Introducing Lyn Ferguson (pictured above), Village Manager at Bethanie Elanora in South Bunbury, a beachside suburb in Bunbury, 175km south of Western Australia’s capital city Perth, and part of DCM Institute’s exclusive 1,000 Club.
Did you have a different career before becoming a Village Manager? Tell us about them and how did they set you up for the role?
When I started with Bethanie I was employed as a physician assistant in the Southern Regional Hub and also worked within Community. Learning about the services and packages, meeting clients, and accompanying them on their outings was always so satisfying.
I also worked in the laundry, the kitchen, in administration and in the maintenance team, and having brought in some accounts experience, I’ve experienced the business from many angles.
What do you enjoy most about your role and the one thing that has surprised you about it?
I really enjoy interacting and supporting the residents and their families and helping them understand what services are available and how to utilise them.
What have you gained from the DCM Institute program?
The DCM Institute provided me with the knowledge of so many practical elements of managing a Village, as well as understanding more from the perspective of management.
There is always something that you can take away that you weren’t aware of and with DCM Institute we have ongoing support, plus networking with other business partners in the industry.
How do you manage your time to ensure you can balance responsibilities to residents and your operator, with your own learning and development?
I have dedicated time that I put aside for my DCM Institute leaning and development in order to focus.
The one thing you would tell anyone thinking of being a Village Manager.
Being a Village Manager is a big responsibility, but it is also very rewarding to help guide residents through the next chapter of their lives.
I find the support we give to the families alongside the residents in our village is equally powerful. I totally love my job and all the residents.
Thinking of a career in a retirement village. Contact DCM Executive Recruitment