245 Rowbotham Street, Middle Ridge, Toowoomba, beside the Toowoomba Golf Club on Queensland’s Darling Downs. For more information about the local area, please click here.

Yes, The Ninth Middle Ridge is a registered retirement village with the Queensland Government’s Department of Housing and Public Works. Its ID number is RV13591.

Well behaved pets are very welcome under our Pet Ownership Rules. Your pet is sure to become a much-loved member of the village community. Read our blog about pets at the village.

Yes, of course, it is your home and family and friends are very welcome. In fact, just try keeping them away when they see all the fabulous facilities on offer! If you have guests staying for an extended period, we do ask that you apply for a guest licence.

You need to be at least 60 and may still be in the workforce. Eligibility is by way of approval to make sure we have residents of good nature who fit in with our friendly village.

Most people leave the family home and move to a retirement village because they want less maintenance, less cleaning and more free time. It’s not about age but the lifestyle you desire.

We can make the purchase of your apartment subject to the sale of your home and are happy to work with you and allow sufficient time to sell. If needed, we can recommend agents in your area who successfully sold our other residents’ homes. We can also provide referrals for professionals who can assist with downsizing and decluttering.

Retirement village residents secure a lease over a property. In a lifestyle community the lease only covers the land – the house you purchase is required to be technically relocatable. Retirement villages are registered under the Retirement Villages Act while lifestyle communities are covered under the same laws as caravan parks. There are also differences in the costs for maintenance and repairs. Read our blog comparing retirement living options here.

Our retirement village residents live independently in their own modern and spacious apartments with support on hand if needed. The residents of an aged-care facility usually only have a room and perhaps an ensuite, and there are more residents who receive a higher level of assistance with their personal care and daily living.

Toowoomba is a major regional centre with sophisticated private and public hospitals, and aged care facilities. There are a range of medical specialists, GPs and allied health professionals on hand. For more information about the local area, please click here.

A community bus will be provided for our residents to conveniently travel for shopping or appointments.

A range of retail options and supermarkets are within easy reach of The Ninth Middle Ridge, with the most conveniently located at the High Street Shopping Centre and The Ridge Shopping World. For more information about the local area, please click here.

No, but we partner with quality in-home services provider, Five Good Friends, who can provide a range of care and support services to suit your needs. This may be a better option than a traditional serviced apartment as you only pay for the services you use and you may be eligible for government-funding for those services. Find out more about Five Good Friends’ services here.

No. Our residents are all owner-occupiers.

Your contract is legislated under the Retirement Villages Act and provides you with security of tenure under Queensland Government legislation and is registered with the Queensland Land Titles Office. This ensures all services and amenities in your contract will always be available to you and that the village continues to be maintained to the highest standards.

Our residents determine the social calendar and you choose to engage in as much or as little as you like. Activities such as art, craft, music, book club, fitness classes, gardening, billiards, barbecues, wine tasting, guest speakers, cards and social outings are generally on offer.

You will never be lonely! Residents enjoy active social lives surrounded by friendly, like-minded neighbours, all relishing more leisure time without the burden of home maintenance. Our villages are purpose-built for safe ageing, with added peace of mind from security and the support of your village manager and staff.

Independent research from the National Village Survey 2018 shows an overwhelming majority, or 84 per cent of village residents, were happy with their life – much higher than those who had stayed in their family home. We also offer the added benefit of Aura Holdings’ transfer program, so if you feel you would be happier living in another of our villages in southeast Queensland, we can help with that too. Read more on the transfer program here.

When you walk through the village entrance you should feel right at home. The essentials of a good village are: your own beautiful apartment, a welcoming community, modern facilities, an active social life, a friendly village manager and staff. It is a place where you are respected and treasured.

Any time after the age of 60 and you don’t need to be retired to move in. Many people move to a village from their family home because they want less maintenance and more free time. The decision to move should not be based on age but all about the lifestyle you desire.

In this unlikely event, your deposit is fully refundable up to the time of settlement. You can leave the village at any time. When you exit the village, the amount of Deferred Management Fee owed will be calculated on the length of your stay and deducted from the sale price of your apartment. You benefit from the capital growth on your apartment, and Aura pays both your own and our legal fees. Read more information about our DMF here.

