Frequently asked questions

Sirovilla has been around for over 50 years, having been originally established in the early 1970s by the social club of the CSIRO in Belmont. The first 8 units were built on the Highton site in 1975, with the remainder of the 64 units in total built over seven stages up until 2008, which is when the community centre and offices were added.  Sirovilla then purchased the Lions Club Village to establish Sirovilla Anglesea, and has more recently taken on the management of Sirovilla Lorne and Sirovilla Point Lonsdale.

Highton (64 units), both one and two bedrooms – 32-52 Broughton Street Highton VIC 3216

Anglesea (18 units), both one and two bedrooms – 32-34 Murray Street Anglesea VIC 3230

Lorne (16 units), one bedroom only – 4 Clissold Street Lorne VIC 3232

Point Lonsdale (16 units), one bedroom only – 2 Nelson Rd Point Lonsdale VIC 3225

Sirovilla’s main office is located at Sirovilla Highton, 32-52 Broughton Drive, Highton VIC 3216. Phone (03) 5241 1517   Email info@sirovilla.org.au.   Open 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday. Staff also travel to and work from the other Sirovilla villages from week to week.

Sirovilla owns, manages and maintains Sirovilla Highton Village and Sirovilla Anglesea Village. Sirovilla manages and maintains both Sirovilla Lorne Village and Sirovilla Point Lonsdale Village under a long-term lease arrangement.

Social housing is typically government-run or government-funded.  Sirovilla is classified as community housing, so it is not funded by the government and relies on rental income to meet all management and maintenance costs.

Yes, Sirovilla Incorporated is a charity also referred to as a “not-for-profit” or “profit-for-purpose” organisation.  Sirovilla is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).  Sirovilla Incorporated is a registered Public Benevolent Institution with charity tax concession status and is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

Sirovilla does not offer urgent or crisis housing. We appreciate that many people are in need, and offers are made based on the next person on the list for that village.

Sirovilla is not an aged care facility. Sirovilla villages are retirement villages comprised of one and two-bedroom units, all designed to accommodate people who can live independently in individual units.  Sirovilla does not provide nursing care, medical care, assistance buttons, laundry services, cleaning services, in-home care or meals.  Our residents arrange access to these supports themselves, either via family and friends or via their My Aged Care provider.

To provide and further develop affordable housing for independent low-income seniors in connected village communities. We will do this by acting in accordance with our values. Our governance will reflect integrity and transparency. We will be respectful in all our interactions. We will ensure that our residents are supported equitably and empowered by being engaged and informed.

The experienced and dedicated Operations Team at Sirovilla Retirement Village is responsible for the smooth day-to-day running of our four villages — Highton, Anglesea, Lorne and Point Lonsdale. United by a shared commitment to quality, care, and community, the team brings a diverse range of skills to support residents and ensure each village remains a safe, welcoming, and well-maintained environment.

Our Operations Team also includes our Maintenance Team, who are responsible for all Maintenance Work Orders, Capital Maintenance, Gardens and Refurbishments across our four villages.

Sirovilla’s main office is located at Sirovilla Highton, open between 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday.  Staff also travel to and work from the other Sirovilla villages week to week.

Sirovilla is governed by a skills-based voluntary Board, which meets every two months and is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organisation.

The Board is responsible for Strategic and Corporate Governance, which ensures the longevity, financial and social sustainability, and ongoing viability of the villages.

The Board also operates various sub-committees to assist in providing sound corporate governance and holds its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the second half of the year.  At the AGM, the Board presents the Annual Report, which includes audited financial accounts.  The Annual Report is a public document and is available to all residents.  Interested residents can pick up a copy from the Sirovilla Office.

Sirovilla was first established in the early 1970s by the Social Club of the CSIRO in Belmont as the Sirovilla Elderly People’s Homes Society. The use of the ‘Siro’ in the name is based on the in-house name for CSIRO, and it was also the custom within the CSIRO to give new technologies a ‘SIRO’ prefix, with an early example from the Belmont laboratory being called ‘Siroset’.  So it was a natural extension to name the new Society ‘SIROVILLA’, but on that occasion it was for a bold social initiative, rather than the latest piece of CSIRO technology.

Sirovilla Highton 32-52 Broughton Drive, Highton, Geelong, Victoria 3216, just off the Colac Highway across the road from The Geelong Christian College Preparatory School.

Sirovilla Highton Village is located on a beautifully landscaped three-hectare property in inner Geelong. The village offers 64 well-designed one- and two-bedroom units, all enjoying a desirable northerly aspect. Thoughtfully positioned to balance privacy with supportive neighbours, our units provide a peaceful and secure environment for seniors able to live independently.

Sirovilla Highton Village contains 64 units –  45 one-bedroom and 19 two-bedroom units

There is a striking, architecturally designed Community Hall at Sirovilla Highton that was constructed in 2008.  This building is attached to the Sirovilla main office building in the centre of the village.  It can be accessed by residents via a door with a pin code, and houses the library, main function space, a fully equipped kitchen and bathrooms, as well as an outdoor BBQ and eating area.  The Sirovilla Highton Social Club utilises this space for many events and casual get-togethers, along with weekly bowls, darts, tai chi and craft groups.

The Sirovilla Highton Village is ideally situated a five-minute walk to the Belmont Bowls Club and Medical centre, as well as being close to  Leisurelink Fitness and Swim Centre, Waurn Ponds Library, Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre, Reading Cinemas, Aldi, Radius imaging, as well as the Belmont High Street shops and services.

Sirovilla Highton Village has a dedicated minibus that can be booked if residents wish to go on outings. We have volunteers who are willing to help with transport. The outings are usually organised through the Sirovilla Highton Social Club.  In addition, Sirovilla provides a private weekly shuttle service for residents to access the Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre with ease.

