Woolooware Shores has been named the winner of the 2025 UDIA NSW Award for Excellence in Retirement Living, recognising the community's outstanding approach to care, lifestyle, and connection.

While the awards acknowledge design and planning, what truly sets Woolooware Shores apart is Anglicare’s ‘For Life’ Village Membership model. 

“This development exemplifies a compassionate and human-centred approach to retirement living, where the values of care, connection, and dignity are embedded in every aspect of its design and operations,” the judges noted. 

“The integration of the care model is not simply an overlay but a foundational principle that shapes the living experience ... Woolooware Shores shows that retirement can be more than ageing in place – it's about thriving in place.” 

For residents, it is more than a collection of homes – it is a place where friendships flourish, families gather, and life feels full of possibility.  

Whether enjoying a coffee overlooking the water, catching a film in the private cinema, or strolling through the landscaped gardens, many describe the village as a place where every day brings connection and belonging.  

On completion, Woolooware Shores has a total of 411 residences and 171 residential care rooms. Beyond the numbers, it has become a thriving community filled with laughter, shared stories and moments of connection.  

One resident, Sharon Taylor shared, “At this stage of your life, you think there is nothing new on offer but this is where the next stage of your life begins because you are meeting a whole lot of different people ... It just opens up a whole new world of joy and happiness because you're in a safe, comfortable environment".

Alongside this recognition, Anglicare and construction partner Growthbuilt also took home the Best Masterplanned Community, acknowledging the scale, design and delivery of Woolooware Shores.

The masterplan was designed with both lifestyle and sustainability in mind. Homes maximise natural light and breezes, while solar panels, shading and natural ventilation contribute to year-round comfort and energy efficiency. 

“Woolooware Shores is an exciting new vision for what seniors living can look like. It centres on providing 24/7 on-site care and wellbeing services,” Laurie Boxwell, Group Executive - Seniors Communities said. 

“Considering the growing ageing population, along with the limited number of spaces in residential aged care, it’s vital that retirement communities like Woolooware Shores are equipped now, to allow residents to age in place.” 

The recognition at the UDIA NSW Awards is a proud milestone, but the greatest achievement lies in the life that has been created here – a place where people can truly live well, together. 

Discover how life at Woolooware Shores could be the next chapter for you today.