Sally Taylor | Belinda Hegarty | Patrick Abolakian

Industry experts discuss how recent changes to New South Wales planning laws are enabling greater innovation in retirement villages, particularly through co-locating small aged care facilities. A retirement village operator explains how incorporating a 10-bed RACF at their Narabine development provides planning advantages including direct SSDA processing and increased floor space ratios.

The discussion covers the growing recognition of seniors housing as essential infrastructure, with planning departments now treating it similarly to affordable housing. While debate continues about whether retirement villages should directly provide care services, operators are increasingly partnering with established care providers like Uniting Care to meet resident needs.

Westpac representatives emphasise their support for various retirement village models and the sector's important role in addressing Australia's aging population challenges.

Conversations at the Wharf with:
Sally Taylor - Managing Director - Retirement by Moran
Belinda Hegarty - National General Manager Healthcare & Professional Services - Westpac
Patrick Abolakian - Property, Sales & Marketing - Hyecorp Property Group