The Programmed Award for Village Manager of the Year at the Retirement Living Council's National Retirement Living Summit is a highlight of the award ceremony on Thursday night (19 June).
Deon Moran, an active member of DCM Institute's Australian leading training program for Village Managers, is up against Melinda Akehurst, David Boggan, Kara Jones, and Kirstie Smith.
Deon is Village Manager of BlueCare’s Fraser Shores retirement community in Hervey Bay, on Queensland’s Fraser Coast.
“I speak for many people when I say we strongly recommend (Mr Moran) for ‘Manager of the Year’, and I say once more: if all other managers were classed as being normal, then Deon Moran is NOT normal,” long-time Fraser Shores' resident Margaret Crump said, adding lightning-fast to clarify that if previous managers were normal, Deon is the polar opposite and, in fact, the “best manager that we’ve had in Fraser Shores.”
Former DCM Institute participant Melinda, who is Community Manager at Aveo’s Bayview Gardens retirement living community on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, joined Aveo in 2013 after a 20-year career in the telecommunications industry.
“She works with her staff willingly and cheerfully, whether it be serving food at one of the special village dinners or lunches, decorating the dining room when a special themed dinner is coming up, or cooking when the chef suddenly becomes ill,” residents Liz Goodman and Margaret Young said in their award submission. “(She is a) manager who is approachable and has a ready smile. Her door is always open, especially for residents seeking advice.”
Kara has been the Village Manager at Keyton's Harbourside retirement village in Mindarie, a coastal suburb 37km north of Perth's CBD, for the past three years.
In a nomination to the Retirement Living Council (RLC) for the award, Keyton Retirement Living Regional Operations Manager, David Mooney (National Village Manager of the Year in 2020), applauded Kara's ability to manage resources and timelines effectively, stating it is “a key factor in her success”.
“Kara’s exceptional conflict resolution skills and thorough knowledge of relevant legislation enable her to facilitate issues as needed. She handles conflicts with a calm and professional demeanour, ensuring that all parties feel heard and respected,” David said.
Kirstie was employed by Stockland in 2016 and spent specialised in contracts for incoming and outgoing residents as a senior legal administrator. She become Templestowe Community retirement village manager in 2019, which is now operated by Levande.
David joined SA property investment fund ICAM in 2022 as a village manager within their portfolio of two villages.
ICAM nominated David for the award, describing him as a person who “creates a culture of learning and collaboration”, adding he has consistently provided exceptional outcomes at Langton Park Retirement Village by embracing change and fostering innovation. Recognising the need for improved communication and efficiency, he introduced new employee meetings that facilitate collaboration among staff and residents.
