DOC MADE OF WRIGHT STUFF
IF Dr John Knight’s PBI foundation MediAid wasn’t the owner of the 37 units struggling Gold Coast seniors in Equinox call home, news of the building’s possible sale could be cause for concern.
But as anyone who knows of Dr Knight OAM — aka James Wright — and the foundation’s generous support for struggling seniors on the Gold Coast over more than 20 years knows, he’s the best landlord in town.
While it’s still early days — there’s no deal done yet — Equinox has long been tipped as one of the older buildings most likely to follow the recently demolished Apollo (International Beach Resort) or at least undergo a major refurbishment. As the body corporate reveals much-needed repairs to Equinox could cost owners up to $1.15 million, or at least $8000 each, the offer does appear well-timed.
Under Queensland law, all owners must accept the offer if it is to succeed. Their views will no doubt be shared at an information night on August 3.
In the meantime, there’s no need for the seniors in Medi-Aid Foundation’s Equinox units to fear what all this will mean for them.
Dr Knight ’s foundation exists to help struggling seniors with health challenges enjoy an affordable roof over their head — near transport, amenities and the beach in the heart of the Gold Coast.
“Dad had drummed into me his belief that older people receive a raw deal,” Dr Knight says of why he formed the foundation. “Look after the elderly when you get older, he told us — advice I took to heart.”
And then some. Helping others occupies Dr Knight and his family’s heart and soul. The foundation, which holds a multimilliondollar real estate portfolio that includes investments in retirement villages, residential units and office blocks, is funded by Dr Knight’s business investments, book and DVD royalties and TV and radio appearances. Dr Knight has never received a financial benefit from the foundation’s activities.
If Equinox sells, it won’t be the first time the foundation has relocated tenants, after a successful move involving a group of seniors in Sydney.
Dr Knight and son David Knight are mindful of the relationships and sense of community many of their tenants enjoy, and the benefits these friendships have on health and well being.
With the foundation’s assets on the Coast centrally located in Surfers Paradise and the landlord’s proud reputation for community service with a smile, the foundation’s tenants can be confident they remain in safe hands a breath of fresh air from the water’s edge.