One of the key changes is that operators must publish a standardised Information Statement on their public website and keep it up to date. Consumer Affairs Victoria states that, from 1 May 2026, retirement village operators must publish information statements on their websites and keep them current.
For many retirement villages, this is a big shift. Some villages have never needed a dedicated website before. Others may have relied on printed brochures, word of mouth, referrals, or third-party listing websites.
That may no longer be enough.
At GOOP Digital, we can build a simple, professional and compliant website for retirement villages that need to meet these new requirements without committing to a large, full-scale Search Engine Optimised website.
A lightweight website for compliance
This website option is designed for retirement villages that need a clear and practical online presence to help meet their obligations.
It is important to note that this is not the same as the standard Search Engine Optimised website we usually build at GOOP Digital.
Our standard SEO websites are built for long-term search visibility, keyword growth, lead generation and broader digital marketing outcomes.
This lightweight version is different. It is designed for retirement villages that may not have needed a website in the past, but now need one so they can publish key information online in a compliant and accessible way.
What needs to be published online?
Under the retirement village reforms, operators must make important information publicly available so prospective residents can make more informed decisions.
The Information Statement is a standard document that every retirement village operator must publish about their village. Consumer Affairs Victoria explains that it covers the costs of entering, living in and leaving the village, the contracts required, services provided and insurance arrangements.
You can read more about this directly on the Consumer Affairs Victoria website:
Consumer Affairs Victoria retirement village reforms
Consumer Affairs Victoria information statements
What the Information Statement should include
The Information Statement should clearly outline key details about the village, including:
- Village operator and proprietor details
- Village rules
- Tenure type
- Management structure
- Any exemptions from the Act
- Entry costs
- Ongoing recurrent charges
- Special levies, where applicable
- Departure and exit fees
- How exit entitlements are calculated
- Estimated exit entitlements after 2, 5 and 10 years
- Insurance arrangements
- Premiums, excesses, exclusions and limitations
- Capital and maintenance information
- Village services, facilities and associated fees
- Insurance details
- A glossary of common retirement village terms
Other useful information to make available
Retirement villages should also consider making other important documents easy to find online, including:
- The financial report presented at the village’s last annual meeting
- Complaints handling information
- Formal dispute resolution procedures
Consumer Affairs Victoria also provides guidance for prospective residents who are comparing retirement villages or reviewing their options:
Consumer Affairs Victoria before choosing a retirement village
What a lightweight retirement village website could include
A simple compliance-focused website does not need to be overly complicated.
For many retirement villages, a compact website may include:
- A homepage introducing the retirement village
- A downloadable PDF for the Information Statement
- Downloadable compliance documents
- A financial reports section
- A complaints and dispute resolution section
- Village services and facilities information
- Contact details
- A simple enquiry form
- Mobile-friendly design
- Secure hosting and ongoing support
Built for compliance, not complexity
The goal of this type of website is simple.
It gives retirement villages a professional online presence where important documents can be published, updated and accessed by prospective residents, families and relevant stakeholders.
It also helps operators present information in a clear, structured and accessible way.
This type of website is ideal for retirement villages that need to act on the new requirements but do not need a larger SEO website with extensive content, advanced location targeting or ongoing search strategy.
How GOOP Digital can help
GOOP Digital can build a lightweight website for Victorian retirement villages that need to comply with the new online publishing requirements.
We can help with:
- Website design and development
- Website hosting
- Mobile-friendly layout
- Document upload sections
- Clear navigation for compliance information
- Contact forms
- Ongoing website support
- Updates as required
If your retirement village has not traditionally needed a website, this is a practical way to get online and meet the new requirements without overcomplicating the process.
Need a retirement village website?
If you operate a retirement village in Victoria and need a simple website to help comply with the updated requirements, GOOP Digital can help.
We can build a compact, professional and easy-to-manage website that gives your village the online presence it now needs.
Get in touch with GOOP Digital to discuss a lightweight retirement village website solution.