● JO TWIBLE, principal at KJB, began at KJB in 1997 and has much experience in retirement village and aged care entry/exit, residential conveyancing and commercial property law. She participated in the Review Advisory Group to the ACT Government regarding retirement village legislation. She's provided continuing legal education in this complex area of conveyancing. Staff profile here.
Business of the Year 2021
Best Professional Services 2021
“AS WE get older, it's natural to start thinking about how we want our future to look, and how best to plan for it,” says KJB Law principal, Jo Twible.
“This might mean understanding aged-care options, considering changes to your will or powers of attorney, or exploring ways to fund care without putting unnecessary pressure on family.
"With the new aged-care reforms presently due to begin on November 1, it’s more important than ever to be informed. And aged-care options don’t just mean residential aged care."
KJB Law runs free seminars twice yearly, in conjunction with Phillips Wealth Partners, to help seniors gain an appreciation of downsizing, estate planning, and aged-care issues.
The next free seminar is at 10am on Wednesday, November 12, at the Hellenic Club of Canberra in Phillip.
“We want to give people a clear and practical understanding of how these reforms affect them — whether they’re staying at home, entering care, or looking at different solutions for their changing needs."
Topics include:
- the pros and cons of staying in your current home and each of the various downsizing options;
- in-home care and residential care options as well as new hybrid options;
- considerations for reviewing your will, power of attorney, and Advance Care Directive when looking at care options; and
- understanding costs and funding strategies.
“Whether you’re planning for yourself or supporting a loved one, this seminar is designed to give you an understanding of the fundamentals to help you make informed decisions.
"We'd love to see you there.”
FREE SEMINAR REGISTRATION
Scan the QR code, or click this link:
eventbrite.com.au/e/planning-ahead-care-options-legal-essentials-financial-strategies-tickets-1677712837259.
For more information:
Chloe McPherson, 02 6281 0999
or email chloe@kjblaw.com.au.
This event is a collaboration between Canberra
firms KJB Law and Phillips Wealth Partners.
THE SPEAKERS
● CRAIG PHILLIPS, principal and accredited aged care professional at PWP, got the Aged Care Specialist Award in 2023 and was a Program of the Year finalist. He has 30 years' experience in financial services. He's completed all educational and ethical government benchmarks. He specialises in preparing financial strategies for retirement, downsizing, granny flat rights, and permanent residential aged care. Staff profile here.
● LINDA EVANS, senior associate at KJB, has a BA and a Bachelor of Laws (Hons). After graduating and working in private practice, she was a part-time tutor and lecturer in law at the University of Wollongong before taking time off to care for her four kids. From 2012 to 2022, she worked in wills and estates. She returned to uni in 2023 for a Master of Teaching then arranged a tree-change with her husband and youngest daughter to join KJB in 2025. Staff profile here.
● DAVID ENDERSBY, senior associate at KJB, has a Bachelor of Law and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and a Graduate Diploma in Management. He was in the Royal Australian Navy at 16, ending up as Naval aircrewman. Then, he held business management, service delivery, and sales positions in manufacturing, hospitality, finance, and membership organisations. On admission to the Supreme Court of WA, he practised family law and estate planning and litigation. He moved to Canberra in 2020 to work across several areas, including assisting Legal Aid clients. Staff profile here.
● LUISA CAPEZIO, aged care specialist and co-director at PWP, is an accredited aged care professional and financial planning associate. She has much experience in healthcare in many therapeutic areas. At PWP, she ensures individuals and families find the best solution for loved ones who need support to stay at home or who are ready to downsize or move into a retirement village or residential aged care. She chairs a local board focusing on models of care for people living with dementia. Staff profile here.
AGAIN, next month we'll be at the ACT Seniors and Better Ageing Expo being held in the Old Bus Depot Building, at 21 Wentworth Avenue, in Kingston — right in the heart of Canberra.
We'll have a booth and several of our staff will be there to chat with you. If you're seeking guidance on aged-care planning, financial advice, legal insights, or future preparedness, it'll be a chance to connect, ask questions, and explore options for your situation.