You may stay in the village for as long as you wish, after all it is your home. If your needs increase over time, our in-home support provider, Five Good Friends, can help to keep you living independently. With the right support, you may never need to move. Click here to read our blog and find more information.

Residents who receive government support for their care needs are entitled to continue receiving funding when they move into our village. You can access support on-site to continue living independently through your government package or pay for it privately. We partner with in-home provider Five Good Friends who can help you apply for any government assistance you might be entitled to. Find out more about Five Good Friends’ services here.

Under the contract, Aura Holdings has a long-term financial interest in the continuing success of the village. Aura, as owner, is obliged to maintain the highest of standards in the provision of facilities and services to maximise the reputation of the village and protect their equity.

One of the most often heard statements in our villages is “I wish I’d moved here sooner.’’ Vibrant retirement villages offer numerous lifestyle and social benefits. Without home maintenance but with your friends on hand and state-of-the-art facilities, residents feel like they are on holiday every day.

Homecare provider Five Good Friends can provide any support you need to live happily and independently in your apartment. Whatever the task, they can provide the right person. Learn more about Five Good Friends.

We partner with quality homecare provider Five Good Friends to provide a range of support services you may need to maintain your independent lifestyle. You are, of course, welcome to use any homecare provider of your choice.

General building insurance, including your apartment, is covered by Aura Holdings. You will need to purchase contents insurance to cover your personal belongings.

We have a private network that is fibre to the apartments with faster speeds compared with the National Broadband Network.

Yes. The village has 24-hour security and is fitted with intercoms and security cameras, while the carpark has electronic remote controls. There are security features at all building entrances. The Village Manager will ensure your home is safe, even when you are travelling.

Absolutely yes! Our residents can choose an apartment with a courtyard garden, grow thriving plants on their balconies or join others to potter in the community gardens.  Read our blog about our green-thumbs residents here.

Yes. The building is protected from termites and pests in accordance with council building regulations and Australian standards.

You should take any concerns directly to your Village Manager. If they are unable to solve any issue to your satisfaction, the village will have a Residents’ Committee. Our Directors are always available and have an open-door policy.

Residents who purchase apartments in our villages can have full confidence they have no financial responsibilities if any issues arise. Under strict legislation, Aura Holdings has full responsibility for the quality of the building and its upkeep.

If an issue arises with plumbing or electricity, or for items that were in place when you moved in, such as your oven, cooktop and dishwasher, any repairs or replacement will be covered by Aura Holdings. Learn more about the maintenance-free lifestyle that will be offered at The Ninth Middle Ridge.

Aura Holdings has the responsibility to maintain the building/s and facilities on behalf of residents. Residents contribute to the maintenance reserve fund within their weekly fees. Aura is responsible for all capital costs, including new capital improvements and capital replacement of assets over time.

Aura Holdings’ retirement communities are modern, multi-storey villages that require less land so can be constructed in prime locations close to all conveniences. Vertical villages offer residents easy access to facilities via lifts, security and privacy. Read our blog about vertical living here.

Our villages are owned and operated by experienced southeast Queensland-based company, Aura Holdings. The Directors Mark Taylor and Tim Russell have more than 35 years’ experience working within the retirement living industry. Learn more about Aura Holdings.

No. Stamp duty does not apply to your retirement living apartment.

All our apartments are owner-occupied so you will need to be able to purchase your own. Other expenses include the General Service Charge (the weekly fee) that varies depending on the village you choose to live in, so please check with your sales consultant for current information on this. Residents are also responsible for normal services to their apartment such as electricity, water, phone, internet and content insurance. Read more about fees here.

The Deferred Management Fee (DMF) is your contribution to the refurbishment and management of the village. It is charged on an “enjoy now, pay later’’ basis and deducted when your capital sum is repaid to you. It allows you to free up some capital now to enjoy your retirement. To compare our fee structure with other operators, download our DMF Comparison flyer here. You can also learn more about the DMF here.

No, but you can include your apartment in your assets and after its sale the proceeds can be distributed to your beneficiaries as per your wishes.

