A Legacy of Experience, A Future of Innovation
With more than two decades in the retirement living sector, Mark Bindon and Franco De Pasquale have seen firsthand how the industry has evolved. They have built and operated communities that shaped the lives of thousands of older Australians, always with an unwavering focus on resident wellbeing.
Now, with maturity, perspective, and a renewed sense of purpose, they are leading The Kado Group, a new vision for retirement living that blends deep operational experience with a forward-thinking approach to health, wellness, and lifestyle. This vision is backed by a team of respected industry experts who share a commitment to building resident-focused communities that truly respond to the needs and desires of retirees today.
From the Past to the Future
Our first retirement living venture was built on the idea of delivering the kind of community we wanted for our parents. That foundation taught us what matters most: trust, comfort, and connection.
Now, the focus has shifted. As we look to the future, we are asking a new question: what do we want for ourselves?
The answer lies in re-imagining retirement living — creating environments where wellness is not an optional add-on but a natural, integrated part of everyday life.
At Kado, we remain true to the hands-on philosophy that defined our earlier work. We learnt the most by walking the halls, listening to residents, and engaging directly with staff. Real-time feedback and authentic conversations were invaluable and shaped every decision. We intend to carry forward this same approach, ensuring every choice is informed by the lived experience of our residents.
The Value of Vertical Integration
Many large corporate operators outsource critical elements of their operations, and while efficient, this model often results in a loss of intellectual property and, over time, a loss of connection.
At Kado Group, we see things differently. By maintaining a vertically integrated organisation, we retain ownership of both the knowledge and the relationships that define our communities. This model allows us to stay agile, adapting quickly, innovating meaningfully, and always keeping residents at the centre of our decision-making.
It also creates a unique continuity: when the same team is responsible for everything from village operations to wellness services, residents experience a seamless, consistent standard of care.
The Rise of Wellness in Retirement Living
Across the world, wellness real estate has surged in demand. Entire neighbourhoods and apartment towers are being designed around access to health facilities, mindfulness spaces, and holistic lifestyle services. Much of this growth has been driven by millennials and working professionals seeking balance and longevity.
But the greatest opportunity lies with retirees. Retirement communities are uniquely positioned to bring these principles into daily life, embedding wellness not as an indulgence but as a natural rhythm.
By offering world-class, in-house wellness amenities, we remove the barriers of crowded gyms or public spas. Residents gain privacy, comfort, and accessibility, knowing they can support their health within the sanctuary of their own community.
These facilities are designed not only to prevent decline but to actively promote vitality, strength, and independence. From hyperbaric oxygen therapy to red-light therapy and halotherapy, wellness becomes part of the fabric of everyday living.
The Kado Philosophy: Inspired by Ikigai
The name Kado originates from the Japanese expression “through the gate to the next chapter.” But as we looked deeper, we discovered the philosophy of Ikigai — a concept that perfectly reflects the essence of our vision.
Ikigai is often described as “a reason for being,” but in practice it is about finding purpose and joy in the everyday. It teaches us that a fulfilling life is not built solely on major milestones, but on the accumulation of small, meaningful moments.
At Kado, we weave the principles of Ikigai into the design of our communities:
- Purpose in Everyday Life – helping residents discover meaning in routines, hobbies, and social connections.
- Valuing Small Joys – celebrating the little things, from morning coffee with a neighbour to a peaceful walk by the beach.
- Continuous Engagement – offering opportunities to learn, create, and participate long after traditional retirement.
- Balance and Harmony – ensuring every element of life — wellness, leisure, family, and community — is thoughtfully aligned.
- Mindfulness and Presence – encouraging residents to slow down, savour experiences, and live fully in each moment.
- Contribution to Society – fostering ways for residents to give back, mentor, and share wisdom with younger generations.
- Resilience and Optimism – building environments that nurture hope, purpose, and vitality, even during life’s challenges.
Ikigai gives shape to our promise: that life in a Kado community is not about stepping back, but about leaning forward into a future filled with meaning.
Retirement Living with Legal Safeguards
Beyond lifestyle, retirement villages in Australia are supported by robust protective legislation. The Retirement Villages Act 1999 provides comprehensive oversight to safeguard residents’ rights and ensure fairness, transparency, and security.
This framework prohibits short-term leasing and transient occupancy, preserving the integrity of the community and fostering long-term stability. For residents and their families, these protections offer confidence and peace of mind — knowing their investment and lifestyle are supported by law.
The Kado Promise: Building the Era of You
Kado Group is more than a developer. We are a pioneer of wellness-first retirement living. Our communities are intentionally designed for those who want to live not just longer, but better.
By uniting 20 years of experience with the principles of Ikigai and the innovations of wellness real estate, we are creating environments where residents can thrive physically, emotionally, and socially.
At Kado, retirement is not an ending. It is a new beginning — an opportunity to live with purpose, vitality, and joy.
