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Lifestyle Communities awarded Employer of Choice for Gender Equality Citation

Victorian land lease owner/operator Lifestyle Communities has been named as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality Citation (EOCGE) by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) in its first year of application.

Lifestyle Communities employs 161 people, with 109 being female, which is 67.7%.

“To see that what we stand for and the purpose of our business is recognised is a proud moment. Working towards the rigorous assessment for this citation has been a big body of work but so rewarding at the same time. It was an opportunity to highlight our culture and passion for people by drawing attention to the frameworks we have in place to create an inclusive, supportive, and equitable workplace,” Maribel Robotis, Lifestyle Communities’ People Experience Manager, said on LinkedIn.

Managing Director James Kelly said he wanted the business to continue its programs to deliver “key gender equality practices that have a positive impact.”

Lifestyle Communities has a 50/50 gender split on its Board with 40/40/20 targets across its team.

“Our design and construction team is over 60% female which is a great achievement within a male dominated industry,” James added.

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Resthaven Executive Manager Community Services retires after 18 years in role

Sue McKechnie said it was her family role models who actively sought out leadership roles in their local communities that led her to a career at South Australian Not for Profit operator Resthaven.

“My background in health, paired with my interest in helping people be the best they can be, set me on the path to a leadership role with Resthaven,” said Sue, who has retired .

“I started at Resthaven in 2004 with an interest in people and community. I wanted to take the opportunity to assist Resthaven to develop its community services and further realise its commitment to quality in service.”

“Since then, Resthaven Community Services has grown from a small metropolitan-based operation to be the largest home care service provider for older people in South Australia, delivering a broad range of services across the entire continuum, employing more than 1,000 staff.”

Sue said she had been encouraged by the lives of Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill, and Florence Nightingale as she pursued her leadership skills.

Sue chatting with a Western Community Services client, December 2022

“Encouraged by their stories, I realised that by taking up policy roles and championing new initiatives, I could influence better outcomes for more people.,” she said.

She recognises that being a woman in a leadership role is a vital role model.

“Every female leader brings their own style, models and pathways to teach younger women. The ability to support others has made my role hugely rewarding,” Sue added.

“Resthaven’s purpose, and values of ‘Trust Dignity Choice,’ closely align with my personal philosophy.”

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Ryman’s Village Manager Charisse Spence takes her team surfing for bonding

Picture: Charisse Spence (far left), with team members Rachel, Ange and Bayden (L-R)
Picture: Charisse Spence (far left), with team members Rachel, Ange and Bayden (L-R)

DCM Institute member Charisse Spence (far left) is Village Manager of Ryman Healthcare’s Deborah Cheetham Retirement Village at the seaside town of Ocean Grove on VIC’s Bellarine Peninsula.

With the village nearing completion, the Registered Nurse is assembling a team and has taken up an offer from another team member Rachel, a keen surfer, to have “unlimited” surfing lessons.

“The village is five minutes from the beach, so it’s easy to get the team to the beach. It’s a great way of bonding because we know we will be busy when the building is finished,” Charisse said.

“There are a couple who won’t do it, they come with their dogs but I think they really come for a laugh.”

Charisse, named Ryman’s Leader of the Year at the company’s 2022 Awards, said Ryman recently held a recruitment night and more than 100 people turned up.

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“They were literally lined up outside the door. We are going through the expressions of interest,” said Charisse, who has more than 25 years’ experience in the healthcare sector, from working as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital Geelong, managing regional operations at the Western Victoria Primary Health Network and establishing an Enrolled Nursing Course. She has also been at the forefront of medical research, leading the Barwon Health Cardiac Research Unit for about 10 years.

“There are 18 of us at the moment and I would say we need another six to eight staff when the village is finished in July.

“I want to promote a diverse, welcoming and nurturing culture that sets the foundations for an adaptable and versatile workforce.”

Deborah Cheetham Retirement Village currently has 65 residents. It will have 120 care beds and 53 serviced apartments when complete.   

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RLC names Best Village Manager and Salesperson of the Year in VIC

Two Lendlease Retirement Living employees have been named the Retirement Living Council’s best Village Manager and Salesperson in VIC at a function in Melbourne.

Sherman Brown, who works at Burwood Terrace in Burwood East, 17km east of Melbourne’s CBD, was named the State’s best Village Manager.

“This is absolutely amazing. It was unexpected because I was given to understand those who had applied for the title was the largest there had been. Today has just got a whole lot better,” he said.

“I would like to acknowledge the people I work with because they are a tremendous example to me. They remind me to sparkle and shine.”

Peta Smith, who works in sales for Lend Lease Retirement Living’s Abervale, a retirement village in Grovedale, and Windsor Park in St Albans Park, both Geelong.

“I am overwhelmed at this award. It is very humbling and it’s great to be recognised by your peers. You get up every day to do the best of your ability and deliver what needs to be delivered and service those beautiful customers,” Peta said.

“Ï would like to acknowledge my manager Mary Swain, she is definitely the go-to person.”

