logo
Residents of over-50s estates win case against exit fees

Residents of over-50s estates win case against exit fees

In Victoria there's been a huge legal win against the odds.
Eighty-three people living in over-50s estates in Melbourne have taken on the ASX-listed company Lifestyle Communities, accusing it of charging exorbitant exit fees when they move out.
This week they won their case, a Victorian tribunal ordering the company to stop the practice. The decision will impact thousands.
Justice Ted Woodward also heard that some families had been forced to continue paying rent for their relatives after they had died.
Investigative reporter Adele Ferguson exposed the practice on 7.30 last year.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Biscoff chocolate block's ‘special' price at Coles stuns shoppers
Biscoff chocolate block's ‘special' price at Coles stuns shoppers

News.com.au

time41 minutes ago

  • News.com.au

Biscoff chocolate block's ‘special' price at Coles stuns shoppers

The price tag for two blocks of a popular chocolate has sparked uproar among shoppers, with some saying it was a terrifying reflection of a 'new normal'. Lotus Biscoff chocolate blocks are back in Australian supermarkets. The product is sold in the international aisle, where stock regularly changes, and had been out of stock for a while. Popular food content creator Ange Eats took to social media to share finding it at Coles. 'Two for $20 on special this week. Everyone's favourite — the white chocolate with Biscoff spread — the milk chocolate with Biscoff biscuits and the milk chocolate with Biscoff spread inside,' he said. 'Run, these will sell out fast. Don't miss out.' However, it was the price tag of the chocolates that raised eyebrows among shoppers. Currently, the chocolate blocks are two for $20 with a $4 savings at Coles. At other supermarkets, such as Woolworths, the block is $11. Shoppers promptly called out the brand for the price point. 'Can't wait to get them, just waiting for my finance to be approved,' one shopper scoffed. 'Is that a joke two for $20 on sale? What's it off sale 1 for $20,' another said. 'I can do personal loans if anyone needs one to afford this biscuit,' another added. One said: 'That's why I don't eat chocolate no (sic) more, it's so expensive.' '$20 for 2!!!! How is that normal now?' someone else demanded to know. Another said: '2 FOR $20???? ROBBERY!!! Will I still get them, absolutely.' 'I'm with you! As much as I think these would be a great try, chocolate blocks at this price are going to be this generations avo and toast expense,' one added. Another said: 'Maybe I'll get them once I remortgage my house.' contacted Lotus Bakeries for comment. And while many people were quick to call out the price point, Ange pointed out that a lot of chocolate blocks cost a minimum of $8 Last November, Cadbury made the 'difficult decision' to once again raise the price of its standard chocolate block due to soaring costs that included energy and cocoa. The price of cocoa more than doubled last year as poor weather conditions in West Africa, the largest cocoa-producing region in the world responsible for 70 per cent of supply, devastated crops. While major companies like Cadbury owner MondelÄ'z International raised prices, smaller chocolate makers were also feeling the pinch, and some have already been forced out of business. 'There's some that have gone under,' said Helen Curtis, who runs boutique chocolate maker Federation Chocolate with her husband just outside of Hobart, last year. 'Everything is becoming more expensive. It's getting harder to make a product and keep it at a price that people can afford and still allows you to function as a business.' Ms Curtis said the price of cocoa beans, which make up 80 per cent of the cost of their chocolate, had risen at least 50 per cent over the past two years. Cocoa prices hit a peak of $16.33 a kilogram in January, but in June it was reported that in May it dropped to $13.65 — a signal that the tide was finally turning. Adalbert Lechner, Lindt & Sprüngli's CEO, told CNBC that prices of cocoa are set to fall but it will never return to the rate it once was.

