AUSTRALIA | RSL LifeCare has unveiled plans to transform and renew its ANZAC Village at Narrabeen, set to take place over 10 to 15 years.
RSL LifeCare has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to renew RSL ANZAC Village at Narrabeen, setting out a carefully staged 10–15-year renewal plan to modernise one of Australia’s most significant veteran and senior communities.
Established on Anzac Day in 1939, RSL ANZAC Village has been home to generations of veterans and seniors for more than 86 years. The proposed renewal is designed to ensure the Village can continue to support current and future generations, supporting people as their care needs change over time, while preserving its heritage, character and strong sense of community.
With aged care reform accelerating in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, RSL LifeCare is taking a practical, long-term approach to ensure the Village’s built environment can meet evolving standards and community expectations, especially around ageing in place, accessibility and resident wellbeing.
“This renewal is about caring for what already exists, while planning responsibly for the future,” said Drew Pearce, CEO of RSL LifeCare. “It’s about strengthening what makes RSL ANZAC Village special, lifting accessibility, wellbeing and care outcomes, while protecting the character, history and purpose that has shaped this community for more than eight decades.”
The SSDA is supported by a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and will progress through the NSW Government’s assessment and public exhibition process, providing further opportunities for residents, neighbours and the wider community to have their say.
Designed Around People
The proposed Village renewal introduces a ‘village of villages’ model, creating walkable neighbourhoods with modern homes, green spaces and shared amenities that support independence, dignity and connection. Care and support are integrated across the Village, enabling residents to remain living in familiar surroundings as their needs change.
The renewal reflects what residents, veterans, families and neighbours have consistently said matters most: staying connected to community and support, while feeling safe, respected and heard, with timely updates and support as plans progress.
If approved, development would be delivered in stages to minimise disruption, with detailed construction, access and traffic management plans prepared in consultation with residents and neighbours before each stage begins.
Shaped by Community Input
The proposal has been shaped by a multiphase engagement program since February 2025, including four resident workshops, two veterans’ workshops and a veterans’ survey, more than 500 conversations through the onsite Community Information Hub, and 18,574 engagement touchpoints across events, hub visits and online engagement. RSL LifeCare continues to engage residents, veterans, families and neighbours through newsletters and letters, information sessions and drop-in sessions, an online project hub and dedicated enquiry channels, and will keep sharing updates as plans progress.
Once on exhibition, the full State Significant Development Application and supporting studies will be publicly available for review as part of the NSW Government’s assessment process, and community members will be able to make a formal submission during the exhibition period.
A Long-Term Commitment to Residents and Neighbours
Supporting residents and neighbours throughout the renewal is a central priority. Development would be carefully staged to minimise disruption, enabling residents to continue living in the Village while works progress. Any future relocations, if required, would occur on site and be managed in line with residents’ rights, dignity and wellbeing.
Community feedback has played a key role in shaping the renewal, including the focus on preserving green space, maintaining the Village’s established character and sense of place, and supporting residents to remain living on site.
To support ongoing engagement, RSL LifeCare has established an onsite Community Information Hub at RSL ANZAC Village, providing residents and neighbours with access to information and opportunities to stay informed throughout the planning process.
A Purpose-Led Response to Growing Need
As a not-for-profit organisation, RSL LifeCare is progressing the renewal in response to well-documented demand for seniors housing and care on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, while continuing its longstanding commitment to veterans, seniors and their families.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure RSL ANZAC Village remains a place of service, care and community for decades to come,” Mr Pearce said. “It’s about honouring the past, responding to today’s challenges, and planning thoughtfully for the future.”
Further information about the proposal and opportunities to participate in the public exhibition process will be available once the application is placed on exhibition by the Department.
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