challenger court information handbook

CSV/692 D11/56558

Contents

1. How this Information Handbook can help you........................................... 1 2. About Challenger Court ............................................................................ 1 3. Entry criteria .............................................................................................. 1 4. Safety or security alarms .......................................................................... 2 5. Insurance .................................................................................................. 2 6. Challenger Court Activity Centre ............................................................... 2 7. About the independent living units ............................................................ 2 8. Fees and charges ..................................................................................... 3 9. Challenger Court Resident Meetings ........................................................ 4 10. Village management ............................................................................. 4 11. Access to unit ........................................................................................ 4 12. Rules ..................................................................................................... 4 13. Maintenance requests ........................................................................... 8 14. Fire and safety ...................................................................................... 8 15. Suggestions .......................................................................................... 9 16. Garages and gophers – applications ..................................................... 9 17. Transfers ............................................................................................... 9 18. Privacy of information ............................................................................ 9 19. Dispute resolutions .............................................................................. 10 20. Residents involvement in decision making .......................................... 10 21. Security policy ..................................................................................... 10 22. Alterations and additions ..................................................................... 11 23. Booking the Activity Centre ................................................................. 11 24. Community vegetable garden ............................................................. 11 25. Parking of caravans and trailers .......................................................... 12 26. Terminating a lease ............................................................................. 12 27. Bins ..................................................................................................... 12 28. Checklist of attachments ..................................................................... 12 29. Schedule of fees and charges ............................................................. 13 Appendix 1 Map of Challenger Court .......................................................... 14 Appendix 2 Map of surrounding area .......................................................... 15

1 Updated September 2020

1. How this Information Handbook can help you This information handbook has been developed by the City of Rockingham as an information resource for current and prospective residents of Challenger Court. 2. About Challenger Court In 1972, a group of community-orientated citizens were concerned for the ageing citizens of Rockingham who had helped develop the district and needed comfortable accommodation at a reasonable price. As an expression of gratitude to Rockingham’s seniors the Shire Council approved the formation of the Aged Persons Homes Trust to develop and manage services for older members of the community. The Trust identified the need to construct a number of independent living units for those who wished to live in a complex built and designed exclusively for older people for a relatively low financial outlay. Fifty units were developed in the early 1970’s and configured in a ‘village model’ at 30 Ray Street in Rockingham. The complex was named Challenger Court and was officially opened on 26 April 1974. Ownership of the complex transferred from the Trust to the City of Rockingham (the City) on 6 December 2006. 3. Entry criteria To be eligible, applicants must be:

• Over 55 years of age • Eligible applicant must be as per the current Retirement Village Act • Residents of Rockingham • Not in full time employment • Able to provide a medical certificate provided by a GP or Aged Care

Assessment Team (ACAT) stating ability to live independently (with or without community support services)

• Able to supply an Income Statement including current assets When all the above criteria is met, additional consideration will be given if your current residence is causing physical or mental harm. A Doctor’s letter is required to be included with your application for these circumstances to be considered. Following the death of a partner while residing in Challenger Court, the surviving partner will be required to provide a Medical Certificate of competence to care for themselves.


4. Safety or security alarms The City does not provide burglar/safety/personal alarms. Residents are strongly encouraged to make their own arrangements with a supplier of their choice. 5. Insurance Residents are responsible for insuring their personal contents, occupier’s common law liability or any other risks that are their responsibility. Sighting workers’ compensation and liability insurance of any private contractors engaged for private services is advisable. The City insures the buildings, fixtures and fittings, and any contents it owns, plus common law liabilities. 6. Challenger Court Activity Centre

The Challenger Activity Centre is located in the Challenger Court Village and is for use by residents and, with permission, groups that residents belong to. A Resident or Social Committee and team of representatives from the City manage the Activity Centre.

The access code to enter the Activity Centre will be provided to all new residents on entry into the village.

7. About the independent living units The one-bedroom units include a living room, kitchen and laundry/bathroom and separate toilet. Each unit is equipped with the following fixtures and fittings:

• Stove • Reverse cycle air conditioner • Kitchen cupboards • Window treatments • Light fittings • Smoke detectors • Built in wardrobes • Hot water system • Vanity in bathroom • Security doors • Floor coverings • Fire extinguisher • Fire blanket


• Digital box There may be additional fixtures at the front and rear of some units. See Appendix 1 on page 15 for a map of village. 8. Fees and charges Normally changes are made in consultation with residents at the budget meeting each year. The Maintenance Levy covers:

• Building and ground rental • Rental and replacement of any fittings supplied by the City • Council rates and rubbish collection charges • Administration and audit fees charged by the City • Water and sewerage rates and excess water • Electricity for security lighting and water pumping • Fees collection costs • Insurance of City assets • Sundry office expenses, bank charges and other incidental expenses.