The pair are in with a chance to win the national titles, along with Jo-Anne Quinn and Joanna Watkins, Justine Regan, Amanda Adams, Lee Ann Alejo and Emily Bey, which will be announced at  the 2023 National Retirement Living Summit on the Gold Coast in June. 

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Best Village Managers and Salespeople of the Year honoured in QLD and SA/NT

The awards for the Retirement Living Council’s best Village Managers and Salespeople in QLD and SA/NT have been announced.

Justine Regan (pictured right), who has worked for Aveo Group for the past nine years, was named QLD Village Manager of the Year. She is also a member of the DCM Institute.

Justine, who works at Robertson Park Retirement Village, in Robertson, an outer southern suburb of Brisbane, said she was “excited and honoured” to win the award.

”I’m so passionate about this industry and I just love my residents so much,” she said.

“I have had amazing mentors.”

Aveo’s Amanda Adams, who works at The Clayfield, in Albion, an inner northeastern suburb of Brisbane, was awarded QLD Salesperson of the Year,Pictured (left to right): Kylie Fitzgerald, Rachel Carver, Karen Snook, Andrew Head, Lee Ann Alejo, Lisa Wood, Leonie Karlsson and Harish Bastian

Pictured (left to right): Kylie Fitzgerald, Rachel Carver, Karen Snook, Andrew Head, Lee Ann Alejo, Lisa Wood, Leonie Karlsson and Harish Bastian

Lee Ann Alejo, who has worked for RetireAustralia for 18 years, was named SA/NT Village Manager of the Year. She is Village Manager of Spring Grove and Wisteria Grove in Adelaide. She is a member of the DCM Institute.

“Receiving this award is an accomplishment that I could only dream of. I share this with all of you. This journey is not mine alone but our journey together,” she said.

RetireAustralia said Lee Ann “is a values-driven leader who embodies care, compassion, and dedication to her residents’ wellbeing.”

This is an amazing achievement and we couldn’t think of a more deserving Village Manager. In her 18 years of service, Lee Ann has connected with residents and team members across many villages and we are confident they will be as proud of Lee Ann as we are.”

Emily Bey (pictured right with Bruce Djite, Executive Director, Property Council, SA), of Levande, won the SA/NT Award for Salesperson of the Year.

“It was an honour to even be nominated in the first place. It feels unreal. I love what I do,” said Emily, who covers three villages – Levande Hillsview, Walnut Grove and The Grange.

The winners, join Jo-Anne Quinn and Joanna Watkins in the running for the National titles which will be announced as part of the 2023 National Retirement Living Summit on the Gold Coast in June.

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Budget Process: Professionalism + Partnership = Success

Retirement village residents on fixed incomes can be particularly sensitive to changes in the cost of living. The recent announcement of a 7.8% increase in the consumer price index to the December quarter nationally is a timely reminder for Village and Community Managers to prepare for the 2023-24 Budget cycle. This year, negotiating with residents and committees will require professionalism, respect, and care to successfully navigate their concerns with the increased costs of living. 

To guide managers through the budget process, here are some tips to consider: 

Transparency is key. It’s important to be open and clear about the costs involved in running the retirement village, including maintenance, insurance, rates, utilities, and staffing. Be prepared to answer questions about line items and explain any increases or decreases in costs from the previous year. Involve residents in the process through formal meetings and feedback sessions to create a sense of partnership and collaboration. 

Be prepared for budget requirements that continue to increase each year due to legislative changes and reforms. Have Quantity Surveyor Reports, Asset Management Plans, and quotes on hand to justify maintenance of capital items before consulting and negotiating with residents. 

Set clear goals and priorities for the year ahead, allocating funds accordingly. Be realistic about what the retirement village can afford and ensure that the budget reflects the needs and priorities of the residents. Consider how cost allocations are managed between operating and capital funds, and be open to compromise to find a balance between the needs and priorities of residents and the financial constraints of the retirement village. 

Summarise key points throughout the discussions with residents and committees, and follow up with a written document that outlines the agreed way forward. This will help ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of the outcome of the negotiation. 

Allow time for consultation and negotiation with residents and communicate the final budget clearly as per the requirements in your state or territory of operations. 

In conclusion, handling the budget process with care and professionalism, while taking into account the unique needs and concerns of residents, is critical. Success will come to managers who are well-prepared, effectively communicate, collaborate and negotiate with residents.  

The DCM Institute offers resources in its Knowledge Centre to help Village and Community Managers prepare for this year’s Budget cycle. 

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And finally, a top of the morning to you

St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate all things Irish, but did you know that it can also be a time to celebrate life in a retirement village?

One of the great things about retirement villages is the sense of community on offer. On St. Patrick’s Day, residents come together to celebrate this special holiday with friends and neighbours, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. This can be especially important for seniors who may have lost loved ones or who live far away from their families.

From traditional Irish music and dance performances to green-themed parties and afternoon teas, many retirement communities find a way to celebrate this special day with a variety of events and activities.

