Business Writeup by Tanya Outridge

Experienced property and retirement living leader Cameron Taylor has hit the ground running after his appointment as Sundale’s chief executive officer in May this year.

Mr Taylor had previously spent more than four years at affordable seniors’ accommodation provider Eureka Group Holdings, where he oversaw the repositioning and expansion of the business. Prior to that he held lead property roles at the Flight Centre Travel Group and Woolworths Group.

“Sundale has significant land holdings and I am extremely excited to unlock and develop these in order to provide more affordable housing for the seniors market. The Sunshine Coast is a huge growth population and Sundale has the land for future sustainable development,” he said.

Mr Taylor is working with a refreshed Board and team, and is focussing on new ways of approaching housing and aged care.

“I think it is important to underscore the difference between Sundale and other providers in this space,” said Mr Taylor. “We are not listed on the ASX and we are not Corporate or Church affiliated. To put it simply, this means we are not beholden to shareholders, and funds we generate remain within our organisation. Ours is a members based organisation and 80% of our members are residents.

“I have encouraged our team to understand that while we are a not-for-profit organisation, our aim needs to be to generate profits for purpose. We want to be self-funded in order to not only maintain, improve on and expand our housing and care options, but also to give back to our broader community.”

Mr Taylor acknowledged that while ageing is a topic that most people are uncomfortable to discuss, Sundale is able to meet people where they are at, and assist them at every stage of the process so that they have a plan in place, and peace of mind around the subject.

“No-one wants to think about losing their independence, and I think our model is unique in that people can come to our retirement villages from the age of 60, and as they age and perhaps their needs change and they either need in home help, or a higher level of care, we can provide that as well. We can even support people through the final stages of their life and that is something we treat as an absolute privilege. It is a completely integrated model that will allow our residents to remain in their own community, right to the end.”

The warmth and community feel of Sundale’s villages and the care and dedication shown by its 700 strong staff of locals, is something that Mr Taylor is particularly proud of.

“This is feedback we receive all the time. Our villages are green and leafy and the homes have a real family feel. I think this is what contributes to a sense of place. The demand for property on the Sunshine Coast in general has driven prices up but we will continue to hold an affordable price point. Our commitment to community means our model covers everything from affordable personalised living to dignified end-of-life care.

“The industry has largely moved towards maximising density, but we will be resisting this trend. We are at a beautiful flex point and as we move forward our goal is to continue to offer our unique community and services at an affordable price.”

Strengthening ties with the community is another priority for Sundale, and after an 8 year hiatus, will be hosting the enormously popular Sundale Community Christmas Carols on the 6th of December at Doolan Street. 

“Our entire team is so excited to be hosting this much loved event once again,” Mr Taylor said.

“It will be a family friendly event with free kids rides, free games at our Christmas side-show alley with prizes, free face painters and balloon artists, free local community entertainment, free farm animals, cheap food options, and Santa will be visiting. There will even be fireworks.

“It seemed to be a fantastic way to wrap up the year and celebrate with our community. And it also felt like a terrific way to head into 2025.” 

Contact: https://www.sundale.org.au/