Connecting Village Professionals Across Australia
Thursday 17 September 2026
Join Village Professionals from across Australia as we come together for the inaugural DCM Institute Village Professionals’ Biggest Morning Tea.
Hosted simultaneously in villages across the country, this special national event is designed to strengthen professional connections, encourage collaboration and create opportunities to share experiences with others who understand the unique and rewarding world of retirement living.
Whether you are new to the sector or have years of experience, this event offers a chance to step away from your desk, connect with peers, exchange ideas and build relationships that support both personal and professional growth.
Why attend?
Working in retirement living is unlike any other industry. Village Professionals play a vital role in creating thriving communities, supporting residents and leading teams, often while navigating complex and evolving responsibilities.
The DCM Institute Village Professionals’ Biggest Morning Tea provides an opportunity to:
- Connect with fellow Village Professionals in your local region
- Expand your professional network
- Share ideas, challenges and successes
- Learn from others working in retirement living communities
- Strengthen relationships across operators and organisations
- Celebrate the important contribution Village Professionals make every day
Most importantly, it is an opportunity to come together as a profession and recognise the value of connection, support and community.
Thursday 17 September 2026
8.30am – 11.00am (local time)
$5 to be paid on the day
Who Should Attend?
This event is open to professionals working within retirement living communities, including:
- Village Managers
- Assistant Village Managers
- Community Managers
- Regional Managers
- Sales and Marketing Professionals
- Lifestyle and Wellbeing Teams
- Resident Services Teams
- Operations Professionals
- Emerging Leaders and Future Village Professionals
What to Expect
Each location will provide a welcoming and relaxed environment where Village Professionals can connect with colleagues from across their region.
The morning will include:
- Networking and introductions
- A national welcome message from DCM Institute
- Facilitated discussion and conversation
- Morning tea and refreshments
- Opportunities to build professional connections
- Group photographs
- While each location will have its own local flavour, all hosts will be participating in the same national event experience.
Hosted by Village Professionals, for Village Professionals
One of the unique aspects of this event is that it is being hosted by Village Professionals within retirement living communities across Australia.
Our host villages are generously opening their doors to support professional connection, collaboration and industry engagement.
We thank our hosts for helping strengthen the retirement living profession and creating opportunities for colleagues to connect.
Don’t miss out. Non-Participant click HERE to register for a Morning Tea near you.
Don’t miss out. Participant click HERE to register for a Morning Tea near you.
About DCM Institute
The DCM Institute is Australia’s leading provider of professional development, education and networking opportunities for Village Professionals working in retirement living communities.
FAQ
Is there a cost to attend?
The event costs $5, which is paid at the host venue.
Can I attend if I am not a DCM Institute member?
Yes. The event is open to all Village Professionals working within retirement living communities.
What should I wear?
Business casual attire is appropriate.
Can I invite a colleague?
Absolutely. We encourage Village Professionals to bring colleagues from their organisation.
Will refreshments be provided?
Yes. Morning tea and refreshments will be provided by the host village.
How do I find my nearest location if I am attending a DCM Institute event for the first time?
All host locations are via the knowledge Centre which you need to register and access via this link: https://knowledgecentre.thedcminstitute.com.au/networking-hubs
It will ask you some details, use the registration code vpnevents-2026 to register. You can review each location that is hosting an event, click on “view details” and “add to calendar”.
How do I find my nearest location as a DCM Institute participant?
All host locations are via the knowledge centre:
- Log in
- Go to the Catalog
- Choose your preferred village
- View Details
- Add to Calendar
- Click on Register Now button