At the openining of the 2025 Property Council of Australia National Retirement Living Summit, the Retirement Living Council (RLC) inducted two of the sector’s most respected figures: David Moran, CEO of Southern Cross Care SA, VIC & NT, and Rosemary Southgate, Principal at lawyers Russell Kennedy, as Honorary Life Members, recognising their outstanding contributions to the industry over several decades.
David, who spoke at DCM Institute's Village Summit in 2023, has more than 20 years of executive experience across retirement living and aged care. Since joining Southern Cross Care in 2011 – and serving as CEO since 2017 – David has played a pivotal role in the organisation’s impact and growth including its “Better for life” health promotion agenda and expansion into Victoria. David’s long-standing involvement with the Retirement Villages Association (RVA), Property Council of Australia and the RLC has helped shape meaningful legislative and regulatory reform across the sector.
“It is just so humbling to have the privilege of being recognised with Honorary Life Membership of the RLC alongside the names of luminaries that I have personally learned from and stood on the shoulders of,” David stated. “The sector’s generous collaboration and focus on resident engagement and wellbeing have always been its most enduring qualities.”
Rosemary, who is highly regarded at the DCM Institute for her regular appearances, has been a cornerstone of legal expertise in the retirement living space for decades. A Law Institute of Victoria Property Law Accredited Specialist, Rosemary has been recognised multiple times by Best Lawyers, including being named "Lawyer of the Year" for Retirement Villages and Senior Living Law in 2024, 2019 and 2014.
“I am honoured to receive this award from the RLC,” said Rosemary. “I have enjoyed working with the RLC and its members over many years. The RLC is vital for the retirement living sector and leads the way with its advocacy and thought leadership work.”
Beyond her legal expertise, Rosemary has devoted significant time, resources and advocacy to the sector through her work on the Property Council’s Victorian Retirement Living Committee and the RLC’s national committees.
RLC President and Aveo Chief Executive Officer, Tony Randello, said the sector is stronger thanks to the leadership of both honourees.
“David and Rosemary have each played an enormous role in shaping the retirement living industry into what it is today,” Tony said.
“Their dedication, integrity, and long-term commitment to improving the lives of older Australians have made a lasting impact on the sector – and on the thousands of people who call our communities home.”
David and Rosemary joins M-L MacDonald, Peter Nilsson, Jim Hazel, Derek McMillan and Alison Quinn as Honorary Life Members.