Public buses run regularly to both the Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre and central Geelong.

There is a public bus stop on Colac Rd outside Sirovilla Highton, going north to the city on the same side as Sirovilla and returning southbound on the opposite side of Colac Hwy.

The Public Transport Victoria (PTV) Bus #1 North Shore Station Route, northbound takes about 20minutes to Geelong city. It travels down Colac Rd, stopping along High St past all the Belmont High St shops, medical practices, Belmont library, restaurants, Coles, Aldi, and Kmart before continuing onto Moorabool St, past the Kardinia Oval at GMHBA Stadium, terminating at the Moorabool St Bus Stops outside Market Square and a short walk to Westfield Geelong in Geelong city centre. This route takes approximately 20mins.

Bus #1 also continues on to the Geelong waterfront, Geelong Station, through Geelong West on Shannon Ave, through North Geelong, Corio, Norlane, terminating at North Shore Station.

Trains from Geelong Station operate regularly up to Melbourne Southern Cross Station on Spencer Street taking approximately 1 hour. The Melbourne-Geelong train time table can be found here. 

The PTV Bus #1 Deakin University Route, south bound takes about 2 minutes to Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre.  Departing from across the road from Sirovilla, it stops at Leisurelink Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Waurn Ponds Library and Aldi before continuing on to outside Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre where you can access 140 stores including Woolworths, Coles, Kmart, Target, Reading Cinema, Cotton On, Priceline,First Choice Liquor and about 20 restaurants.

The #1 Bus Timetable and route can be found here.

Highton has onsite parking, which varies from garages, carports and general outside parking. The garages and carports are allocated based on a waiting list.  The parking is not attached to the unit but will most likely be nearby.  Resident parking is solely for residents, and a parking area has been allocated near the Sirovilla Office for visitor parking.

There is a free village library space at the Community Centre, where residents can settle in to read the daily delivered newspaper and borrow books whenever they wish.

There are two public libraries close by Sirovilla Highton; Waurn Ponds Library, 1.3km down the road or a 2-minute bus ride, and Belmont Library, 2.4km or a 6-minute bus ride to Belmont High Street.

Yes, there is a Community Vegetable Garden area at Sirovilla Highton. Individual residents work their own allocated plots and enjoy the spoils of their labour.  All residents may request their own plot when they join the Sirovilla villa community.

Residents currently enjoy weekly Tai Chi sessions, indoor bowls, weekly takeaway nights, Sunday BBQs and weekly “stitch and knit” craft sessions.

Sirovilla Highton has a very active social club that residents are welcome to join.  The social club arranges many regular day trips around Geelong, the Surf Coast and the Bellarine as well as overnight trips of  2-3 days to other places in Victoria.

The social club arranges Sunday barbeques, special event luncheons for Melbourne Cup, AFL Grand Final, regular raffles and other events throughout the year, along with take away nights in the Community Hall.  All activities are voluntary, and residents pick and choose the events they are interested in attending.

Sirovilla’s main office is located at Sirovilla Highton, 32-52 Broughton Drive, Highton VIC 3216. Phone (03) 5241 1517   Email info@sirovilla.org.au Open 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

Staff also travel to and work from the other Sirovilla villages from week to week.

You can collect your mail from the individual mailboxes located outside the Sirovilla Highton Office. The mailboxes are lockable, and residents are issued a key when they take possession of their unit.

There is an “unofficial” outgoing mailbox that is emptied by Australia Post.  This is only emptied when mail is delivered, so it may not be cleared every day.  All letters must be stamped before being placed in the outgoing mailbox.

From time to time, you will receive flyers from Sirovilla staff or the social club regarding upcoming events, though these are being sent out mostly via email now.

Parcels should be addressed to the resident’s name and unit number.  Most of the couriers, Australia Post deliveries and mail services will drop off parcels at the Sirovilla Highton Office during business hours. The Sirovilla Office Reception will send a text message to the resident to let them know that their parcel has been delivered and they can collect it when next up at the office.

Larger deliveries such as appliances, white goods and furniture tend to be directly to the door of the unit.

Yes, there is a notice board at Sirovilla Highton outside the Sirovilla Highton Office next to the mailboxes.  This is an important communication point.  Here you will find upcoming events along with other important information.  We encourage you to regularly stop by the noticeboard.

There are three bin storage bays in the village that contain: There are red lid wheelie bins for general waste, yellow lid wheelie bins for recyclable items (not soft plastics), and green lid wheelie bins for garden cuttings. Residents are responsible for dropping off their rubbish into the correct bin.

The bin storage bays are located at (1) The Maintenance Shed on the main driveway, (2) Bus Stop Gate closest to the Colac Hwy, and (3) Centrally behind the Garages next to unit 3.

Our maintenance team then takes all the bins out on a Tuesday night for collection on a Wednesday morning, and then the maintenance team cleans the bins and returns them to the three bin storage bays.

The Sirovilla Maintenance Team also organises a village-wide hard rubbish collection at least once a year.

The Sirovilla Maintenance Team also organises a village-wide hard rubbish collection at least once a year.

Sirovilla Anglesea is located at 32-34 Murray Street, Anglesea VIC 3230, in the heart of Anglesea, just moments away from the beach.

Sirovilla Anglesea Village is home to a warm, welcoming, and close-knit community housed in 18 units set amongst well-established gardens across a 1.28-acre site.

Sirovilla Anglesea Village contains 18 units – 13 one-bedroom and 5 two-bedroom units

The Community Hall is a communal area where everyone is welcome and is encouraged to use.  Whilst many organised activities are held here, it can also be a place for you to sit and enjoy the garden, read the paper, or even attempt one of the puzzles that are often on the go.  Tea and coffee are always available for residents to enjoy in the fully equipped kitchen.

