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Retirement Living awards

Individual Award Winners Shine at the National Retirement Living Summit

Last week the sector came together in Brisbane for the Property Council’s annual National Retirement Living Summit.

One of the highlights of this 2-day event is the Awards ceremony – recognising the excellence of individuals, and of projects.

This years individual award winners would be well known to DCM Institute regulars.

(L-R)Tony Randello, CEO; Melinda Akehurst, Village Manager; Mohamed Hage Hassan, General Manager Operations; Natalie Patterson, COO

Programmed Award for Village Manager of the Year – Melinda Akehurst, Aveo

Melinda oversees a community of over 300 residents and 12 staff at Aveo’s Bayview Gardens Community on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

In receiving this award, Melinda acknowledged how humbling the recognition was while also praising her team – and asked for a pay rise at the podium.

(L-R)Laurie Bowell, Group Executive; Kavita Lobo, General Manager; Sabrina Brar, Village Manager; James Polous, General Manager Commercial and Strategy

Health Metrics Award for Future Leader of the Year – Community Leadership – Sabrina Brar, Anglicare

Sabrina joined the Not For Profit, Anglicare, more than seven years ago – recently taking on their Gordon Quarter community.

Sabrina has been with DCM Institute since August 2021, and is a regular at our Sydney events.

(L-R) Nick Hansen, COO; John De Angelis, Group Manager; Jenny Marrello; Jessica Madden, Regional Manager; Anna Gorgijeski, Head of Retirement Living

Health Metrics Award for Future Leader of the Year – Corporate Leadership – Retirement Living Manager Jessica Madden, Ozcare

Jessica has been with Ozcare for more than five years, joining the organisation through their acquisition of De Paul Manor Estate, where she acted in the role of Village Manager.

Now the Regional Manager – Operations, Jess supports the executive leadership and a team of Village Managers across Queensland.

Congratulations to these amazing Village Professionals. We hope to see you all soon at one of our upcoming events!

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James Wiltshire

With over 20 years of experience in the seniors living sector, James has led operations for both large and small operators. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to a resident-focused approach, working tirelessly to establish, improve, and transform retirement communities for some of Australia's top owners and operators.

James holds a Masters Degree in Commerce and Economics (UNSW) with an advanced specialisation in Human Resource Management. A former member of the NSW Retirement Living Council, he continues to sit on numerous sector Committees.

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