Expo entry is free; gold coin donations support
COTA's work with Canberra seniors.
It runs from 10am to 3pm, with more than 150 exhibitors, featuring interactive exhibits, live performances, a vibrant lifestyle hub, entertaining demonstrations, and local food vendors.
It's run by the ACT arm of the Council on the Ageing (COTA) as part of ACT Seniors Month (September) and it's been operating since the mid-1990s.
“We’re excited to return to the Old Bus Depot Building,” said COTA ACT boss Jenny Mobbs. “We have exhibitors catering to everyone’s ageing journey —for newly retired, all the way through to those planning residential aged care.”
Parking is limited in Kingston, so Transport Canberra are giving seniors free travel to the expo.
Tell the bus driver or CMET customer service officer you're going to the expo.
Use Canberra's Park and Ride service and jump on the R6 (from Woden or Civic) or the R2 (from Belconnen or Fyshwick).
We look forward to seeing you — please drop by our booth and say hello!
More: cotaact.org.au/events/act-seniors-and-better-ageing-expo or COTA, 02 6287 3777.
Optional pre-registration: cotaact.org.au/ event/act-seniors-and-better-ageing-expo-3.
Meet Jo, Sara, Linda, and Sarah at the expo — They'd love to chat with you about any of your legal queries
JO TWIBLE
At the expo: 10am – 1pm
Jo is a principal at KJB Law and leads our commercial law and retirement village team.
SARA WARNER
At the expo: 1pm – 3pm
Sara is a solicitor at KJB Law and she is on our estate planning team.
LINDA EVANS
At the expo: 10am – 3pm
Linda is a senior associate at KJB Law, who is on our estate planning team.
SARAH OZANNE
At the expo: 10am – 3pm
A senior associate on our estate planning team and our commercial law and retirement village team.
.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the land on which we work, and we also recognise the connection of the Ngambri people and other Indigenous groups to the land in the ACT. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.
.
KJB Law took its name from the initials of its
founders, Ken Johnston and Allan Bedford, in 1981.
From the start, the company was built on
three important core values . . .
KNOWLEDGE of the law, of legal practice and legal procedure, but also knowledge of people, because the practice of law always intersects with the lives, goals,
and aspirations of the people we represent.
JUST OUTCOMES, reflecting the rights and the responsibilities of the parties involved, but striving to better the expected result.
BALANCE
— standing up for principles that are important, but achieving compromise and resolution where they're appropriate.
SPOTLIGHT ON NEW STAFF
To be honest, the
most important things I've ever learned were taught to me by my kids, and these lessons are patience and perseverance.
CAROLYN SIMMONS
Senior Associate
DES MOORE is one of the principals here at KJB Law. He's a dad himself, and a committed family man. He's worked with hundreds of couples navigating the end of a relationship and looking for a roadmap to their future lives.
For him, it's a matter of great priority that the needs of the children involved are considered first and foremost whenever there's a conflict of interests.
He believes a relationship breakdown must not be viewed so much as an ending, but, indeed, the start of a new configuration of the family and, with careful guidance, and keeping everyone's perspective balanced and focused, children can move forward and adapt, too, so that the way forward need not be so scary to them, but they can become settled and feel very much loved, and supported, and wanted by both parents. And also feel comfortable with the new shape of their family, whatever that may look like.
Des's staff profile and contact details: here.
Des is available for consultation.
Make an appointment now with his assistant,
Tania Poidevin. Call Tania on (02) 6281 0999
or email her at tania@kjblaw.com.au.
SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF AWARDS
"I love being able to help people make good decisions, good judgment calls, on contentious issues. Steer them away from further pitfalls. I love that.
"You know, I owe each and every one of my colleagues a real vote of heart-felt gratitude. They're personable, diligent, and ethical. You should meet them."
Andrew’s Doyle's profile here ►
Information, graphics: doylesguide.com
SEMINAR REPORT
Are you ready for the Government's aged-care changes from Nov 1?