From the commencement date, the resident must pay four-weekly in advance to the City the Rental Fee as specified in Schedule of Fees and Charges. Residents are invoiced four-weekly by the City for any combination of the following:

• Rental fee • Maintenance Levy • Garage rent • Gopher shed rent

Fees are payable:

• Direct Debit • BPAY - Biller Code and Ref Number are on the remittance at the

bottom of the invoice • Pay anytime with Mastercard or Visa by phoning 1300 133 271 –

Option ‘3’ • Pay by Internet. Visit www.rockingham.wa.gov.au and follow the links

to pay with Mastercard or Visa. • In person to the City’s Customer Contact Centre • By mail to the City of Rockingham, PO Box 2142, Rockingham DC WA

6967 Please see the Schedule of Fees and Charges on page 13.

http://www.rockingham.wa.gov.au/


9. Challenger Court Resident Meetings Residents meetings are held on a quarterly basis between the City of Rockingham and all residents. An Annual General Meeting of residents is held within five months of the end of each financial year, when a President and Secretary for the Residents Committee are elected. (If a Residents Committee is currently running for that year). No later than one month before the end of the financial year, the City must display, on the notice board in the Activity Centre, the Operating budget for the coming financial year. 10. Village management The City of Rockingham is responsible for the coordination and smooth running of Challenger Court. City of Rockingham 9528 0333 11. Access to unit The resident must permit a representative of the City to enter at all reasonable times to assist the resident, ascertain their well-being or perform any rental work that may be required on the unit. 12. Rules 12.1 Use of common facilities and amenities There are limited common amenities and facilities available to residents and their visitors. The Challenger Activity Centre is located in the grounds of Challenger Court Village for use by residents and, with permission, groups to which residents belong. The roads, gardens, pathways and clothes hoists are considered to be communal.

a. It is expected that visitors will be accompanied by a resident and that visiting children will be properly supervised when using common facilities.

b. All people using common facilities are asked to leave them in a clean

and tidy state and to report to management if they find any common areas or facilities in an unsatisfactory condition.

c. Air conditioning or heating in common facilities should only be turned

on when the facilities are in use and should be turned off by the last person to leave.


12.2 Garden and grounds

a. The City will maintain the garden and grounds.

b. Each resident will be responsible for their own front and where applicable, back garden. However, residents may ask the City of Rockingham for reasonable assistance for tasks from time to time.

c. Any private gardens fully maintained by the City will be of a ‘low rental’

design and content.

d. Replanting/rental:

i. The City is responsible for the establishment and rental of all common and public garden areas including maintaining the village bores, pumps, reticulation and sprinkler systems.

ii. A resident shall maintain their own garden area in the rear of their residence.

iii. A resident may, with the City’s approval, establish and maintain a garden area in the front of their residence.

iv. A resident must have the City’s approval before planting trees and large shrubs in the rear or front garden which may have an adverse visual impact to the exterior of the residence or which are inconsistent with the general landscaping and planting theme for the village.

e. A strict speed limit of ten kilometres per hour is imposed within the

grounds of Challenger Court.

f. Visitors are to park in allocated areas only. 12.3 Keys and locks

a. Each unit is issued with three copies of all associated keys for access to their unit.

b. The City retains a master key or duplicate key to the unit for access if

required. (Access to unit)

c. Residents must not fit any additional locks, pad-bolts, chain locks or other security devices which would hinder access in an emergency.

d. It is suggested that each resident leaves a key with family, friends or

neighbour in case of an after-hours emergency or in the case that a resident has locked themselves out. This information should be provided by the resident to the Administration Officer then it will be recorded in residents file and on a key register file.


12.4 Visitors

a. The resident must not permit any other person or persons to occupy the Unit, without the prior written permission of the City. Exception is made to short stay visitors however, any visitor staying longer than two weeks, the resident will need to apply to the City for permission to stay.

12.5 Quiet enjoyment

a. A resident should not operate radios, television sets, pianos, organs and other musical instruments or tools in such a way that they annoy other residents.

b. A resident must not use the residence for any other purpose than for a

private residence.

c. A resident must not use a residence for any illegal or immoral purpose. Liquor and drugs shall not be consumed which may result in disturbance or offence to other village residents or village staff.

d. No resident shall do anything or store any materials, which may

adversely affect any insurance policy of the City.

e. All residents are entitled to privacy and quiet enjoyment of the unit and no resident, their visitors or pets shall cause any nuisance of objectionable behaviour towards any other resident or visitor in the village.

