Capability, Connection and Confidence
Our Professional Development Days remain the heartbeat of the DCM Institute program – inspiring, connecting, and empowering village professionals right across Australia.
Following the strong momentum of our February series, we’re bringing our signature Professional Development Days back to five capital cities this July and August.
In 2026, we’re once again delivering fresh insights and practical tools designed to elevate your leadership capability and strengthen village sales and operations.
When Independence Ends: Navigating the Final Stage of Village Life
The profile of retirement village residents is changing and with it, the expectations placed on village teams, leaders, and organisations.
Residents are moving in later. Health needs are emerging sooner. Sales conversations are becoming more complex. Operational pressures are increasing. And head office teams are being asked to balance resident outcomes with risk, compliance, and business performance.
Registrations
DCM Institute Participants, your registration to the Professional Development Day is included in your subscription and gives you the opportunity to network on the day, including access to all the presentations from the event.
Registration for participants
Included in membership
Single Event Participant
$350 + GST per person
This is no longer just an operational challenge - it sits across the entire village model
This July and August, DCM Institute’s Professional Development Days return to five capital cities with a program designed to explore one of the most important and often difficult questions facing the sector:
What happens when independence ends and what does that mean for how we sell, operate and lead our villages?
These events bring together professionals from across sales, village operations, and head office leadership for a day of practical discussion, shared insight and real-world learning.
Together, we will explore:
- how changing resident profiles are reshaping the sales journey
- the growing complexity of supporting residents over time
- the operational realities when needs escalate
- the organisational and legal implications for operators
- how to align teams across the resident lifecycle — from entry through to exit
As with all DCM Institute Professional Development Days, the focus is not on theory alone, but on the real decisions, conversations, and pressures being faced across villages every day.
Legal Sessions Return
As resident needs become more complex, so too do the legal considerations for village operators. This session will focus on residents exiting the village and provide practical advice on the current legal landscape.
Bianca McGoldrick
Partner, Jackson McDonald
Perth
Peter Brennan
Senior Associate, MinterEllison
Adelaide
Tammy Berghofer
Partner, MinterEllison
Brisbane
Jonathan Chow
Special Counsel, MinterEllison
Sydney
Victorian Exclusive: Understanding the Reforms
A dedicated 90-minute session for Victorian attendees, unpacking what the latest reforms mean across the full resident lifecycle from ingoing to living to exiting.
Delivered in partnership with Russell Kennedy, this session breaks down complex changes into practical insights for sales, operations, and leadership roles. Each stage is explored through focused presentation and facilitated Q&A, ensuring relevance to real-world village scenarios.
A must-attend for those looking to understand not just what is changing but what it means in practice.
Donna Rayner
Principal, Russell Kennedy
Melbourne
Why Attend
This is not a compliance seminar or a lecture-style conference. It is a professional learning experience designed by village professionals, for village professionals.
You will leave with:
- a clearer understanding of the dependent living challenge in villages today
- practical insight into the legal, operational and human dimensions of resident transitions
- stronger confidence to navigate difficult conversations
- shared perspectives from peers facing similar challenges
- tools and ideas to support thoughtful decision-making in complex situations
As with all DCM Institute events, Professional Development Days also provide valuable opportunities to connect with others across the sector, exchange experiences, and build relationships with peers facing many of the same pressures. Networking and professional connection remain a key part of the day’s value.
NOT TO BE MISSED
Attendance at our Professional Development Days is one of the many benefits of being a participant in the DCM Institute’s Program.
We continue to make these professional development and networking days available to non-members for $350 + GST per person. This is a small, valuable investment and will set you up for success as we enter Spring – the best time of year for sales.
These days start with registration from 8.30am with a 9.00am start, finishing at 3.00pm.
| City | Location | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | Crowne Adelaide | Tuesday 21 July | Download Program |
| Perth | Crown Perth | Thursday 23 July | Download Program |
| Brisbane | Brisbane Marriott Hotel | Tuesday 28 July | Download Program |
| Melbourne | Novotel on Collins | Thursday 30 July | Download Program |
| Sydney | Pullman Sydney Hyde Park | Wednesday 5 August | Download Program |
| Sydney | Pullman Sydney Hyde Park | Thursday 6 August | Download Program |
Thank you to our Professional Development Days 2026 sponsor:
Since 2005, Greenworx have been providing a variety of outdoor management services across a wide range of commercial facilities including aged care and retirement living.
‘The Greenworx Way’ describes a commitment and focus on safety, quality, integrity and sustainability. With proven experience, expertise, dedication and a passionate team, Greenworx are always seeking to improve their delivery model through innovation, supporting their partners and solving problems.