Our first seminar for the year was 'informative', 'extremely helpful', and 'very well organised'
Now it's time to put into practice what you learned at the seminar — we're available to talk with you privately about your situation, whether or not you were at the seminar
Follow up the seminar now. Make an appointment to talk to Jo, or David, or any of our team, by calling Kylie at reception on (02) 6281 0999, or emailing her at kylie@kjblaw.com.au. Or speak to Craig or Luisa at PWP by calling 1300 10 22 33.
OUR first retirement living seminar for the year was very successful. "New Aged-Care Costs and Planning Ahead for
Wills and Capacity" was designed to equip our seniors and their families with the information they'll need to plan ahead constructively.
It was a joint venture between KJB Law and fellow Canberra firm Phillips Wealth Partners, and held at the Hellenic Club of Canberra.
Topics included aged-care reform, aged-care fees, and wills and power of attorney planning as capacity changes. and our speakers gave particular focus to the aged-care changes which are due to come into effect on November 1.
Last year, the federal parliament passed the Aged Care Act, bringing critical funding and regulatory reform to support a high-quality and sustainable aged-care sector.
We looked at those aged-care reforms and policy changes, the funding models for home, residential, and other aged-care options, and suggested practical strategies for aged-care financial planning. These were the most crucial and timely aspects of our seminar.
Also we were able to explain how a comprehensive estate plan is essential for protecting your assets and ensuring your wishes are followed in the event of incapacity or death.
It’s not just about having a will — a good estate plan protects your assets, addresses tax concerns, avoids family
All the seminar presentations were impressive, particularly Mitchell's. I really benefited. Also, now we know the organisations to approach as we sort out our estate planning.
ATTENDEE
More than 300 Canberra seniors were given concise information on the latest issues for aged care, along with direct access to industry reps who gave details of services and facilities available to them.
DAVID ENDERSBY
Senior Associate, KJB Law
and keynote speaker
This event was a collaboration between Canberra firms KJB Law and Phillips Wealth Partners.
disputes, and ensures your wishes are followed.
The specialist keynote speakers were KJB's senior associate David Endersby, filling in for Jo Twible who was on sick leave, and senior associate Mitchell Chatfield, along with PWP's principal Craig Phillips and Luisa Capezio, both accredited aged-care specialists.
Said David: "The seminar was an opportunity for meaningful engagement with a diverse group of Canberra’s seniors' community. More than 300 attendees were provided with concise and informative sessions on the latest issues for aged care, along with direct access to industry representatives who were ready to provide further information over a broad range about services and facilities available to them."
Several attendees offered personal thanks in particular to Mitchell: “Thank you, Mitchell, for your contribution to the seminar. You covered a lot of important issues that needed to be considered."
Keynote speakers:
Another said: "I truly appreciate your help Mitchell, and also KJB Law and Phillips Wealth Partners for putting together such an informative and useful free seminar."
And also: "All the seminar presentations were impressive, particularly Mitchell's. I really benefited. Also, now we know the organisations to approach as we sort out our estate planning.”
PWP's client services manager Ana Patriota, who also attended, said: "The educational seminar was most informative and very well-organised. The speakers demonstrated expertise and empathy, addressing July's aged-care reforms and providing a helpful printed support-at-home services list."
Also present was KJB's HR manager
Shradha Deo who said: "The retirement seminar was a resounding success! We welcomed more attendees than expected, and were able to foster meaningful connections and conduct engaging discussions with those who were there. It was extremely helpful to so many people and it was really quite heartwarming to see our community come together to share important knowledge. The positive feedback we received was very encouraging indeed."
For more about our regular seminars:
call Shradha Deo, at KJB Law,
on (02) 6281 0999 or email
her at shradha@kjblaw.com.au.
Background video of David Endersby and Luisa Capezio addressing the seminar in May at the Hellenic Club of Canberra.