12.6 Pets

a. Animals or birds can only be kept with the written agreement of the City.

b. Any agreement will specify conditions with respect to cleanliness and

hygiene, and will require that there is no interference with the rights and privacy of other residents.

c. Pets must be assessed by a Council approved animal behaviourist at

the applicant's expense. Only animals assessed as suitable for a retirement village will be accepted. Dr Garth Jennens 1300 887 158 is a Council approved animal behaviourist.

d. The agreement for the keeping of a pet is terminable in the event of a

failure to comply with the conditions or unreasonable interference with the rights and privacy of other residents.


e. Exceptions may be made when allowing a guide dog to live with a visually impaired owner, or a dog that detects illness.

12.7 Smoking

a. Residents and staff are not permitted to smoke in the Units or Challenger Activity Centre.

b. When smoking outside, the smoke must not annoy others and should

not be within eight metres of an entrance or exit. 12.8. Vacations

a. In the event of a resident being temporarily absent for the reason, including but not limited to nursing home, hostel or hospital care, the Unit Rental Fee must continue to be paid.

b. Residents will not be entitled to a rebate during absence.

c. After 20 consecutive weeks the residence will be deemed abandoned if

they haven’t previously notified the City.

d. Residents are asked to notify at least two neighbours or the City when they will be away on holidays and where possible leave a contact number.

12.9. Insurance and valuables

a. The City insures the buildings, fittings and fixtures and any furnishings in common areas.

b. Residents are responsible for arranging any insurance on their

personal effects and unit contents.

c. No responsibility is accepted by the City for valuables brought into the Village.

12.10 Amendment of the rules Any rule, including this rule, may be amended by:

a. The City, provided that the residents are consulted and notice of the intended amendment is given to residents one month prior to its coming into effect; or


b. A two thirds majority of those present at a residents’ meeting, provided notice of the meeting date and the amendment to the Rules is given to the residents at least one month prior to the meeting. However, the City has an obligation under the Retirement Villages Act to vet any amendments to ensure that the rights of all residents are safeguarded and therefore residents’ amendments to the Rules are subject to the approval of the City.

13. Maintenance requests The City provides a Maintenance or Garden Request Form for urgent/non-urgent rental. This form is deposited in the Maintenance Request Box located within the Activity Centre. The box is cleared frequently by Baptistcare staff. Installations within units, external extensions or major changes to a garden must be requested in writing to: City of Rockingham PO Box 2142 ROCKINGHAM DC WA 6967 In the event of an EMERGENCY please contact: Ambulance Fire and Police 000 Non-emergency 131 444 City of Rockingham (after hours) 9528 0333 14. Fire and safety

a. Fire and Emergency Evacuation Plan must be displayed in community centre and units.

b. Fire and safety educational programs will be held annually for residents, to ensure that they understand the process of identifying and reporting hazards.

c. The assembly area should be well signed and familiar to all residents. d. Flammable liquids and flammable goods may not be stored in areas

situated under accommodation, buildings and thoroughfares in excess of typical residential requirements.

e. Rubbish should not be allowed to accumulate on site and must be stored away from buildings and emptied regularly.

f. Lawns will be mowed and leaves cleared regularly by the City of Rockingham.

g. Cooking appliances should be checked and certified safe at least once a year.

h. Fire protection equipment must be within the Activity Centre in accordance with local legislation and regulations.

i. Fire protection equipment should be free from obstructions at all times and adequately signed.


j. There must be active rental contract with a reputable company to ensure all appliances (including fire equipment) are maintained in operational order.

k. Smoke alarms are installed in all Units and are hard wired with battery backups which are changed once a year.

15. Suggestions The City has provided a Suggestion Box for the residents of Challenger Court to use as a way of conveying messages and suggestions to City staff. Comments, questions and requests in the receptacle provided, assist the City in future planning for Challenger Court and improving day-to-day operations. City staff consider suggestions on a weekly basis and acknowledge and act upon all reasonable submissions. 16. Garages and gophers – applications The demand for garages usually exceeds availability. Garage rental is $9 per fortnight and a gopher shed, equipped with power points, is $8.50 per fortnight. To become eligible for a garage or gopher storage an application form is available from the City. The applicant’s name is placed on a waiting list once the form is submitted. The City of Rockingham will not be held responsible for cars, caravans, mobile homes, boats, gophers or trailers kept in garages, gopher shed or the common areas of Challenger Court.

17. Transfers Residents may relocate within the complex. The transfer fee ($500) covers administration. The transferring resident is responsible for painting, flooring, window treatments and installations if these are deemed to be above the City’s minimum standard. The resident arranges and pays for all relocation expenses. Transfer fees can be adjusted or waived at the Council’s discretion. 18. Privacy of information All personal information maintained by the City of Rockingham is considered strictly confidential. This information may be accessed under the Freedom of Information Act 1982. For more information contact the City of Rockingham on 9528 0333.


