Former soldier and police officer wins National Village Manager of the Year award

A former Army soldier and police officer has won the National Programmed Village Manager of the Year award in recognition of his work helping to improve the quality of experience of his 540 retirement village residents on the Sunshine Coast.

Terry Byway, manager of Buderim Gardens Retirement Village (operated by Lendlease) received his award in front of more than 0 industry leaders at the Property Council of Australia’s National Retirement Living Awards on the Gold Coast on Monday night.

Mr Byway has worked as a retirement village manager since 2010, after 20 years in the Army and 12 years as a police officer in Tasmania and Queensland, using his invaluable leadership and team building skills to great effect in village communities. 

Since taking over the management of Buderim Gardens in early 2016, Mr Byway has overseen significant upgrades to resident units and other village buildings, ensuring disruption to residents is minimal and making savings to the village budget at the same time. 

Resident satisfaction has increased, and Mr Byway has utilised resident volunteers to implement a village-wide recycle waste system.

Ben Myers, Executive Director – Retirement Living at the Property Council of Australia, says Mr Byway’s work in his community has been remarkable in a short space of time.

“A village manager is the central point of contact for every one of their residents,” Mr Myers said. “Terry has demonstrated his ability to listen, receive feedback and deliver a better village experience, without adding to his residents’ costs.”

Paul Bonner, chair of the Buderim Gardens residents committee, says Mr Byway helped to rebuild trust among residents at the village after facilities had been allowed to deteriorate before Lendlease bought the village in 2014.

“At his first meeting with residents, Terry told us that his main task was to ensure that residents lived a happy life with the minimum of problems,” says Mr Bonner.

“Terry is very approachable and does what he promises. He is caring and will always make himself available to residents to discuss their concerns.”

The Village Manager of the Year is proudly presented by Programmed Property Services. Programmed is a long-time supporter of the award and its recognition of outstanding retirement village managers and their vital role in creating happy, healthy and harmonious communities. For more information on the Village Manager of the Year, visit www.retirementlivingawards.com.au.