The full-time concierge at Keyton’s Ardency Kennedy Place is a university student

Jamieson Turner is the go-to person at the latest retirement living facility under the luxury brand operated by Keyton in the trendy suburb of Richmond, 3km from the centre of Melbourne at Deakin

When it opened in February, Jamieson worked as the concierge on a casual basis.

“I am currently a student studying a degree in Human Resource Management (Psychology) at Deakin University in Geelong. After completing secondary school, I began working in medical reception, which fuelled my passion for assisting others. I’ve always had a close relationship with older individuals in my life, so when I saw the concierge position at Ardency Kennedy Place, I knew my blend of these attributes would make me an ideal candidate and help me thrive in this role.”

Within months, Ardency manager Kate Costello and assistant manager Marc Green were so impressed with her youthful energy and pleasant personality they offered her the role on a full-time basis.

“With adjustments to my university schedule and changes to my degree, I accepted the role eagerly. I looked forward to working more closely with my colleagues and engaging regularly with residents. I often tell people that I love my job – it doesn’t feel like work.”

What advice would you give to someone considering a concierge job, and what are the benefits of this role?

I would advise anyone considering a job as a concierge to be themselves. Residents enjoy chatting about their life experiences, whether it’s schooling, work or life in general.

Benefits of the concierge role include gaining knowledge and wisdom from residents’ life experiences, forming connections with them and working with an incredible team at Ardency Kennedy Place. Each member of the Keyton staff is approachable, helpful and kind, which enhances the role’s experience.

What are your duties and responsibilities?

From occasional dog sitting to ensuring optimal resident support and wellbeing, the concierge at Ardency Kennedy Place wears many hats. Daily duties include but are not limited to, maintaining the coffee machine (our residents love coffee!), coordinating with maintenance and housekeeping, responding to emergency calls, handling defects, conducting key audits, managing environmental health and safety (EHS) responsibilities, and assisting with social event coordination. All of us are trained first aiders and fire wardens.

How do you ensure residents’ needs are met and that they feel valued and cared for?

I ensure residents’ needs are met by always being available to assist them. You’ll always find me at reception with a smile and open ears. If they need assistance, I act promptly or take necessary actions. My social work studies emphasised the importance of leaving room for silence, making me a skilled listener. This attribute fosters residents’ sense of value and care. Additionally, I remember every resident’s name and apartment number, reflecting my dedication to this role.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

The most rewarding part is assisting residents. It’s fulfilling to know they trust me to help whenever they need it. Being that person for them makes me very happy and deepens my love for my job.