There is free wifi available just within the hall, and a comfortable communal lounge area with a large smart TV for enjoying the Melbourne Cup or the weekly footy games together.  The residents organise regular get-togethers, dinners, happy hour drinks, and games afternoons, along with weekly exercise classes and craft groups in the hall.

Sirovilla Anglesea is ideally positioned next to key community facilities, including the Anglesea Community House, Community Garden, Historical Society, Men’s Shed, and Medical Centre. Within easy walking distance, residents can also access the senior citizens’ centre and other local amenities.

Sirovilla has an 11-seater bus which is available for use by the village Social Clubs and staff-arranged trips.  The bus is usually based at Sirovilla Highton, but is available for Sirovilla Anglesea use during the last week of each month.

The Sirovilla Anglesea Village has an entrance on Murray St and also has a rear entrance which opens into the car park of the Anglesea Community Precinct.

All units have an allocated parking spot. Some have a garage attached to their unit, whilst others are in carports nearby.  Residents with units and parking towards the rear of the village tend to use the rear entrance from the Anglesea Community Precinct.

Car parks are available for residents only. Visitors may use the free parking on the street.

There is a library where you can borrow books free of charge.  Feel free to stop by and check out the new books.

The Geelong Regional Library offers many services, including free wi-fi and the mobile library service to Anglesea, which sets up 1.1km away in the Anglesea Shopping Centre car park on Thursdays 1 pm to 5 pm and Saturdays 9:30 am to 12 pm.  For more information, visit their website here.

The Sirovilla Anglesea Village has an entrance on Murray St and also has a rear entrance which opens into the car park of the Anglesea Community Precinct.

The stunning Anglesea Community Garden, supported by the Anglesea Community House (ACH), is located right on the rear boundary of Sirovilla Anglesea next ot the rear entrance.

It is a welcoming space, designed for people to come together, have fun, and grow organic fruit and vegetables.

Working bees are held at 9 am on the first Saturday of the month, and social events are held throughout the year. Both are great ways to get to know other people in the community. You can contact angleseacommunitygarden@gmail.com if you wish to become a member, like several other residents at the Sirovilla AngleseaVillage.

 

Yes, there is an office inside the Anglesea Village Community Hall.  Staff work from here regularly and are available for face-to-face meetings on those days.

You can collect your mail from the individual mailboxes located outside the community hall office. The mailboxes are lockable, and residents are issued a key when they take possession of their unit. Mail is usually delivered late afternoon – although this varies.

There is an “unofficial” outgoing mailbox that is emptied by Australia Post.  This is only emptied when mail is delivered, so it may not be cleared every day.  All letters must be stamped before being placed in the outgoing mailbox.

From time to time, you will receive flyers from Sirovilla staff or the social club regarding upcoming events, though these are being sent out mostly via email now.

There is a noticeboard located next to the mailboxes and another in the Community Hall. This is an important communication point.  Here you will find upcoming events along with other important information.  We encourage you to regularly stop by the noticeboard.

Sirovilla pays water and land rates to the relevant government authorities.

Residents are encouraged to look after the small garden area around their unit.  If this is not possible, residents should make their own arrangements to maintain their garden areas. This can be done by engaging a contractor privately, utilising an in-home care package, or relying on family and friends.

Sirovilla maintains all common garden areas (lawns, trees, etc).  There is a large amount of common areas for which Sirovilla is responsible.

Communal bins are located in a central location under the carport near the Maintenance shed. There are red lid wheelie bins for general waste, yellow lid wheelie bins for recyclable items (not soft plastics), and green lid wheelie bins for garden cuttings.  Residents are responsible for dropping off their rubbish into the correct bin.

Sirovilla arranges for the bins out on the street every Tuesday and brings them back in again on a Wednesday.

The Sirovilla Maintenance Team also organises a village-wide hard rubbish collection at least once a year.

Sirovilla Lorne is nestled close to the heart of Lorne at 4 Clissold St, Lorne VIC 3232

Sirovilla Village Lorne—also known as The Lorne Village—offers 16 one-bedroom units surrounded by lush, green gardens.

Established in 1973 through the dedicated efforts of the Lorne Lions Club and the broader community, The Lorne Village stands as a testament to Lorne’s spirit of volunteerism and mutual support. Over the decades, it has provided secure, affordable housing for older residents, many of whom have deep ties to the area.  The Lorne Village came under the management of Sirovilla on 1 July 2025.

Each unit includes dedicated on-site parking, ensuring convenience for residents. The village’s prime location places residents within easy walking distance of local shops, cafes, restaurants, and the picturesque beach, making daily errands and leisure activities effortlessly accessible.

Sirovilla recognises that pets contribute to the health and well-being of residents. There is extensive research that proves that pets have a positive effect in responsible households.

Residents may request approval from Sirovilla to keep one small pet in a unit, keeping in mind that Sirovilla Lorne units do not have enclosed yards, so a pet would need to remain inside. Approval and regulations for keeping a pet are subject to the Sirovilla Pet Policy.

There isn’t a dedicated Community Centre at Sirovilla Lorne Village; however, Sirovilla Operations Team uses the nearby Lorne Community Connect Hub, only a minute’s walk from Lorne Village, for meetings and events with Lorne residents.

No, Sirovilla Lorne does not have a dedicated bus.

No, there is not a library at Sirovilla Lorne at this time; however, the Sirovilla Highton Village librarian regularly sends down boxes of books and DVDs for residents to borrow.

There is not a singular community vegetable patch at Sirovilla Lorne, however, many residents have set up small vegetable gardens and greenhouse enclosures in their own garden area attached to their unit.

No, there is not a dedicated office space at Sirovilla Lorne Village; however, the Sirovilla Operations Team uses the nearby Lorne Community Connect Hub office space, only a minute’s walk from Lorne Village, for meetings and events with Lorne residents.