Yes, you can sell at any time and Aura Holdings will organise the sale of your apartment. Unlike some other villages, you will benefit from the capital gain on your apartment when you sell. Learn more here.

It’s the lifestyle, support, security and facilities that make all the difference in the village. You won’t be sharing your space with renters and Airbnb holidaymakers as you might in a regular residential complex. Aura is responsible for all capital replacement and does not charge residents for reinstatement or refurbishment at the time of resale. Owners of residential apartments must pay all capital maintenance and capital replacement costs throughout their stay. Stamp duty is also payable at time of purchase in residential apartments. The owners of residential apartments may also be liable for special levies over and above their normal strata fees. Download our cost of living comparison document here.

You will be responsible for normal services in your apartment such as electricity, phone and internet, and contents insurance.

No, in our villages you won’t pay for these services. For more information about the benefits of maintenance-free living, click here.

Your Village Manager can help with any maintenance issues in your apartment. If any item that was in place when you moved in needs replacing this will be done for a similarly priced product without any cost to you.

The Ninth’s residents pay their service charges monthly by way of direct debit from a nominated bank account.

These charges will rise over time as the costs of services and statutory fees increase. Aura, as the operator, is conscious of residents’ cost of living expenses so strives to deliver best value for money outcomes for them. Residents are also protected under the Qld Retirement Village Act which regulates any increases above CPI that are not statutory-based costs eg council rates. All non-statutory charges above CPI must be voted on by village residents.

This fee covers the cost of village staff, the maintenance of all common areas, plus your use and maintenance of the village facilities. It also includes building insurance, 24-hour emergency call response, council rates and water used around the village. (You will pay separately for the metered water you use in your own apartment.) Under legislation, retirement village operators may not profit from the General Service Charge. Learn more here.

At The Ninth Middle Ridge, the General Service Charge will range from $757 – $961 per month.* Fees are calculated by apartment size and not on the number of occupants. To learn more, click here.

*Prices correct as at July 2023 and subject to change

With leasehold you won’t pay stamp duty on your purchase and Aura Holdings, as the operator, is responsible for maintaining your apartment inside and out.

You purchase a ‘right to reside’ under a leasehold agreement overseen by the Retirement Villages Act 1999 (Qld). Your leasehold agreement will give you the right to live in your apartment for as long as you wish. The lease automatically terminates on the death of the surviving resident or if surrendered prior.

Yes, your Village Manager will be on hand to help with any maintenance issues that arise inside your apartment or around the village.

Your guests are most welcome to use any of the community facilities in the village when accompanied by yourself or another resident. We do expect that children are supervised, and all visitors respect the facilities and residents.

The Ninth Middle Ridge provides an array of high-quality facilities including a gym, function room, wine room and storage, billiards room, library, outdoor barbecue entertaining area, golf buggy and club storage, yoga and pilates area and bocce court. The adjoining Toowoomba Golf Club offers a function room, a bar, café and bistro at the clubhouse. Learn more about The Ninth Middle Ridge’s facilities here.

Although there are not yet electric vehicle charging stations in our villages, Aura is looking to partner with an external provider to facilitate this service.

We partner with hands-on decluttering and downsizing experts who can assist you to move effortlessly from your old home into your new apartment. If you need help to furnish or style your apartment, Viera Tischljar, of VT Interiors, who styles Aura Holdings’ display apartments, can offer advice on incorporating your favourite pieces with any new purchases. Viera can be consulted for a fee.

At Aura we listen to our residents and we cater to their needs, offering a wide range of apartment sizes and styles from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom spacious penthouses. Read our blog here.

We want you to feel comfortable and happy in your new home and recognise that you may wish to tailor it to your needs. Please contact your Village Manager who will endeavour to accommodate your needs and desires where possible, taking into consideration council regulations and conditions of the village’s development approval.

Residents of a vertical living development only need to hop into the lift to access all the village’s facilities. In a traditional village, you may need to walk long distances to access facilities, problematic in severe weather condition or if a resident has mobility issues. Aura is able to build vertical villages in quality locations, while traditional, sprawling villages tend to be sited in more remote areas. To learn more about the design of our Aura retirement communities, click here.