2024-03-13
The ACT Government has announced a $25,000 grant to the ACT Retirement Villages Residents Association (ACT RVRA) to enhance support for retirement village residents across the ACT.
This funding will help the ACT RVRA to empower residents and residents’ committees to confidently understand and exercise their rights.
Key objectives funded by this grant include:
- Enhancing the RVRA’s capabilities: Funding will support a ‘virtual’ office, dedicated phone line and resources to provide a reliable point of contact and information exchange for residents and stakeholders.
- Building awareness: The grant helps the ACT RVRA promote itself directly within retirement villages as a source of support for residents, and to engage with government agencies and participate in relevant forums to showcase their work and best practices.
- Enhancing communication: Resources will go towards newsletters for residents and informational materials, including ensuring residents without internet access receive vital updates.
The funding comes from interest generated from the sale of uncollected goods under the Uncollected Goods Act 1996. It has been held in the Uncollected Goods Charitable and Social Welfare Fund, which is administered by GreaterGood.
The GreaterGood foundation was established by the ACT’s Public Trustee and Guardian to provide long-term financial support to charities and community initiatives in the capital region.
Quotes attributable to Shane Rattenbury, MLA, Minister for Consumer Affairs
“This grant demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of senior Canberrans by empowering them with knowledge of their rights as residents in retirement villages, enhancing protections for seniors within our community.
“Ensuring retirement village residents have the resources to effectively advocate for themselves is essential for fostering thriving and equitable communities.”
“The ACT RVRA is made up entirely of dedicated volunteers, who give their time and energy to supporting other residents to navigate retirement village living. I am pleased to support their work with this grant that will amplify their efforts.”
Quotes attributable to John Beagle, President of the ACT RVRA
“The ACT RVRA welcomes the grant of $25,000 to the association to enable the association to more effectively advance and protect the interests of residents and prospective residents of ACT Retirement Villages.
“By strengthening the activities of the ACT RVRA, the funding will make a tangible difference to the lives of ACT retirement village residents and prospective residents, who will be provided with independent information, advice, advocacy and representation, and the knowledge they need to understand and exercise their rights, and actively participate in their community.”