All residents’ mailboxes are located on Clissold St at the front of the Sirovilla Lorne Village property.  Whilst the letterboxes are not lockable, residents are welcome to place a lock on their letterbox if they wish.  Parcel deliveries can be made directly to the door of residents.

No, there is not a village notice board, however most communication from Sirovilla to Sirovilla Lorne residents is via email, newsletters and SMS notifications.

The units at Sirovilla Lorne do not have enclosed back yards and as such are not suitable for keeping a pet.

Conveniently located beside the Bellarine Community Health complex at 2 Nelson Road, Point Lonsdale, VIC 3225.

Just across the road from the beach and surrounded by lush, well-tended gardens, this peaceful village provides the perfect balance of privacy and community connection.

The Eric Tolliday units located at Sirovilla Point Lonsdale offer 16 thoughtfully refurbished one-bedroom units designed for independent senior living.

Sirovilla took over the management of the Eric Tolliday units at Sirovilla Point Lonsdale in 2022 and completely refurbished all 16 units before an official reopening in 2023.

Historically, the units at Sirovilla Point Lonsdale were known as the Eric Tolliday units, named for Eric Tolliday, who was a dedicated community member who served over 30 years as the Treasurer of the Queenscliff and District Memorial Hospital Society and the Queenscliff and District Community Health Centre. His contributions to the local community were recognized with the naming of the Eric Tolliday Units in his honor.

The units were originally opened in two stages in the early 1980s. Funding for the first eight self-contained units came from the Commonwealth Department of Social Security and was opened in 1982. Further funding was secured, and another eight units were opened in 1984.

The units sit on the crown land of the Bellarine Community Health site and are managed under a multi-decade lease by Sirovilla.

Read more about the opening of the Sirovilla Point Lonsdale Village here.

Residents need to be 67 years of age at the time of admission; however, you can apply from the age of 62 years of age.

You can apply before you are on the aged pension; however, residents need to receive a Centrelink Aged Pension income at the time of admission.

Yes, you can as long as you still qualify for a Centrelink Aged Pension as well.

Yes, you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident on the date of admission.

No, you do not have to be from Geelong or the Surf Coast to apply; however, for the Anglesea, Lorne and Point Lonsdale villages, you must have connections to the area, such as your immediate family living nearby.

Yes, most of our residents have been assessed for in-home support, and many receive different levels of support to help them continue to live independently.

We encourage all Sirovilla residents to be assessed for in-home support now, as the waiting periods to be assessed are very long.  It is best to be registered in the system even if you do not require in-home support right now, as it will be much faster to access support when you need it, which can sometimes be unexpected.

Yes, all residents must be capable of independent living, and all Sirovilla units are designed as such.  At Sirovilla, you have the comfort of knowing you are part of a community of people who are at a similar life stage as you and are there for you if you wish to connect with them.

You can apply to live at Sirovilla if you still own your own home; however, at the time of admission, you must have sold your home, continue to meet Centrelink’s criteria to receive the aged pension, and meet the maximum assets test.

Yes, most of our residents have little to no assets, and this has no bearing on them being offered a unit if they are next on the register of interest (wait list).  New residents may have total assessable assets of $200,000 or less per person at the time of admission into the village. (This does not include personal items and furniture, etc.)

All residents of Sirovilla must meet the age requirement of being 67 years of age and be eligible to receive the aged pension at the time of admission.

No, many of our residents don’t or no longer drive.  Our villages are on bus routes, are often only a 5-10-minute walk to local shops and medical services, and Highton has its own weekly bus to the local Shopping Centre. Alternatively, residents make use of taxi vouchers or have in-home support workers to do shopping and run errands through their in-home support package.

You can fill in an online form right now by clicking here.

You will receive an email confirmation from Sirovilla when your application has been received, and if you qualify, you will be added to Sirovilla’s Register of Interest (wait list) for the village(s) you have nominated.

Yes, you can download and print a copy of the Sirovilla Application Form and Facts Sheets for each village by clicking here.  Please hand in your form in person or post your completed form to our office – Sirovilla Retirement Village 32-52 Broughton Drive, Highton VIC 3216

It is free to apply to be on Sirovilla’s Register of Interest (wait list).

The wait time varies, but it is helpful to know that Sirovilla is a long-term option. You can expect to wait around 3-4 years for a unit to become available.

Anyone can apply to become a resident at Sirovilla Highton.

Sirovilla Anglesea, Sirovilla Lorne, and Sirovilla Point Lonsdale play an important community role by helping local residents afford to stay in the area when they retire, as they are often priced out of the market.

You can apply to become a resident at Sirovilla Anglesea, Sirovilla Lorne, or Sirovilla Point Lonsdale, as long as you have a connection to the area, such as history as a resident or close/immediate family living in the area.

Yes, you may be placed on the Register of Interest (wait list) for up to two villages as long as you meet the criteria to apply.

Yes, you may apply to be placed on the Register of Interest for up to two villages, but must have a connection to the surround area of those villages, such as being a resident or having close/immediate family living in the area.

Two-bedroom units are reserved for couples or anyone wishing to share – an individual can not apply to live alone in a two-bedroom unit.

It is important that if, for some reason, we can’t get in touch with you to offer you a unit, that we have an alternative person to call or email.

The provision of a Fact Sheet to a new applicant in a set format for each village is a requirement under the Retirement Villages Act.  You can request a copy of this Fact Sheet at any time.

Sirovilla does not offer urgent or crisis housing. We appreciate that many people are in need, and offers are made based on the next person on the list for that village.

It is important that if any of your details change, please let us know straight away, either via email info@sirovilla.org.au, by phone (03)5241 1517, or via the contact us section of the website.

