpose of representing the interests of Village residents in negotiations with the industry and all levels of Government.  This refers both to Leasehold Retirement Villages and to Freehold Retirement Villages.

There needed to be an organisation with an informed knowledge of the legislation pertaining to Retirement Villages and an understanding of the structure and function of the Retirement Villages industry. An organisation that was familiar with all aspects of lifestyle in Retirement Villages and sensitive to the needs and aspirations of residents. An organisation to mobilise our powerbase, our "Grey Power" We believe the Association of Residents of Queensland Retirement Villages (ARQRV} fulfils those roles.

What Else Does The Association Do?

It encourages the formation of Residents’ committees in villages – your village voice, as provided for by the Retirement Villages Act, and encourages residents to play a more active role in the administrative and financial affairs of their village.

We are always available to advise and answer questions from residents and prospective residents about any facet of village life and about Retirement Villages legislation.

The Association publishes a quarterly newsletter that keeps members abreast of anything which is happening that influences or impacts upon retirement village living. With our advancing years, residents are not always aware of their continuing rights as citizens or of their newly acquired rights as village residents. Through the columns of the newsletter, and these web pages, the Association attempts to draw attention to what residents are entitled to expect in Retirement Villages.

How Does The Association Function?

The Association has a voluntary Executive Committee of ten village residents elected annually at an annual general meeting of residents. Any residents of Queensland Retirement Villages who are members of the Association may nominate or be nominated for a place on the Committee.

In each village in which we have members, a resident has volunteered to be 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 office.
The valuable contribution made by liaison officers is crucial to our operation.

Membership

Membership of the Association currently involves an annual subscription; the year runs from January to December. Subscription covers one or more residents living in that Unit.  New members joining on or after the 1st October will be credited with membership till the end of the following year. 

The strength and effectiveness of the Association depends entirely upon its membership; we invite you to join us and add your strength and voice to ours.  

You can obtain a form from your village Liaison Officer after completing the form, it can be handed to him or her with you subscription. 

Or, if you do not have, or don't know, your liaison officer you can print it by clicking the link below

Membership Form

From this site, complete the form and send it to the address on the form with your subscription