How a career in sports management is perfect for retirement living
Being Event Manager for the Australian Open tennis tournament, the highest attended Grand Slam event, is the perfect preparation for Julie Bathgate to be a Village Manager.
Julie’s career verse background of management roles at Melbourne & Olympic Parks Trust for 23 years, has helped her enjoy her role as VM of Keyton’s Waterford Valley Lakes Village in Rowville, 27km southeast of Melbourne’s CBD, in May 2022.
She worked across six venues, including Rod Laver Arena and AAMI Park Stadium, where she planned and delivered events, including the Australian Open as Event Manager, Event Staffing Manager, Precinct Operations Manager and Safety & Emergency Management Manager.
Having managed over 500 in-house casual team members, 1500 contract staff and coordinated more than 15,000 event staffing shifts, she has all the skills needed.
“Each role required me to manage diverse teams, ensure smooth operations, and prioritize safety — all key aspects that align with the demands of Village Management. These experiences have attributed to my ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and think critically on my feet: skills that are invaluable in my current role.
“The Village Manager role is extremely broad, encompassing a wide range of responsibilities from overseeing operations to managing relationships with residents, staff, contractors, service providers, and stakeholders such as local council. As such the Village Manager role requires a blend of leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
“One of the most valuable aspects of my M&OP career journey has been the opportunity to develop transferable skills. As an Event Manager I gained experience in coordinating large-scale events with tight deadlines and specific safety requirements in accordance with OH&S Legislation & Regulations, Australian Standards and WorkSafe Compliance Codes. These skills directly apply to overseeing major projects in the village and every aspect of village operations.
“As Staffing Manager and Training Manager I built excellent communication and people management skills allowing me to build trusting and respectful relationships with all those I interact with as a Village Manager.
“As Precinct Operations Manager and Safety & Emergency Management Manager I developed a strong ability to keep things running smoothly in a complex, fast-paced environment. These skills directly apply to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the village, with safety at the core of everything we do.
“Whilst the venue and entertainment sector may seem vastly different from retirement living, the parallels are undeniable. Both sectors demand high levels of safety and security management, strong leadership, meticulous attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of those we serve. My transition from managing dynamic, fast-paced venues to creating a secure and supportive environment for older adults has been seamless due to the transferable skills I have honed over the years. Though the audiences may differ, the core principles of service, safety, and care remain consistent across both sectors.”
She said as a VM her “unique blend of experience allows me to create a safe, welcoming, and thriving environment for residents, ensuring their comfort and security each day.”
“As I reflect on the differences between the venue and entertainment sector and the retirement living sector, it becomes clear that these differences centre around the demographic of the audience and the purpose of their occupancy. In the venue and entertainment sector, event patrons typically attend for a short period of time, with the goal of enjoying a specific experience. Their time at the venue is often fleeting, and once the event concludes, they leave, taking their experience with them.
“In contrast, the residents in retirement living communities are not just visitors—they live in the village. It becomes their home, their sanctuary, a place where they will create lasting memories and seek comfort. As Village Manager, my role goes beyond just ensuring safety and operations; I am responsible for cultivating a sense of peace, security, and harmony within the village. It is essential that the environment feels like home for our residents, a place where they can feel at ease and supported every day.
“Furthermore, while mobility-challenged individuals need to be accommodated and supported in both sectors, in the retirement living sector, this is a constant and fundamental part of the responsibility. Unlike in the venue and entertainment sector, where mobility challenges are more event-specific or temporary, in the retirement living sector we must ensure that every part of the village is accessible, and that our residents’ needs are met consistently.”
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