Sirovilla provides housing on a “lease-for-life” basis where you pay rent fortnightly to live independently in your unit for as long as you are able.

Rent is paid fortnightly and comprises two amounts.

Firstly, an amount equal to 25% of your total fortnightly income plus 100% of Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA).

Rent = 25% of Total Income + 100% Commonwealth Rent Assistance

Example

Total Fortnightly Income = $1,200

(Centrelink aged pension plus any other income, such as shares or superannuation)

25 % of $1,200 = $300

Plus 100% of Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) per fortnight = $212

Total Rent = $300 + $212 = $512 per fortnight (or $256 per week)

Currently, rent at Sirovilla (September 2025) is on average 68% of the average market rate for one or two bedroom units.  Sirovilla tracks rental prices of one and two-bed units in all areas surrounding our current villages.  We benchmark our rent to ensure it remains at 75% or less of the current market rate.

Sirovilla rents are reviewed once a year and will only increase if your total income has increased since the previous year.  Usually, your income will only increase when the Centrelink Aged Pension and Commonwealth Rent Assistance payment increases, but rent will never exceed 25% of your income.

We also benchmark our rent to ensure it remains at 75% or less of the current average market rate for a one-bed or two-bed unit.

Your rent is deducted fortnightly from your Centrelink Aged Pension payment via Services Australia’s Centrepay portal. The remainder of your Centrelink Aged Pension is then paid into your nominated bank account as per usual. You can read more about Centrepay here on the Services Australia website

Yes, a bond equivalent to 2 weeks’ rent is required. This is payable by electronic fund transfer (EFT) before taking possession and moving into your unit.  The bond is refunded upon exit if there is no assessed damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Residents can apply for a RentAssist bond loan with the Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing (DFFH).  To apply for a RentAssist bond loan, sign in to your MyGov account, open the HousingVic online services, and select “RentAssist Bond Loan application”. More information can be found here on the HousingVic website.

The rent covers the operating costs of the village, including:

• Repairs and maintenance to the interior and exterior of your unit
• Management and administration of the Village
• Council rates – land
• Building and public liability insurance
• Utility payments for any communal areas
• Staff wages and related costs
• Legal and auditing fees
• Grounds maintenance

No. It is based on a person’s ability to pay.  We determine your ability to pay based on the hardship limit set by Centrelink. This is currently (Oct 2024) $29,024.80 for singles and $43,752.80 for couples. If you have less than this amount in assets, there is no in-going contribution to be paid.

The in-going contribution is calculated at 40% of total assets and is capped at a maximum of $60,000.  Whilst this is paid as one lump-sum amount, it is amortised over 10 years, so if a resident leaves after 5 years, 50% of their in-going contribution is refunded; however after 10 years, there is no refund.

Example 1:

A new resident has $25,000 in total assets.

No in-going contribution is required as this is below the hardship limit set by Centrelink of $29,024.80

 

Example 2:

If a new resident has $100,000 in total assets.

They would be required to pay an in-going contribution of $28,390.08 which is calculated as follows.

Total assets = $100,000

Less single person hardship limit = $29,024.80

Remaining assessible assets = $70,975.20

40% of remaining assessible assets = $28.390.08  in-going contribution

 

Example 3:

If a new resident has $200,000 in total assets.

They would be required to pay the maximum in-going contribution of $60,000 which is calculated as follows.

Total assets = $200,000

Less single person hardship limit = $29,024.80

Remaining assessible assets = $170,975.20

40% of remaining assessible assets = $68,390.08

Maximum in-going contribution cap is applied = $60,000 in-going contribution

The in-going contribution is amortised over 10 years, so if a resident leaves after 5 years, 50% of their in-going contribution is refunded to them upon exit, however after 10 years there is no refund.

Example:

If a resident who paid an in-going contribution of $20,000 left after exactly;

• 2 years they would receive a refund of $16,000 (80%)
• 5 years they would receive a refund of $10,000 (50%)
• 8 years they would receive a refund of $4,000 (20%)
• 10 years+ they would not receive a refund

No, there are no outgoing payments or refurbishment fees.

If there has been excessive damage beyond normal wear and tear or unauthorised modifications, the resident will be responsible for the cost of rectifying the unit back to its original state.

Exiting residents are responsible for ensuring that all belongings have been removed from the unit, the unit has been cleaned to the same level as upon entry, and the carpets have been steam cleaned.

Sirovilla pays water and land rates to the relevant local government authority

Residents are responsible for keeping their units, outside areas, windows, and unit garden clean and tidy.

All maintenance requests are entered into our Maintenance Management System called MaintainX, they are reviewed, and if approved, will be converted to an active work order that the maintenance team will action.

If the unit requires maintenance of any kind, including helping out with little jobs like changing light globes or accessing high cupboards (as we don’t want our residents to risk climbing ladders). In that case, residents (or in-home help or family) can request that maintenance be carried out.

If you need further assistance with cleaning and maintaining your garden, you may be eligible for in-home support services.

For support information, please contact My Aged Care on ph: 1800 200 422 or your GP.

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) helps senior Australians access entry-level support services to live independently and safely at home.  You can apply for an assessment online, or you can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.  You just need your Medicare Card and ID.  The application usually takes 10-15 minutes to complete.

Services for independence include meal preparation, personal care, nursing, and allied health therapy services.  Services that will keep you safe include domestic assistance, home maintenance, and home modification.  Services to access the community include transportation and social support groups

Residents can access any external services they choose.  Some services might be government-funded.  Others can be arranged privately.  These might include gardeners or pre-prepared meals.  There are several local providers of pre-prepared meals.

Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) is designed to help people who are renting. It is an additional payment provided to those receiving specific Centrelink payments via Services Australia.  CRA is paid directly into your bank account each fortnight at the same time as your Age Pension.

