Home National Retirement Living Awards Future Leader of the Year
Health Metrics Award for Future Leader of the Year
This Award recognises outstanding young professionals (35 years or under) in the retirement living industry who demonstrate excellence through their leadership, technical skills and capacity to innovate.
There are two categories available for nomination:
- Community leadership
- Corporate leadership
Community leadership recognises an employee who works on the ground within a retirement community. This includes, and is not limited to, employees in the following areas:
- Assistant Village Manager/Village operations
- Activities
- Care
- Maintenance
- Hospitality
Corporate leadership recognises employees who work in the retirement living sector within a corporate setting. This includes, and is not limited to, employees in the following areas:
- Operations
- Head office
- People and culture
- Property: development, design, architecture, engineering
- Legal
- Marketing
The cost to enter this category is $250 including GST per nomination.
Prize Details*
National Finalists (Regional Winners)
- Discounted full conference registration rate to attend the 2025 National Retirement Living Summit and Awards Gala Dinner
National Winner
- Winners trophy
- Winners collateral and assets
- Complimentary registration to attend the 2026 National Retirement Living Summit** and Awards Gala Dinner (Conditions apply)
*All prizes are non-transferable.
**Summit registration only, cannot be substituted or transferred, excludes all other costs including travel and accommodation, and separately ticketed options. Recipient must still be working in the retirement living industry at the time of registration.
Nominations close midnight 18 October 2024.
Sponsored by
Community Leadership 2025 Finalists
Tenielle Elsey
Living Choice Home Care
At 33 years of age and a young mother, Teneille is a shining star at LC Home Care. Since leaving a career in dentistry and joining our team, her team-oriented approach and commitment to growth has seen Teneille become a dedicated advocate for the rights of our residents. Teneille’s innovative thinking, mentorship and leadership sets a new standard of care for the sector and is a source of inspiration for our Home Care teams. Teneille is an amazing role model."
Sabrina Brar
Anglicare
Sabrina is a future leader in retirement living, placing the holistic well-being of residents at the forefront by fostering community connections and promoting active lifestyles. She embraces technology to enhance the resident experience while maintaining a personal touch. Focused on inclusivity and engagement, Sabrina champions innovative programs that empower residents and enrich their lives. A strong communicator with empathy and vision, Sabrina is transforming her village into a vibrant, supportive environment where each resident is celebrated for their unique contributions.
Lee Story
Aveo
From humble beginnings as a ‘temperature checker’ during the pandemic, Lee has emerged as Aveo’s top Sales Manager with the highest volume of resident move-ins during 2024. He shows empathy and compassion as a trusted advisor, focusing on relationships over sales. Enthusiasm and a solutionfocused approach drives his exceptional performance.
Allis Petith
Levande
Allis’ positive, can-do attitude has enabled her to change the culture within her village. She has brought a new level of professionalism to the team and developed a service culture where the residents are the focus. Allis is highly engaged, actively participating in meetings not just at the village level, but also companywide forums. In recognition of Allis’ outstanding efforts, she was promoted to Senior Village Manager on our Cambridge project, a new 28 storey tower under construction in Epping.
Patrick Day
Aveo
Patrick Day is described as a ‘superstar’ by his colleagues. Epitomising Aveo’s core values of kindness, care and respect, he is a young leader deeply valued within his team and across the broader business. His passion for the retirement living sector has created a positive impact on Aveo’s recruitment as he skilfully places the right people into the right roles. “I’m proud to say I work in retirement living, it’s a cool place to be.’’
Corporate Leadership 2025 Finalists
Jason Perin
Keyton
Jason exemplifies Keyton’s Employee Value Proposition "Lead with Heart". Earning five nominations for the national Keyton Kudos Awards, He pioneered Keyton’s Injury Management Framework, employee wellbeing program "KeyWell", and coordinated the inaugural “Keyton Connect Day” to enhance community engagement through volunteering. He also created and delivered the first national mental health first aid training program for employees. His expertise in injury management
has saved the company significant costs, demonstrating his impact on financial performance as well as staff wellbeing.
Daniel Jukic
Catholic Healthcare Limited
Daniel is a humble and driven future leader in the retirement living industry, showcasing exceptional leadership and innovation in property development. His passion for creating vibrant communities drives his problem-solving skills and engagement with stakeholders. Daniel’s commitment to enhancing residents' quality of life through innovative solutions positions him as a transformative force in the industry.
Thomas Mitton
VIA Architects
Thomas Mitton is recognised as a leader in the retirement living sector for his innovative contributions. As Associate Director at VIA Architects, Thomas has led teams in developing architectural solutions that advance the sector’s focus on resident wellbeing and community integration. His leadership on projects like TLC Healthcare | Mordialloc, Australia’s first multigenerational community care precinct, and Pavilions Blackburn Lake has earned significant accolades for their sectorwide impact, solidifying his expertise in community engagement, change and innovation and population wellness.
Patrick Day
Aveo
Patrick Day is described as a ‘superstar’ by his colleagues. Epitomising Aveo’s core values of kindness, care and respect, he is a young leader deeply valued within his team and across the broader business. His passion for the retirement living sector has created a positive impact on Aveo’s recruitment as he skilfully places the right people into the right roles. “I’m proud to say I work in retirement living, it’s a cool place to be."
Jessica Madden
Ozcare
With over 14 years in the retirement living sector, Jessica Madden exemplifies commitment and dedication to enhancing resident care and quality of life. Known for her hands-on approach and innovative programs, she fosters strong community connections and promotes staff success by empowering their growth. As a rising leader, Jessica continues to drive positive change within the organization, showcasing excellence in care, leadership, and innovation—key qualities that position her as a standout in the industry.
Jonathon Sparks
RetireAustralia
Jonathon is a resourceful, innovative and diligent member of the Development and Acquisitions team. He is known as the ‘go to’ person for data-driven decisions. Jonathon was heavily involved in bringing RetireAustralia’s first Care Hub to fruition. He has also been instrumental in developing RetireAustralia’s development site filter metrics to target preferred customer segments in the right localities. Jonathon provides comprehensive reports to decision makers allowing for a clear and efficient path to acquisitions allowing RetireAustralia to develop age-appropriate accommodation.
2024 Future Retirement Living Leader – Community Leadership
Joshua Campbell
- Nominated by RetireAustralia
At 32 years of age, Josh is a hands-on, collaborative, and enthusiastic leader. Since he first volunteered as a bingo caller, he’s dedicated himself to caring for older Australians. He has vastly improved Glengara Care’s team culture, recruited a strong clinical care team, overseen NSW’s 100th Home Care Package, and established partnerships with residential aged care. His experience as an Assistant in Nursing has ensured he remains empathetic and understanding, providing support, advice and learning opportunities to his team.
2024 Future Retirement Living Leader – Corporate Leadership
Alex Penson
- Nominated by BlueCare/UnitingCare Queensland
Alex has demonstrated outstanding technical, business, and leadership skills that have helped transform the UnitingCare RL business.
Alex uses his skills to help reposition RL within UnitingCare’s current and future business with a strategy reset.
Alex’s skills and knowledge of the RL sector establish an important connection for RL within the broader organisation and ensures RL and associated legislation is considered in any decision making.
Alex’s leadership has both optimised asset performance and reshaped RL’s strategic importance within UnitingCare