For those who love to cook, St. Patrick’s Day is a great opportunity to show off their culinary skills. Many retirement villages host potluck dinners, where residents can bring their favourite Irish-themed dishes to share with others. From hearty stews and potatoes to sweet soda bread, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

In addition to these activities, many retirement villages also offer educational opportunities on St. Patrick’s Day.

St Patrick’s Day falls on Friday 17 March. Be sure to have it included in your community’s event calendar for next month to enjoy a day of liveliness, delicious food, and a strong sense of community.

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When Zoe Prime went for an interview at a retirement village she felt at “home”

Zoe Prime, who had worked in administration for two fishing companies in Port Lincoln, SA, was looking for a career change when she decided to go back to work after having two children.

“After returning to the workforce I became a Disability Support Worker. I worked for Home Care Plus and also worked privately. I looked after a pair of beautiful twin girls who are toddlers with a rare condition, with only 600 people diagnosed with this disease. I got immense joy out of looking after these girls,” said Zoe.

“I then saw a village manager job advertised for Lincoln Grove and I thought wow this opportunity would be amazing. I can use my administrative skills learned at the fishing companies but also get to be a part of a community and still be social with the residents.”

RetireAustralia thought Zoe could be a good fit for the role and asked her to attend an interview

“As soon as I walked into the village on for my interview I knew it felt like home. It’s absolutely beautiful here,” Zoe said.

“I have met such wonderful residents who inspire me to become the best person I can be. I have found my motivation and passion again for work. There are 125 residents in our village. 24 serviced apartments in the community centre and 89 independent units!”

RetireAustralia is very keen on mentoring new recruits.

“I started on 8 August on 20 hours a week in reception, then moved into higher duties on 17 October. Then I became the relieving manager then I was appointed to the permanent position on 16 January,” she said.

“I have had such wonderful mentors in my journey.  Harish Bastain, Leonie Karlsson and Debra Green, my managers, have been amazing. There has been no hesitation from them when I need support.

“I have had wonderful support from fellow Village Managers Lee Ann Alejeo, when she came to Port Lincoln for a week to offer me support, and also Kathy Brazher-De Laine who stayed for 3 weeks!”

It’s the variety of life as a village manager that excites Zoe.

“Every day is different. I am kept on my toes with all the residents’ different personalities. I feel good in my heart knowing that I am here to put their needs first and I am their advocate.

“My advice is always work and stay in your personal values and the values of RetireAustralia (this way you know you are doing the best you can for yourself and residents). Never feel alone and always reach out when you need advice and support Enjoy what you do and also have fun with the residents.”

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49 Aveo communities go pink annually and have raised over $1.2M for breast cancer research

Aveo, one of the nation’s largest retirement village operators, has a great workforce.

Every October, an increasing number of staff and residents go pink, to raise money for breast cancer research.

49 of its communities took part last year and 46 funding raising events took place, raising $94,487.32.

You name it the Aveo teams have done it: pink breakfasts, morning and high teas, BBQs/sausage sizzles; pink champagne dinners, themed events with live entertainment, trivia nights, cakes decorating competitions and sampling, bra pink pong, plastic duck fishing, chopstick hunting, and many more.

The PA Research Foundation CEO Damian Topp has even attended some of the fund raising events.

In total the workers and residents at Aveo have collected more than $1.2 million for Project Pink since starting fundraising in 2016 to support The University of Queensland Frazer Institute (formerly UQ Diamantina Institute) Group Leader Associate Professor Fiona Simpson and her team to progress their breast cancer research.

The Frazer Institute has commenced their phase two safety trial for HER2-positive breast cancer patients.

Pictured are the Pink team at Aveo Bayview Gardens on Sydney’s Northern Beaches: Alison Bennett, Melinda Akehurst, Adam Vesey, Glenn Hayes, Kirsty Cooke, Haydar Mohsin and Omar Al-Safadi.

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Village Manager Jo-Anne Quinn and Sales Manager Joanna Watkins named leaders in NSW

Jo-Anne Quinn has been named the Retirement Living Council’s NSW/ACT Village Manager of the Year and Joanna Watkins the Salesperson of the Year at a council event in Sydney last Thursday.

Jo-Anne is the Village Manager of Aveo’s The Manors of Mosman Retirement Village, 8km northeast of Sydney’s CBD. She has been working for Aveo since January 2015.

She said the award was for “all the hard work, doing all the little things right, building a team culture, having a really good staff, good care, really just acknowledgement of looking after our residents as they age.”

“I’m very excited, elated, enthusiastic and ready for the next 10 years,” she told the audience at the NSW Retirement Living Council Outlook event in Sydney.

Joanne is the Sales Manager at Australian Unity’s Willandra Village in Cromer, 20km northeast of Sydney’s CBD.

“I’m really honoured. It’s a very special moment,” she said on receiving her award from James Wiltshire, DCM Institute’s Executive Commercial Director (pictured).

“COVID was really challenging for everyone and it was the refurbishment, the legal team, the operation, everyone pulling together to create a really special feel or record-breaking sales,” she said

Jo-Anne and Joanne go forward to the National titles which will be announced on 22 June at the 2023 Property Council’s National Retirement Living Summit on the Gold Coast.