According to Services Australia, people receiving the Age Pension who are paying rent and/or fees in a retirement village are eligible to claim Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA).

To claim a CRA payment for the first time (or to adjust your existing CRA) you will need to provide proof in the form of a formal tenancy agreement – such as the agreement you will sign upon entering Sirovilla – and apply directly through Centrelink either online (myGov), by post or at a Centrelink service centre.

Currently (September 2025) the maximum CRA payment available to claim is $212.00 for singles and $199.80 for couples combined per fortnight.

More information can be found on the Services Australia website.

Your application is received by the Sirovilla Operations Team, checked for completeness, and assessed for eligibility.

Approved applications are added to the register of interest (wait list) in order of application date.

Please ensure you complete all sections of the application, as an incomplete application cannot be added to our register of interest until the outstanding information is provided, thus delaying the date your application is added to the register of interest.

When you apply online via our website www.sirovilla.org.au you will receive an auto-generated email saying your application has been submitted.

When your application has been added to Sirovilla’s register of interest (wait list), you will receive an email confirmation.

Please ensure you complete all sections of the application as an incomplete application cannot be added to our register of interest until the outstanding information is provided.

Once your hard copy application has been received, it will be checked for completeness and assessed for eligibility.

Approved applications are added to the register of interest in order of application date.

When your application has been added to Sirovilla’s register of interest (wait list), you will receive an email confirmation.

Please ensure you complete all sections of the application, as an incomplete application cannot be added to our register of interest until the outstanding information is provided.

When a unit becomes available, it is offered to the next eligible person on the register of interest. If they do not accept, it is offered to the next person on the list.

There needs to be a valid reason to decline the offer. If an offer is not accepted again the applicant will not retain their position on the register of interest.

Yes, you are welcome to phone us on (03) 5241 1517 or email us at info@sirovilla.org.au to check on the progress of your application.  We do not tell people their position on the register of interest (wait list); however, we can give you an indication if you are nearing the top of the list.

Sirovilla will make contact with applicants as they approach towards top of the list to reconfirm their interest in remaining on the Register of Interest. You can assist by making sure you always let us know if your circumstances change and by keeping your Centrelink asset and income information current.

You are invited to apply to be placed on the Sirovilla register of interest from the age of 62 years; however, you must be at least 67 years old and receive a Centrelink Aged Pension at the time of admission.  If you move to the top of the list but are yet to meet this criteria, you will continue to hold your position on the list; however, you will not be offered a unit until you do.

The wait time varies, but it is helpful to know that Sirovilla is a long-term option. You can expect to wait around 3-4 years for a unit to become available.

It is important that if any of your details change, please let us know straight away, either via email info@sirovilla.org.au by phone (03)5241 1517 or via the contact us section of the website.

Please always keep your Centrelink details up to date by ensuring you notify Centrelink if your income or value of assessable assets changes.

Sirovilla does not offer urgent or crisis housing.

We appreciate that many people are in need, and offers are made based on the next person on the list for that village.

When Sirovilla receives notice that a unit will soon become available, the Services Coordinator will contact the next applicant on the register of interest (wait list) for that village to discuss the applicant/s’ interest in accepting the vacant unit and will invite the applicant/s to view the unit.

The Services Coordinator will make a verbal offer to the applicant/s.  Following verbal acceptance, the applicant/s will receive a formal offer and resident lease agreement.

If an applicant refuses the offer of a unit, the Services Coordinator will move to the next eligible applicant on the register of interest (wait list).

Applicants who refuse one (1) offer for admission to a Sirovilla unit due to circumstances beyond their control will maintain their priority on the register of interest.  However, if it is a matter of personal preference (for example, wanting a different unit at the same village in a different position or orientation), the applicant will not retain their position on the register of interest.

All applicants who refuse two (2) offers for admission to a Sirovilla unit will not retain their position on the Register of Interest.

Yes, a bond equivalent to 2 weeks’ rent is required. This is payable by electronic fund transfer (EFT) before taking possession and moving into your unit.  The bond is refunded upon exit if there is no assessed damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Residents can apply for a RentAssist bond loan with the Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing (DFFH).  To apply for a RentAssist bond loan, sign in to your MyGov account, open the HousingVic online services, and select “RentAssist Bond Loan application. More information can be found here on the HousingVic website.

Your rent is deducted fortnightly from your Centrelink Aged Pension payment via Services Australia’s Centrepay portal. The remainder of your Centrelink Aged Pension is then paid into your nominated bank account as per usual.

You will be required to pay 2 weeks’ rent in advance before taking possession and moving into your unit, by electronic funds transfer (EFT).

Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) is designed to help people who are renting. It is an additional payment provided to those receiving specific Centrelink payments via Services Australia.  CRA is paid directly into your bank account each fortnight at the same time as your Age Pension.

According to Services Australia, people receiving the Age Pension who are paying rent and/or fees in a retirement village are eligible to claim Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA).

To claim a CRA payment for the first time (or to adjust your existing CRA) you will need to provide proof in the form of a formal tenancy agreement – such as the agreement you will sign upon entering Sirovilla – and apply directly through Centrelink either online (myGov), by post or at a Centrelink service centre.

Currently (September 2025) the maximum CRA payment available to claim is $212.00 for singles and $199.80 for couples combined per fortnight.

More information can be found on the Services Australia website.

You can inform Services Australia up to 14 days before you move into Sirovilla of your change of address and the amount of rent you pay.   This must be done within 14 days of your move to Sirovilla to ensure there is no gap in your payments.

You can inform Services Australia online (MyGov), via the app, or in person at a Centrelink service centre, of your new Sirovilla address, new weekly rent amount, and submit a copy of your formal tenancy agreement with Sirovilla as proof of these changes.