What $786k bought in Windsor apartment auction
What $786k bought in Windsor apartment auction

News.com.au

time2 hours ago

  • News.com.au

What $786k bought in Windsor apartment auction

A rare, house-sized apartment in Windsor has sold for $786,000, smashing reserve after three first-home buyers battled it out in a high-energy auction. The two-bedroom unit at 19/40-50 High St had $740,000+ price hopes, and hit the market at $750,000, before climbing to its final sale price under the hammer. The auction, led by The Agency's new Victorian general manager of sales Michael Wood, drew a crowd of 30 to 40 people and kicked off with a $700,000 phone bid from an interstate buyer in Sydney. Warning for Vic homebuyers after dud rate call Melb's biggest eyesore seeking $60m+ But it was a local young professional who ultimately secured the keys, after bidding against two other first-home buyers who had zeroed in on the apartment's size, location and long-term value. 'This wasn't your average two-bedder,' Mr Wood said. 'You had two car spaces, a separate storage room, a proper balcony, house-like proportions and a study nook, all on the top floor of a boutique block just 500m from Chapel St.' Mr Wood said buyers were clearly moving away from newer 'cookie-cutter' apartments in favour of older, well-built homes with more space and lower owners corp fees. 'Shoeboxes are out. People are prioritising build quality and future capital growth over shiny finishes,' he said. 'This apartment had been freshly painted and carpeted, it was ready to move in, but it also gave buyers a chance to add value over time.' The building, completed in the early 2000s, had attracted strong attention from professionals in their 20s and 30s, many of whom were frustrated by the lack of well-sized listings under $800,000. Mr Wood said the mix of space, liveability and location made the property one of the most compelling value propositions on the market. 'There's a perception that you have to spend upwards of $850,000 to get something this size in Windsor,' he said. 'This home proved that's not the case, and the buyers were pleasantly surprised.' The campaign attracted 33 enquiries and 22 inspection groups, with 11 contracts requested and three active bidders on auction day. Despite no rate cut from the Reserve Bank this week, Mr Wood said the market was showing strong buyer confidence. 'There's real urgency from serious buyers,' he said. 'They know if they wait for rates to drop, they'll face even more competition, and probably miss out.'

From successful business owner to homeless: How gambling addiction changed Adelaide dad Roger's life
From successful business owner to homeless: How gambling addiction changed Adelaide dad Roger's life

News.com.au

time2 hours ago

  • News.com.au

From successful business owner to homeless: How gambling addiction changed Adelaide dad Roger's life

Roger's first win at the roulette table changed everything – but not in the way he expected. A successful business owner, the father-of-three owned multiple cafes and a chicken shop in Adelaide's west and was 'comfortable financially'. But after winning big his first time playing roulette, he began spiralling into a devastating gambling addiction which took complete control of his life for 14 years. 'You get to a point where money isn't an issue anymore. I was comfortable financially and I fell into an addiction,' he said. 'I was no longer enjoying the game, I was just chasing my losses and trying to make something. 'I had no control of myself.' At the peak of his addiction, he ranked among Adelaide's biggest gamblers, gambling up to 17 hours daily and spending nearly $500,000 yearly. In 2019, he paid the ultimate price for his addiction, filing for bankruptcy and separating from his wife of 30 years. Unemployed and relying on welfare, he left the family home with only $150 cash to his name. 'It was hard on all of us,' he said. 'Losing all my assets and all the luxurious items around me had an impact without a doubt. 'But the legit and serious impact was when I lost my family. 'I attempted suicide after that, I just couldn't take it.' After being discharged from hospital following a suicide attempt, he began rehab. However, with nowhere to go, he was left homeless. It was while staying at St Vinnie's Men's Shelter that he connected with Hutt Street Centre and was given a 'second life'. The charity provides free meals, access to bathrooms and laundry facilities, and a range of support services, ranging from medical check-ups to employment pathways. 'Most people think it's just a place where you can get food but it's much more than that,' he said. 'From the first second they were so humble and welcoming. 'They made me feel like I'm still alive.' Now preparing to move into his own home over the next coming weeks, he said it wouldn't have been possible without the charity's support. 'I will have my own space, my own place – that feels amazing,' he said. 'If it wasn't for (Hutt Street Centre) I wouldn't be where I am today.' Roger is one of thousands of South Australians that Hutt Street Centre supports everyday. 'Every single one of us has an issue, has a story,' Roger said. 'None of us were born on the footpath to be homeless. 'To see (people sleeping rough) out there is heartbreaking. 'We don't ask for too much. We only ask for help.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store