Victorian Lunch & Learn identifies “What to do now” for operators
Earlier this week, the DCM Institute hosted a Lunch & Learn webinar with representatives from Consumer Affairs Victoria. The topic: Unpacking the Victorian Retirement Village reforms that commenced on 1 May 2026.
Joined by Kaine McDonald, Implementation Lead for Retirement Village Reforms, the session provided Village Professionals with a practical overview of the changes and addressed many of the questions operators are currently navigating.
Kaine noted the reforms “touch on nearly every aspect of how you all run your villages,” including disclosure requirements, contracts, dispute resolution, capital maintenance and resident protections.
Over the course of the webinar, extra attention was given to areas generating significant operator questions, such as the new Information Statement requirements, capital maintenance planning, repairs and replacement obligations, and the updated dispute resolution pathways.
Kaine acknowledged the complexity of the changes and reinforced that Consumer Affairs Victoria’s focus is on helping operators understand and comply with the reforms through guidance, education and support.
Importantly, the presentation also highlighted the practical steps operators should be taking now to prepare and remain compliant, and those items ‘to do now’. See below.
The session also looked ahead to the next phase of reform implementation. Kaine confirmed that a second round of consultation is expected in May/June through a Regulatory Impact Statement process on Engage Victoria.
This next phase will focus on:
- The proposed Code of Practice
- The annual operator fee
- Additional prescribed forms
Consumer Affairs Victoria encouraged operators to participate in the consultation process and continue engaging with the available guidance resources as implementation progresses.
DCM Institute will continue supporting Village Professionals through these reforms, including a deeper practical discussion at the upcoming Professional Development Day in Melbourne on 30 July.
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