Currently (September 2025) the maximum CRA payment available to claim is $212.00 for singles and $199.80 for couples combined per fortnight.

More information can be found on the Services Australia website.

Yes, residents provide their own fridge/freezer, washing machine (a front loader will fit most units), and a dryer.  All of our unit layouts are different, and so we recommend that new residents or their families measure up the space before purchasing or moving in appliances.

Yes, you will be given a unit inspection form in your New Resident On-Boarding Pack from Sirovilla.  Please let us know if anything needs attention as you are moving in and we will attend to it promptly.  Remember, you are not permitted to make any permanent changes to the unit (including hooks in the walls), without permission from Sirovilla.

Yes, you will need to organise your own movers to pack up your belongings and move them into your unit.

If you need some help with unpacking, please seek assistance from your family or a local moving company.  Packing boxes can not be disposed of in the village rubbish bins; however, you can make arrangements with your mover to collect them, or sell them/give them away on apps such as Facebook Marketplace.

Much like moving into any rental accommodation, you will need to arrange the connection of services in your name, such as electricity, water, and internet.

Please ensure you have arranged to forward all your mail from your previous address to your new Sirovilla address.  See the “Living at Sirovilla” section of these FAQ for more information on post, parcel, and furniture deliveries.

Living at Sirovilla is similar to living in a rental property; the gates are always open, and you can come and go as you please.  However, our great sense of community makes us a unique and great place to live.

Here at Sirovilla, we strongly urge you to participate in any activities that you may be interested in that are offered here.  We also encourage you to maintain your interest in outside activities, continuing to do the activities you enjoyed prior to moving in here.  Family, friends, and children are all very warmly welcomed.

Sirovilla publishes a monthly newsletter called The Village News, which is sent out by both email and in printed form in the last week of each month for the following month.  A printed copy is also placed on display on the Sirovilla Highton Notice Board outside the entrance to the Sirovilla Highton office and next to the Sirovilla Highton residents’ letter boxes.

The Village News covers upcoming resident events, social club activities, other dates of note, helpful information for residents, information about local events in the Geelong, Surf Coast, and Bellarine regions, Sirovilla Operations Updates, and news about our residents.

Sirovilla sends out communication to residents in several ways, including email and printed materials delivered to residents’ letter boxes.

Sirovilla Maintenance requests and communication are via the free MaintainX App.

Sirovilla also sends out reminders, alerts, and RSVP requests for events via our SMS messaging service.

It is helpful for communication if all residents have both an email address and a phone that can host the MaintainX app as well as receive and send text messages.

Sirovilla provides housing on a “lease-for-life” basis where you pay rent fortnightly to live independently in your unit for as long as you are able. We have some residents who have been living at Sirovilla for over 25 years.

 

Yes, many of our residents have their grandchildren for sleepovers regularly.  You are welcome to have someone stay for up to 28 days.  If your guest would like to stay longer, you are required to seek the permission of Sirovilla management.

Sirovilla recognises that pets contribute to the health and well-being of residents. There is extensive research that proves that pets have a positive effect in responsible households.

Residents may request approval from Sirovilla to keep one small pet in units that have a courtyard that is suitable for pets. Approval and regulations for keeping a pet are subject to the Sirovilla Pet Policy.

Pets are not permitted inside communal spaces such as the Community Hall.

Residents are responsible for maintaining the small gardens attached to their units. Sirovilla maintains all communal areas.

Residents are responsible for keeping their units, outside areas, windows, and unit garden clean and tidy.

All maintenance requests are entered into our Maintenance Management System called MaintainX, they are reviewed, and if approved, will be converted to an active work order that the maintenance team will action.

If the unit requires maintenance of any kind, including helping out with little jobs like changing light globes or accessing high cupboards (as we don’t want our residents to risk climbing ladders), residents (or their carers, home help or family) can request maintenance in a number of ways.

There are a number of ways for residents to request maintenance.

1. MaintainX App – Download and report using the free MaintainX Maintenance App on your phone. Your report will go directly into our WorkOrder system, and you will get regular updates as to its status and when the work has been completed. This also allows you to attach photos.
2. MaintainX Portal – Scan the QR code for your unit to access the MaintainX Portal for your village. This allows residents, family, friends, and carers to also report something easily and quickly at any time of the day or night.
3. In person – visit or call the Sirovilla Highton Office during business hours on (03) 5241 1517.
4. Phone – call the Sirovilla Highton Office during business hours on (03) 5241 1517
5. Email – the Sirovilla Office at info@sirovilla.org.au
6. Text – for non-urgent maintenance, residents may text Sirovilla staff, and the request will be placed in the MaintainX system for approval from the Maintenance Team.
7. Urgent Maintenance – outside of business hours, residents can call or text the after-hours mobile phone number for assistance, and a staff member is always on call.

 

Sirovilla villages are designed to accommodate people who can live independently in individual units.

Sirovilla does not provide nursing care, medical care, assistance buttons, laundry services, cleaning services, in-home care, or meals.  Our residents arrange access to these supports themselves, either via family and friends or via their in-home support package providers.

All units are provided with a television aerial and a TV point that allows residents to access free-to-air channels.

It is the responsibility of residents to organise the provision of internet facilities in their unit and any internet-based Pay TV services such as Netflix, Foxtel, Stan, etc.

All indoor and outdoor community areas are smoke-free (including vaping).  This includes: BBQ areas,  outdoor seating areas, the Sirovilla minibus, the mail-box area, in and around the maintenance sheds, and the area surrounding the Sirovilla offices.

However, whilst smoking in your unit is strongly discouraged, it is up to the individual if they choose to do so. Please be considerate of where your smoke is blowing to if outside, so it doesn’t impact the private spaces of others.

Residents are not permitted to make any alterations or modifications to their unit without permission from Sirovilla Management and will be responsible for the cost of returning the unit to its original condition.

