Home National Retirement Living Awards Village Manager of the Year
Programmed Award for Village Manager of the Year
This Award recognises a Retirement Village or Retirement Community Manager who creates a successful, happy and harmonious village environment through their exceptional leadership and personal commitment to residents.
Nominees will be reviewed on the work they do including making positive and innovative contributions to ensure residents happiness, providing a financially successful environment and going ‘above and beyond.’Â
There are five categories available for nomination based on the following regions:
- NSW/ACT
- VIC/TAS
- SA/NT
- QLD
- WA
Regional finalists for each category go in the running for the respective regional Award. Regional winners are announced at Property Council of Australia state based retirement living events held from February to March 2025. The winner from each regional go in the running for the National Award which is announced at the National Retirement Living Awards Gala Dinner to be held Thursday 19 June 2025 in Brisbane.
The cost to enter this category is $250 including GST per nomination.Â
Prize Details*
National Finalists (Regional Winners)
- Winners prize
- 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.Â
**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.
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2025 Finalists
Melinda Akehurst
Aveo
Melinda Akehurst, Village Manager of Aveo’s Bayview Gardens Retirement Living on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, epitomises the character and attributes of the very best in the retirement living sector. A long-serving Aveo employee, she brings a sense of humour, creativity, compassion and innovation to the lives of her 312 residents and 12 staff. While residents and staff are her priority, Mel’s positive impact resonates beyond her village into the wide community.
Deon Moran
BlueCare
Deon Moran is the Senior Village Manager at Fraser Shores 1 – a large resort style community with 249 retirement living homes. Being a newcomer to the industry Deon has already demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation by addressing significant resident and staffing issues over the past 12 months resulting in a much more cohesive village environment and contributing to an increase in resident satisfaction.
David Boggan
ICAM - Langton Park Retirement Village
David Boggan is a committed village manager at Langton Park Retirement Village, leveraging over 30 years of hospitality and management experience. Although new to the retirement village industry, his core values of respect and professionalism underpin his approach to leadership. David fosters a culture of dignity and collaboration, ensuring that residents feel valued and heard. His dedication to enhancing community engagement and health outcomes exemplifies his commitment to excellence, making him an outstanding candidate for Village Manager of the Year.
Kirstie Smith
Levande
Kirstie has dedicated most of her life to the Retirement Living sector. After working in legal departments, within Levande and specialist law firms, Kirstie has worked in Village management for the past 5 years. Kirstie is a proven & dedicated team leader always demonstrating great empathy and understanding in her work. Consistently striving for continual improvement, Kirstie uses a collaborative approach to manage change, deliver innovation, balance the demands of village while maintaining compliance with legislation and regulatory bodies.
Kara Jones
Keyton
Kara implemented a new maintenance system, managing a volunteer group that streamlined processes and fostered community involvement. Project management skills ensured multiple projects were completed on time and within budget. Regular team meetings kept everyone aligned. Kara excels in conflict resolution, governance, and compliance, maintaining transparency and safety. Balancing responsibilities effectively, prioritises professional development, and promotes resident engagement. Meticulous budget planning and enhanced guest suite experience strengthen community bonds and trust. Kara’s adaptability and empathy enhance residents’ quality of life.
2024 Winner
Leanne Zannoni
- Nominated by Keyton
Leanne Zannoni has an exceptional understanding of residents’ needs and the services Keyton provides for them. She has introduced initiatives to ensure residents and staff are consulted on decisions related to the day-to-day running of the village. She is an astute manager of the Village’s the financial performance and is always looking to increase the value and benefits to residents in all investments made on their behalf.
