Around 80 prospective residents gathered last Friday for Calvary Health Care’s inaugural “Transition into Retirement Living” education session – an event designed to help older Australians and their families navigate the move with confidence.

Held at Calvary Ryde Retirement Community, 13km north-west of Sydney’s CBD, the program brought together specialists in moving, financial planning, real estate and legal matters – covering the questions that typically stall decisions. A Resident Experience Panel added lived perspective, with current residents detailing their journeys and day-to-day life in the community.

The momentum was tangible. In December 2023, Calvary Ryde’s 147 units sat at 79.9% occupancy. The audience was told that figure had since risen to 93%. Then came the kicker.

“The fact we landed a few deposits on our last remaining pieces of stock was a bonus too,” said Mark Eagleston, Calvary’s National Adviser, Retirement Living.

Asked to clarify, he added: “We actually had people with $1,000 in cash trying to hand it to us as they didn’t want to miss out. We worked it through with them the correct way for a transfer the following day. Occupancy is now 98%.”