WOMEN'S SUPERANNUATION WORKSHOP
Superannuation session for women identified a service gap
Event uncovered a real need
to support women and super
IN NOVEMBER last year, KJB Law and fellow Canberra firm Arch Capital collaborated on a special superannuation workshop designed exclusively for a small group of interested women.
It was open to anyone who wished to register and it was free.
The event was an experimental endeavour, coming out of discussions between our Special Counsel at the time, Kerstin Glomb, and Arch Capital Senior Financial Adviser, Brigitta Hembrow-Gersey, who jointly ran the workshop.
Kerstin had more than 25 years' experience in wills and estate planning, and Brigitta had been advising on strategy and investments since 2017.
We've come across many women concerned about their finances in retirement. We generally earn less and work less than men due to looking after children, or caring for parents. Women don't know where to get information, and this can be scary.
KERSTIN GLOMB
co-presenter
Why women?
"Women generally earn less and have worked less than men due to taking time out to look after children, or care for their parents," Kerstin said.
"Brigitta and I have come across many women who are concerned about their financial situation when in retirement. They don’t know what to do, or where to get information and guidance. And it can be scary.
It was a great event, thank you! Very informative, helpful, and not too complicated. I really appreciated the opportunity to attend.
ATTENDEE
Superannuation Workshop for Women
The workshop was a collaboration between
Canberra firms KJB Law and Arch Capital.
"The purpose of the workshop was to provide help and general guidance on superannuation, explain to women where they can find information, and allow them to ask questions without having to pay.
"The feedback from all attendees was that the workshop was very helpful, and we got a huge thank-you afterwards.
"And that was very encouraging and convinced Brigitta and I to do another one soon."
One of the women who attended said afterwards: "It was a great event, thank you! Very informative, helpful, and not too complicated. I really appreciated the opportunity to attend."
What did the presenters observe at the workshop?
"Honestly, both Brigitta and I could see that there's little knowledge about how superannuation works, what to watch out for, and where to find information," Kerstin said.
"This doesn’t only apply to women by the way — but women are usually more scared to ask questions."
The workshop was interactive and covered such topics as:
What is superannuation and how does it work?
What are the different types of contributions and what should I watch out for?
Why and how should I engage with my super?
How do I ensure it's distributed to the people I choose when I die? What are binding nominations and how do update/review them? When do I need to update/review my will, and how?
Attendees were also encouraged to bring their own questions.
It was open to women of all ages, at any stage of their woking lives — whether starting a career, returning to work, or nearing retirement. No prior knowledge was required.
More about Brigitta: linkedin.com/in/brigittagersey
Future workshops: Shradha Deo on (02) 6281 0999
or email her at shradha@kjblaw.com.au
RETIREMENT LIVING SEMINAR
It's simple — do your due diligence and your homework, and you'll avoid unkind surprises; your retirement should be your golden years
Seminar offered reassurance in the face of alarming ABC coverage
LAST November, KJB Law and Canberra company Phillips Wealth Partners co-presented another in our successful series of educational retirement living seminars, Making the Move: Retirement Living and Financial Preparation for Aged Care.
Registration for the two-and-a-half-hour morning session was free, and open to anyone who was interested. It was already half-filled some weeks beforehand.
The focus was on learning how to make wise, informed, and safe decisions about retirement for yourself or loved ones, addressing questions everybody has about entering into new living arrangements for this stage of your life.
Of particular and timely interest, were the issues raised by the recent ABC Australia investigation into problems in some areas of the retirement village industry.
Many are concerned about security, even regarding possible relationship changes. People are seeking clarity about appropriate planning.
MITCHELL CHATFIELD
co-presenter
When entering a retirement village, a prospective resident should get detailed legal and financial advice, specifically relating to the contracts and their own situation.
JO TWIBLE
co-presenter
The widespread media coverage made it clear that many residents enter a retire-ment village without fully understanding their agreement, nor its financial consequences.
KJB Law principal Jo Twible was keen to address concerns. “Surprises are great for Christmas and birthdays, not for legal documents,” she said.
