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FAQ

Q: WHAT IS THE VILLAGE BAXTER?
A: The Village Baxter is the trading name of the Baptist Village Baxter Ltd. which was established in 1986. The Village is a company limited by guarantee. A company limited by guarantee is an alternative type of corporation used primarily for non-profit organisations that require a legal personality. A guarantee company does not have a share capital, or owners, but has members who are guarantors instead of shareholders. The guarantors give an undertaking to contribute a nominal amount towards the winding up of the company in the event of a shortfall upon cessation of business. It cannot contribute its profits to its members, and is therefore eligible to apply for charitable status if necessary. The Village is an independent company and is not part of the Baptist Union of Victoria. The Village owns all of the titles to the land at 8 Robinsons Road. The Village is a not-for-profit, community organisation, a registered Charity and Public Benevolent Institution.

The Village is not an institution - it is a community. This community was established in 1974 and now consists of 75 acres accommodating approx. 700 Residents with 435 Independent Living Units, 59 Hostel Units and a 60-bed Nursing Home. Residents are encouraged to regard themselves as part of the Village Community and to lead their own lives as fully as their own wishes and capabilities permit.

The Village is non-denominational an does not impose any religious test on entry or any requirement of religious observance by Residents. Nevertheless, The Village Baxter regards the provision of spiritual care as being an important aspect of the life of elderly people. Consequently a chaplaincy service is available to Residents and regular religious observances are conducted by the Village Chaplain and other visiting clergy. Residents should expect to live in a manner which is sympathetic to the basic Christian ideals of this community, without any undue interference in their own lives or beliefs.

Q: WHO IS "THE BOARD"?
A: Directors or "Board Members" are appointed by the members of the company, and in our case, the Directors and Board Members are the same people. New Directors are appointed when a vacancy arises and as with most community-based organisations, this is the result of someone making themselves known to the Board and showing an interest in the organisation. As with any company, Directors cannot have a material personal interest in the affairs of the company and as such it is the Board's view that Residents would breach this requirement and thus cannot be Directors.

The Board oversees the strategic direction and development of the Village. The day-to-day management of the Village is the responsibility of the General and Operations Managers, who report to the Board. The Board approves the operating and capital budgets and annual business plans and monitors our performance against the budget and our plans. If the Village were ever to be wound up, after all debts and loans had been repaid, any excess funds must go to a similar organisation, excess funds cannot be given to the members of the company. Directors are volunteers and do not receive wages or salary from the company.

Q: WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE VILLAGE BAXTER WITH THE VILLAGE BAXTER CHURCH?
A: The Village Church is a totally separate entity to the Village and is a self-governing, non-denominational church. The Church s not a Baptist Church. The salaries of the chaplains are not paid by the Village and are paid through donations and gift to the Church.

Q: WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR RESIDENCY?
A: Any retired person of pensionable age is entitled to apply for residency in the Village. Each applicant is assessed for suitability on the basis of age, state of health, and ability to meet the financial requirement of residency. The average age of current Village residents is mid-to-late 70s.

Q: CAN MY DISABLED CHILD COME TO LIVE WITH ME AT THE VILLAGE BAXTER?
A: The Village Baxter does not provide care and accommodation for disabled children. Residents must be retired, of pensionable age and able to live independently.

Q: DO I "OWN" MY UNIT?
A: No. The Village Baxter is a Resident-funded Retirement Village. This means that a Resident is required to pay a capital sum on entering the Village and is later entitled to receive a portion of that sum back. It is important for Residents to be aware that they do not "own" the unit. They do not have a separate title which can be sold, transferred or bequeathed. A Resident acquires the right to occupy the unit for the remainder of their life or until the agreement is terminated. At that time the amount of refund due will be calculated according to the terms of the Agreement. Ownership of the unit remains at all times with the Company.

Q: IF MY PARTNER DIES, DO I HAVE TO LEAVE OR WILL I INCUR ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS?
A: No, the service fees apply on a per unit basis, not an individual basis. Your Agreement would continue and the refund entitlement would be calculated upon your departure.

Q: HOW MUCH REFUND DO I RECEIVE?
A: Our standard Agreement provides that the occupier of an Independent Living Unit will receive a refund of their in-going capital sum lass a deduction of 6% for each year of occupancy (or part thereof) to a maximum of 30% over a period of 5 years. In addition, a fixed sum of $2,000 per year for 5 years ($10,000 maximum) will be deducted from the payout as a contribution to the replenishment of community assets and a 2% Administration Fee as a contribution to the administration, preparation and resale of the unit.

Q: WHEN DO I RECEIVE MY REFUND?
A: When you permanently vacate your unit, it is then prepared for resale by the Company and subsequently offered for sale at the current sales price. All refunds are paid in accordance with the Retirement Villages Act. however our current practice has been to refund much earlier than the Retirement Villages Act requires, generally upon departure to an Aged Care Facility or the grant of probate.

If only one of a couple transfers to the Hostel or Nursing Home, a partial refund will be made in accordance with the Licence Agreement if this is requested by the Resident.

Q: WHAT GUARANTEE DO I HAVE THAT I WILL RECEIVE MY REFUND WHEN IT IS DUE?
A: The Company is contractually bound to pay the refund at the times set out in your Agreement and the Resident could sue for recovery if the entitlement was not paid. This right is further supported by the Retirement Villages Act 1986,which aims to protect the rights of Residents.

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