19. Dispute resolutions The Challenger Court Administration is responsible for facilitating any dispute within the Village. Should the matter progress, the Commissioner may be required to facilitate mediation under the provisions of the Retirement Villages Act 1992 (the Act). In the case of a dispute, contact the City of Rockingham to determine the best course of action on 9528 0333.

20. Residents involvement in decision making Residents have several ways they can communicate with Management and get involved in the Village decision-making process. Residents may approach Management directly and query, influence or participate in decision making processes:

• Residents may raise current issues with their Residents’ Committee Members who can then discuss it at their next meeting. (If a resident Committee is current that year)

• Residents may raise issues at the General Meeting and the Annual General Meeting.

The function of the Resident Committee is to consult with Village Management on behalf of the residents about the day-to-day running of the Village and any issues or proposals raised by the residents. Procedures related to Resident Committee meetings, members and voting must be in compliance with Clause of the Fair Trading (Retirement Villages Code) Regulations 2015. 21. Security policy The Village is private property, therefore entry to the Village or any of the facilities is strictly prohibited by unauthorised persons. Authorised persons include:

• Residents of the Village and their guests • Management and staff of the Village • Tradespersons and other such sub-contractors who have registered

with the Asset Management office and wear a Visitor Badge • Members of the WA Police, Ambulance, Fire Services and Emergency

Services acting in an official capacity.


Should a staff member or resident observe anyone acting suspiciously, they should contact the Police immediately on 000. Commercial visitors are not permitted to take photographs or videos of the residents, buildings, activities or surrounds unless approved by the City of Rockingham. Door to door sales people are not permitted to operate within the Village. 22. Alterations and additions Any internal or external alterations or additions to any unit must be approved by the City of Rockingham. This includes the installation of new machinery (e.g. air conditioning) as well as the replacement or modifications of fixtures. Residents must apply in writing to the City of Rockingham for approval having first a private certifier to provide a “Certificate of Design Compliance”. Requests can be mailed to: City of Rockingham PO Box 2142 ROCKINGHAM DC WA 6967 Residents will receive a letter from the City of Rockingham with an enclosed Building Application for Approval Form. A Building Application is then to be made to the City of Rockingham Planning and Development Services by the contractor carrying out the works. Or hand delivered to: City of Rockingham Planning and Development Services Civic Boulevard ROCKINGHAM WA 6168 23. Booking the Activity Centre Anyone wishing to book the Activity Centre at Challenger Court are to put their request in writing to the City of Rockingham outlining the kind of event they wish to hold, date, time, and how many people will be attending. There is no fee applicable for the use of the Activity Centre by residents. Any resident of Challenger Court or the City of Rockingham staff can provide access to the venue. 24. Community vegetable garden There is a Community Garden at the back of the Activity Centre. You are most welcome to plant vegetables for all to share.


25. Parking of caravans and trailers Challenger Court has the provision for the parking of caravans or large trailers on the Village premises. Written application should be made to the Challenger Court Administration for use of one of these bays. A list of persons with permission to park caravans/trailers is held by Challenger Court Administration. Should the bays all be occupied, the application will be placed on the waiting list for the next available bay. The waiting list is a first come first served basis. Residents park caravans or trailers in these bays at their own risk. 26. Terminating a lease The termination of the lease under the conditions of the Residence Contract cannot be terminated unless:

• The resident dies • The residential contract is terminated by the resident in accordance

with the provisions of the Residence Contract and the Retirement Villages Act 1992 (the Act)

• The resident abandons the residential premises • The Residence Contract is terminated by the State Administrative

Tribunal (SAT); or • The Residential Contract sets out the conditions by which a resident

can terminate their contract and associated costs involved with that termination and should be consulted when contemplating terminating your lease.

27. Bins Communal general waste, green waste and recycling bins are provided. Residents are responsible for ensuring they are put out on road verge prior to collection. 28. Checklist of attachments

a. Fully completed application form. b. Proof of residency in Rockingham (i.e. copy of Pension card). c. Medical certificate from your Doctor stating your ability to live

independently (with or without community support services). d. Income Statement showing current assets. e. Proof of age over 55 years.


29. Schedule of fees and charges

Ongoing fees Current fees and charges Fortnightly unit rental fee for all residents

$320

Additional fortnightly maintenance levy $45 Fortnightly garage fee $9 Fortnightly gopher shed fee $8.50 Administration fee $350

(incl. GST to be paid upon entry) Transfer fee $500

(incl. GST if you are transferring unit

CSV/692 D11/56558 14

Appendix 1 Map of Challenger Court


Appendix 2 Map of surrounding area

Challenger Court

challenger court information handbook

Documents