In the 1990’s, I found myself at a crossroads- not just in business, but in life. My background in retail and marketing, combined with time spent in my mum’s real estate business and my father’s caravan and transportable business, sparked a curiosity about people, fairness, and community.
This led me to an unexpected venture: selling mobile homes in caravan parks. On paper, it was a success. We sold around 1,000 homes, helping many find what they were searching for – cash in hand, freedom from debt, and the company of like-minded neighbours.
Yet, something felt off. These homes, often unattractive and squeezed into parks not meant for permanent living, offered no guarantee of tenure. It wasn’t the life I’d want for my own mum. Still, many people were happy with those compromises for a simpler, freer lifestyle.
That tension sparked a question: What if we could build communities that offered freedom and connection, but without compromises?
The answer became National Lifestyle Villages (NLV). We built homes with normal home construction materials, designed communities for just residents – not tourists – and offered long-term security with 60-year leases. My personal measure was simple: Would I be proud for my mum to live here?
For thousands of Western Australians in their 50s and 60s, too young for retirement villages, but ready to downsize. NLV became a life-changing option. The “Great Australian Dream” of a big house on a quarter-acre block had, for many, become a burden. What people truly wanted was freedom, security, connection, and an easier lifestyle.
Over the years, I learned that while housing and planning laws matter, the real heart of a great community is its people. The moments that meant the most weren’t about numbers or sales; they were about a handshake, a hug, and someone saying, “Thank you. My life is better here.”
Fast forward two decades and more than ten communities later, and the vision continues to evolve. That’s what led to Providence Lifestyle, a next level approach to lifestyle resorts.
Providence builds on the principles of security, affordability, and belonging, but takes them further. We offer high-spec, environmentally efficient homes, extraordinary facilities, and innovations like no exit fees, fast data, greener power, and the Providence Lifestyle app for community news and connections.
Thank you for making Providence a place where joy, connection, and freedom thrive. Your stories and spirit inspire us to keep building lifestyle resorts that truly feel like home. I look forward to sharing the journey ahead with you.
Welcome home.
Information in this article is true and correct as of 1 December 2025.
