Closure of Retire Active SA
Retire Active SA has been a cornerstone of South Australia’s retirement community for over four decades, providing countless opportunities for older adults to stay active, engaged, and connected.
Established in 1981 with the vision of enhancing the physical, social, and mental well-being of older South Australians, our organisation has proudly offered a range of activities and programs aimed at enriching the lives of our members.
However, after much reflection, the Retire Active SA Council recently recommend the closure of the organisation, which was subsequently passed at a Special General Meeting on 10 July 2024. This decision was based on several factors, including:
Declining membership numbers
Poor retention and recruitment efforts
The rise of web-based alternatives
A shifting landscape that has seen traditional recruitment methods fall out of step with modern technology.
Although the association will close shortly, the clubs that once contributed to its vibrancy will continue to thrive. These activity clubs will operate as Incorporated Associations, informal groups, or merge with other existing clubs. This ensures older South Australians will continue to have access to opportunities for leading an active, healthy, and socially connected lifestyle.
When will Retire Active SA close?
Retire Active SA will officially close on Friday, 13 December 2024. Although all operations will cease at this date, insurance coverage will remain active for all members until March 31, 2025.
Even though the umbrella body of Retire Active SA will no longer exist, groups will continue independently, keeping the spirit and goals of Retire Active SA alive.
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Continued operation
Retire Active SA will cease all operations on Thursday, 31 October 2024. However, our dedicated volunteers will continue to answer phone enquiries until our official closure on Friday, 13 December. Public liability insurance will be maintained until 31 March 2025.
Existing groups and clubs will experience no changes to their operation except in their governance structure. Some groups have chosen to register as Incorporated Associations, others will operate as informal entities, and others have merged with existing clubs.
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Transition assistance
Retire Active SA have supported groups in finding new premises and navigating the process of becoming standalone entities (Independent Incorporated Associations), should they choose to do so. This includes assistance with legal requirements, insurance arrangements, and other logistical considerations.
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Group money and assets
All group assets, including bank accounts and equipment, will remain under the control of the respective groups for the period that RASA continues to function. Where groups choose to re-establish as new incorporated bodies, assets will be transferable to the new body. Where groups choose to close, any remaining assets will need to be transferred to Retire Active SA and either sold or bequeathed to an organisation with similar aims upon formal closure.
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Membership fees and renewals
While Retire Active SA will no longer seek membership renewals, financial members will continue to receive membership at no cost, until the organisation’s official closure on Friday, 13 December 2024. Public liability insurance will be maintained until 31 March 2025.
Contingencies have been made to refund a portion of the unused membership fees for members who have paid for multiple years in advance. Details regarding refunds have been communicated to affected members. Please refer to the question below ‘Why did Retire Active SA send me a membership renewal?’ for further information.
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The decision to close Retire Active SA was made due to declining membership numbers, poor retention and recruitment efforts, and a disconnect with modern recruitment methods.
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Retire Active SA will officially close on Friday, 13 December 2024. Although all operations will cease at this date, insurance coverage will remain active for all members until March 31, 2025.
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Financial members will continue to receive membership at no cost, until the organisation’s closure. Contingencies have been made to refund unused membership fees for members who have paid for multiple years in advance. Information about membership fees has been sent to all affected members via email and/or direct mail.
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Yes. Nothing will change for groups - except there will be no umbrella organisation to provide support or insurance. Groups have already organised to continue as Incorporated Associations, informal groups or have merged with other clubs.
Please note that in the interim, people can continue to join groups and clubs at no cost (no Retire Active SA membership fee applicable) and will still be covered by insurance until the closure date (31 March 2025).
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For groups to continue their activities without Retire Active SA, they will need Public Liability and Volunteer Insurance. This is being organised for all continuing groups.
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There may be legal requirements for groups to continue as standalone entities. Groups can seek advice from the SA Government, and the Department of Consumer and Business Services.
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Retire Active SA will assist in finding new premises for groups to continue their activities. Further information and next steps will be provided by your group coordinator.
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Yes, groups can continue to use the ARPA or Retire Active SA’s branding if it aligns with their future direction.
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The Retire Active SA website will remain accessible for another 12 months, until October 2025, at which point it will be permanently deactivated. We recommend creating standalone group websites to attract new members.
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All present members will be considered financial until the organisation is officially dissolved on 13 December 2024, as per the Constitution.
Please note that no further renewal notices will be sent.
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The Retire Active SA Certificate of Currency is valid. Members will continue to receive insurance coverage until 31 March 2025.
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Unfortunately, there will be no more e-bulletins or Connect going forward.
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All updates will be posted to our Closure website page. In addition, members will be sent updates via email and direct mail where relevant, until our official closure on 13 December 2024.