If you wish to alter your unit in any way, please complete a maintenance request via the Maintainx app or contact the Sirovilla office on (03) 5241 1517 or info@sirovilla.org.au.

If you have been assessed by an OT and your home care provider wishes to make any alterations or modifications to your unit to aid your mobility, they must first obtain permission from Sirovilla Management by contacting the Sirovilla office on (03) 5241 1517 or info@sirovilla.org.au, outlining the changes they are proposing.

Some older units have hazardous materials used in their construction.  These materials are regularly inspected by an external organisation and reported to be in good condition.  They do not pose any risk to occupants if left undisturbed.

There is not currently a residents’ committee at Sirovilla; however, residents are more than welcome to establish a residents’ committee if they wish.

We are a relatively informal organisation and welcome residents and their families to come and chat with us if they have any questions or concerns.  We are always here to help.

You have a grace period of 12 months after your partner is no longer living with you to move into a one-bedroom unit within the village, subject to a unit becoming available and Sirovilla management’s discretion.

Each situation is unique, and we appreciate that this can be a difficult time for some. Sirovilla will work with you and your family to assist you during your transition.

Each situation is unique, and we appreciate that this can be a difficult time for some. Sirovilla will work with you and your family to assist you during your transition.

Please call the Sirovilla office on (03) 5241 1517 or email info@sirovilla.org.au, and Sirovilla can send you the Sirovilla Vacating Resident Information Pack and checklist to make the process simpler.

You (or someone acting as your power of attorney) are required to notify Sirovilla that you are leaving in writing, giving 28 days’ notice.

You can do this in a letter sent via email, or a hardcopy delivered to our office, or the easiest way is to complete a Notice of Intention to Vacate – a single-page form contained in the Sirovilla Vacating Resident Information Pack – and give the signed form to Sirovilla.

The terms of our agreement require a vacating resident (regardless of the circumstances) to give 28 days’ notice, and rent is payable up until this date.

Sirovilla will notify Centrepay on your behalf of your last payment date. This will happen automatically, and you do not need to do anything.

You can vacate the unit at any time within the 28-day notice period; however, rent will still be payable for the full notice period.

No, there are no outgoing refurbishment fees.

• If the vacating resident has requested that Sirovilla arrange cleaning and/or professional carpet steam cleaning, then this fee will be charged to the resident

• If there is any damage to the unit or any chattels, fixtures, fittings, and furnishings beyond reasonable wear and tear, caused by the resident, or any guest or invitee of the resident, rectification of the damage will be charged to the resident.

• If any unauthorised alterations or additions were made by the resident to the premises, the cost of making good any damage caused by their removal will be charged to the resident.

• If the floor coverings need replacing prematurely in the Sirovilla Manager’s reasonable opinion, beyond normal wear and tear, their replacement will be charged to the resident.

• Any outstanding charges for maintenance, rent, and other monies owed by the resident to Sirovilla.

Security Maintenance Bond – When the resident first entered Sirovilla, a bond equivalent to 2 weeks’ rent was paid.  This bond will be used to offset the cost of any works required to bring the unit back up to standard to be re-let.

If the bond amount is insufficient, the resident will be required to pay the difference, and conversely, any unused portion of the bond will be refunded to the resident, paid into the bank account nominated on the Resident Vacating – Forwarding & Bank Information form in the Sirovilla Vacating Resident Information Pack.

If an ingoing contribution was made upon entry, and the entry date was less than ten years ago, the resident may be eligible to receive a refund, less the amortised exit fee calculation laid out in the Residence & Management Contract and any costs pertaining to reinstatement costs, outstanding maintenance charges, rent, or cleaning charges.

When the resident has vacated the unit and the final inspection has been conducted, the amount will be calculated and communicated to the resident in writing.  If there is an amount to be refunded to the resident, this will be paid into the bank account nominated on the Resident Vacating – Forwarding & Bank Information form in the Sirovilla Vacating Resident Information Pack.

Please complete the Resident Vacating Unit Condition Report in the Sirovilla Vacating Resident Information Pack before you start packing up your unit and return it to the Sirovilla Office. Please note any repairs, damage, or wear and tear that needs attention.

Sirovilla will conduct an initial inspection of the unit within 7 days of notice being received and then a final inspection within 5 days of the keys being returned.

• Ensure that the unit has been completely vacated, with all furniture, electrical goods, and rubbish removed.
• The unit will need to be thoroughly cleaned to the same level inside and out as upon entry, including all windows.
• The carpets must be professionally steam-cleaned.

Please refer to the Resident Vacating – Unit Handover Checklist in the Sirovilla Vacating Resident Information Pack for more information.

If you would like Sirovilla to arrange cleaning on your behalf, please complete the Resident Vacating – Cleaning Request Authority form in the Sirovilla Vacating Resident Information Pack.

 

Exiting residents or their families are responsible for ensuring that;

• The AC remote has been left in the unit.
• All door keys, garage door remote, and letter box keys have been returned to the Sirovilla Office

There are a few other administrative tasks that are your responsibility when vacating your Sirovilla unit, such as notifying your electricity provider and we have created a checklist to help prompt you at this busy time.  Please refer to the Resident Vacating – Admin Checklist in the Sirovilla Vacating Resident Information Pack.

Please provide to the Sirovilla Office

• All forwarding/contact information.
• Bank details for any refunded payments.
• The date you intend to move out within/up to the 14-day notice period date.

You can do this by completing and returning to Sirovilla the Resident Vacating Forwarding & Bank Information form contained in the Sirovilla Vacating Resident Information Pack.

Please set up a mail redirect with Australia Post to redirect all your future mail to the new address.  You can do this in person at an Australia Post Office or online via the Australia Post website www.auspost.com.au