She advised: "When entering a retirement village, a prospective resident should get detailed legal and financial advice, specifically relating to the contracts and their own situation. A range of operators in the marketplace offer a range of financial models, and each model has different benefits and consequences. Find out what suits your particular situation."
The seminar was a collaboration between Canberra
firms KJB Law and Phillips Wealth Partners.
It was clear from comments afterwards that the seminar helped attendees learn how to make safe decisions.
Attendees were from varied backgrounds, and included those wanting to learn about retirement village living, those who were confused about retirement village contracts, and those needing clarification about aged-care services and current costs.
The much-vaunted important changes to the Retirement Village Act were also flagged.
The panel of expert presenters were Jo Twible, principal, and Mitchell Chatfield, solicitor, from KJB Law, and Craig Phillips, director, senior financial advisor, and accredited aged-care professional, and Luisa Capezio, co-director and accredited aged-care professional, from Phillips Wealth Partners.
Details of the next retirement living seminar will be announced soon.
More about Jo: kjblaw.com.au/jo-twible
Craig: phillipswp.com.au/about/about-pwp
Luisa: phillipswp.com.au/about/about-pwp
Future seminars: Shradha Deo on 6281 0999
or email her at shradha@kjblaw.com.au
KJB IN THE MEDIA
KJB principal Jo Twible interviewed for ABC News Online
Canberra's retirement villages urged to be more transparent about where fees are going
That sense of [whether] an operator is price-gouging or not,
that could be perhaps resolved by some transparency.
JO TWIBLE
Principal, KJB Law
THE ABC's ongoing national investigations into the retirement village industry last Sunday focused on the ACT.
KJB Law principal Jo Twible, a specialist in retirement village contracts, was among those interviewed for the ABC News story, "Canberra's retirement villages urged to be more transparent about where fees are going."
Said reporter Lottie Twyford in her lead-in: "Around the country, residents have raised concerns about retirement villages and their practices of charging large exit, maintenance, and refurbishment fees, which have sometimes come as a shock.
"In the ACT, some have called for more avenues for managing complaints, while prospective residents are urged to seek
independent financial and legal advice before entering into a retirement village contract."
Jo Twible was among those interviewed for the story.
The reporter wrote: "KJB Law's Jo Twible agreed most of the contracts are far too complex for someone to understand without the help of a lawyer.
"And as one of the few lawyers practising in this space, she said there's a reason they're so complex."
Ms Twible said: "Even in New South Wales, which does have a standard contract, they will change drastically depending on the offerings from the village they choose.
"In Canberra alone, there are many different types of retirement villages.
"That means different scenarios for residents, both financially and legally, depending on the type they live in.
"Residents also have the choice about when to pay some fees."
Ms Twible agreed more transparency was needed about where operators are making their profits, just how large those profits are, and what resident fees are being used for.
Ms Twible said: "That sense of [whether] an operator is price-gouging or not, that could be perhaps resolved by some transparency."
She explained to the journalist, though it wasn't reported: “In the ACT, the operators have obligations to meet certain expenses
from their own pockets. Up-front and departure fees form the source of the operator’s funds to meet those obligations.
"However, they are also what form the operator’s profit and their source of funds for reinvestment.
"Given the degree of concern recently raised that some of the fees charged are excessive, a more true understanding of whether or not this is the case could be helped by some additional transparency in this regard.
"You don’t expect your plumber to fix your plumbing without making a profit, so it’s not unreasonable for retirement village operators to make profit, too – the question is how much profit is reasonable versus what might people reasonably feel is gouging?”
Read the full story by journalist Lottie Twyford on ABC NEWS ONLINE: here
►
See further comment by Jo in the story
" 7:30 and the importance of legal and financial advice when entering a retirement village" and also more ABC coverage further down this page.
RETIREMENT VILLAGES IN THE MEDIA
7.30 and the importance of legal and financial advice when entering a retirement village
Surprises are great for Christmas and birthdays, not for legal documents.
