Retirement living provider Aveo is celebrating its Bayview Gardens Retirement Living village manager Melinda Akehurst, who has been named Programmed Village Manager of the Year at the Property Council of Australia’s National Retirement Living Awards.
Hosted in Brisbane, the awards were part of the National Retirement Living Summit.
Ms Akehurst had been named the Programmed NSW/ACT Village Manager of the Year in March.
Other finalists for the national award included:
- Deon Moran – senior village manager at Fraser Shores 1, BlueCare, Queensland
- David Boggan – village manager at Langton Park Retirement Village, ICAM, SA/NT
- Kirstie Smith – village management, Levande, Victoria/Tasmania
- Kara Jones – village manager, Harbourside Village, Keyton, Western Australia
The finalists had all been named Village Manager of the Year for their respective regions.
Ms Akehurst was recognised for her leadership, innovation and dedication to resident wellbeing at the Bayview Gardens Retirement Living village – which is located in Sydney’s northern beaches region and has more than 300 residents and 12 staff members. It is one of 87 Aveo villages across Australia.
She has worked with Aveo for over 10 years and joined the Bayview Gardens team as village manager in December 2019.
Ms Akehurst said she is humbled to receive the award.
“It is an incredible honour to be recognised nationally for a role I truly love. Each day brings the opportunity to enrich the lives of Aveo residents, and I am fortunate to work alongside a talented team who share my passion for building a welcoming, connected community,” she said.
“I am proud to represent Aveo, a leader in Australia’s retirement living sector.”
Aveo chief executive officer Tony Randello congratulated Ms Akehurst, saying she embodies the best of the retirement living industry, and credited her vision, empathy, and drive for excellence as creating a thriving community at Bayview Gardens.
“She brings her authentic personality and joy to work every day, takes a creative approach to resident wellbeing, and champions residents and staff,” Mr Randello said.
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