JO TWIBLE
Principal, KJB Law
THIS month's
7.30 stories on the ABC about retirement villages have one key take-away: many residents enter into a village without fully understanding their agreement nor its financial consequences.
“Surprises are great for Christmas and birthdays, not for legal documents,” KJB Law principal, Jo Twible, says.
When entering into a retirement village, a prospective resident should get detailed legal and financial advice, specifically relating to the contract(s) and their own situation.
A range of operators in the market offer a range of financial models, and each model has different benefits and consequences.
When entering into a village, many contracts contain formulas as to the amount residents will pay on exit — good advice should help quantify for you the amount you'll pay based on different scenarios.
If a contract says you pay a departure fee of 6 per cent per year capped at 30 per cent after five years on an ingoing contribution of $700,000 and get no share of capital gain, then you need straightforward advice that makes it very clear that this means that the departure fee at the one-year mark is $42,000 and by the five-year mark it is $210,000.
If you stay in the village for five or more years then you'll get back $490,000 as a starting point. Any additional amounts that might be deducted should also be clearly explained.
“Advice should be in writing and in plain English,” Jo says. “A prospective resident should be encouraged to share that advice with their family as, while it's the resident who might be dealing with the transaction when entering, it's often a family member who's assisting them when they exit.
"There should never be a situation where a family member thinks: ‘Mum wouldn’t have signed this if she'd known!’
“Tailored financial advice is important, too. Prospective residents need to not just be thinking about this move but the potential following move into an aged-care facility. Quite often when we see clients they have no understanding of the framework for aged care and potential costs."
ABOVE: Here are two key instalments of ABC investigative reporter Adele Ferguson's continuing look into retirement village inequities; on 7.30 (top, 18 mins) and ABC News (above, 3 mins). Jo Twible says: "While there are reasons that retirement villages need to charge some of the fees they do to ensure that they have funds to meet their legislated obligations, the current media attention only serves to highlight the vital need to get clear independent legal and financial advice on every contract, before you sign, when you're looking to enter retirement living."
"This is one reason why KJB Law and Phillips Wealth Partners run regular public education seminars on retirement village entry and aged care. We want people to have some basic under-standing before they start looking at retirement village options.”
Jo says: “There are many well documented benefits to life in a retirement village, but these come at a cost. It’s important to ensure a prospective resident understands these costs and can determine, for themselves, whether the benefits are worth what they'll be paying going into, during and on exit from the village, and that they'll have sufficient funds left over to meet their future care needs.”
KJB Law and Phillips Wealth Partners run occasional free
retirement living seminars at the Hellenic Club of Canberra.
For details of upcoming seminars, call Shradha Deo on
(02) 6281 0999 or email her at shradha@kjblaw.com.au
.
PICTURED (from left): Principals Andrew Freer, Jo Twible, and Des Moore are each experts in their fields and have wide-ranging experience in legal matters. See here for links to their individual profiles and personal contact details. They'd love to hear from you.
NEW STARTS (background): The early morning sun rises on Lake Burley Griffin, piercing the trees that line its shores, and bringing its constant promise of something new and fresh. Video: VisitCanberra.com.au.
SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF
Andrew's inspiring bike ride across Italy
FROM the start of September, in 2024, principal Andrew Freer (left) had been in Italy, spending his long-service leave on an intensive group bike-ride through Tuscany, Umbria, and surrounds.
The Appenini ride was due to leave Fiesole, near Florence, on September 4, giving Andrew and friends time to explore the Tuscan region for three days.
"Yes, I was very fortunate to experience a little of this region as well as take a few days acclimatising and getting some warm-up cycling," he said.
Sightseeing in Florence included the famous Duomo cathedral, officially the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Accademia gallery, the home of Michelangelo's David.
Andrew was in Tuscany on the day before the start of the big ride when his double win in the Doyle's Guide honours was announced back home.
DAY 1, Sept 4, 112.82 km, 6h 1m: Andrew and friends left Fiesole, aiming to reach the province of Arrezo in another part of Tuscany that night. "It was quite warm and I knew I'd be busy chewing what I'd bitten off right up to midnight! I posted a few cycling photos to Facebook but my daughter said she wasn't particularly impressed with them, so I got busy and uploaded another batch."
DAY 2, Sept 5, 141.87 km, 7h 38m: The group headed off to the region of Umbria, leaving Arrezo in Tuscany and riding south-east to Todi, in the province of Perugia. "This was quite challenging, especially the last sneaky little climb into Todi! And to think I thought yesterday was tough!"
DAY 3, Sept 6, 136.67 km, 6h 49m. They left Todi and headed to L’Aquila. "I gotta say my legs were showing clear signs of benefitting from riding for three days in a row, but it was quite a long climb late in the day. However, I told myself, the next two days will be a step up. Today was another spectacular day in the mountains, as you can see from the photos. There was plenty of climbing."
DAY 4, Sept 7, 117.47 km, 6h 41m. The riders left L’Aquila and headed to Popoli, still in the Abruzzo region. "We rode via a small hill called the Gran Sasso, plus we had a very nice swim in the river at the end!"
DAY 5, Sept 8: "We rode from Popoli to Lanciano via a brute of a mountain (but beautiful) called the Blockhaus in the Parco Nazionale (national park). The views were really something and made up for the very long and steep ascent!"
REST DAY, Sept 9: A scheduled rest day in Lanciano for the Harvest Festival. "I'm really enjoying this!"
DAY 6, Sept 10: 128.69 km, 7h 7m. “Today was a morning ride, heading out from Lanciano, in Abruzzo, for Campobasso in the Molise region after our much-needed rest day. No iconic climbs today, but plenty of metres were climbed!”
DAY 7, Sept 11: 112.56 km. "Lots of wind turbines hinted at the riding conditions we were going to face. Less climbing today, but we still gained height for a windy smashfest home. We had a nice post-ride swim!"
DAY 8, Sept 12: 133.5 km, 6h 34m. "The ride from Lucera to Melfi was a flattish smash-fest for 60 kms. The joys of Puglia. Then lots of hills and plenty more wind turbines — literally hundreds of them. Then a return to some climbing. Explored the Castle at Melfi at the end! And another lovely post-ride swim. The legs are getting stronger. Two days to go!”
DAY 9, Sept 13: 131.28 km, 5h 32m. “After leaving Melfi, first we climbed up, then did an 80km relatively flat run but it was a hot and hard slog into Matera. We wore pink Jerseys in remembrance of Albert’s granddaughter. We had an early lunch. Finally, it was so good to be in the hotel. We walked into the old town for dinner. Now, time for some James Bond spotting. Final day tomorrow!”
FINAL DAY, Sept 14: "It was a lighter day, as we left Matera for Monopoli. Did olive oil tasting then had a swim when we reached the sea. All up, we've just done 1300km in 10 days since leaving Fiesole, near Florence, and arriving in Monopoli. That's 21 km of vertical climbing! Thanks for following!"
BACKGROUND: Day 3, Sept 6: Umbria to Abruzzo.
Our client testimonials speak for themselves . . .
I found that Des and his assistant Tania, and
the whole KJB Law team, were fantastic after spending about three years with them on a family law matter. The firm is very professional and they were
able to focus on helping during a very difficult time.
Des and Tania and the rest of the team were always supportive, offering professional guidance, care, and support. If you want a hard-working team on your side, KJB is that team. Thank you again, KJB!
Long-term client (2020–2023) of Des Moore, Principal
Now that my unpleasant matter has concluded,
I'd like to express my absolute satisfaction with the service and the courtesies you offered me during this year and 2021. Your assessment, instruction, and guidance on my best options and outcomes greatly relieved me of a lot of the stress I was experiencing.
I'll certainly keep your firm foremost in my mind should I ever again need legal support.
And I won't hesitate to recommend KJB Law should anyone I know need the same.
Client of Des Moore, Principal
I'm speechless. I have to say that I didn't see my
matter being settled by consent. Well, miracles do happen! Des and Laura, I cannot thank you both enough — you've been absolutely amazing, and I was so lucky to have such professionals on my side.
Client of Des Moore, Principal, and
Laura Dowling, former Senior Associate
I want to thank you for your efforts leading
up to and including yesterday's mediation.
I felt extremely well represented and supported by you and the team. You did an amazing job in understanding the matter and my preferences in approaching settlement, and executing on them. I'm extremely pleased with the outcome. Based on my experience, it only stands to reason that the culture and skills at KJB have justified your industry recognition and my friend's recommendation. My most sincere thanks to you.
Client of Jay Riddle, Solicitor
We'd very much like to express our thanks for
your assistance and patience in the matter of our wills and enduring powers of attorney. It was super service from a very professional law firm. Thank you!
Clients of Kerstin Glomb, former Special Counsel
The conference we had with Jo was very
informative and it helped us greatly to clarify our thinking and priorities about the proposed development and
the nature of the deal. Jo's advice was greatly appreciated. Her candour and practicality were refreshing and supportive. Just as in 2011, when Jo helped us with conveyancing to buy our property, her work was invaluable, and she has enabled us to make one of the more important decisions of our lives with confidence and security.
Return clients of Jo Twible, Principal
We'd both like to thank you and the team at
KJB Law for the very smooth and successful purchase of our property. We're both very happy with the work and efforts by you and the team. It's been a very positive transition into our new home and we'll certainly recommend KJB to anyone who's looking to buy a home.
Clients of David Trigg, Conveyancing Manager
Laura, I wouldn't have got here without your
unending support through this painful period
of my life. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I can finally get on with my life.
Client of Laura Dowling, former Senior Associate
Thank you so much for all your help. Laura,
I couldn’t have done it without you. It was a real privilege to work alongside you, to be able to
sort out all this, and I'm ever so relieved it's all done.
Thank you so much. You're very much appreciated!
Client of Laura Dowling, former Senior Associate
◼︎Contact our friendly receptionist, Kylie, who'd be delighted to put you in touch with the legal specialist your situation needs. Call Kylie on (02) 6281 0999 or you can email her direct at reception@kjblaw.com.au.
Our DOUBLE win at the Business Awards!
We're so very grateful for this huge honour
Canberra Region businesses gathered recently for the annual announcement of the winners of the Local Business Awards.
KJB Law was not only the winner of the Professional Services category (listed right) but we were also announced as Outstanding Business of the Year.
It's a tremendous honour, and one we don't take lightly. The glittering occasion was all the more special, coming as it did after 18 hard months for the community.
"We're so proud of our hard-working KJB team," said principal and solicitor Andrew Freer, when accepting the Professional Services category award for the company. "They put everything they have into looking after our clients' needs. This award acknowledges that."
Precedent Productions' Steve Loe said “Many tears of joy were shed on the night, as Canberra Region businesses celebrated each other’s achievements. The pandemic has been tough on us all, with businesses hit hard by things beyond anyone’s control. It was wonderful to see our finalists come together to celebrate in what's been a difficult time for people around the world."
We were thrilled with that first win. And completely taken aback when the final award of the night was announced.
"Most Outstanding Business of the Year for the Canberra Region is KJB Law!"
We couldn't believe it. And we were in such honoured company with all the other finalists.
"This is very humbling to all of us here at KJB Law," said principal and solicitor Des Moore, as he accepted the final award on the night.
"We'll keep working hard for our community and our clients. Thank you so sincerely for this honour and recognition."
The local business awards are run by
Precedent Productions: (02) 8363 3333
or visit precedent@precedent.net.
For more information about the awards,
visit: thebusinessawards.com.au.
Many tears of joy were
shed on the night, as Canberra Region businesses celebrated each other’s achievements. The pandemic has been tough on us all, with businesses hit hard by things beyond anyone's control.