A commitment to a better resident experience and an open and approachable management style are among the attributes of this year's winner of the Programmed Award for Village Manager of the Year in Queensland.
The award was presented to Lesley Carron, the Village Manager for The Lakes Retirement Village in Bundaberg, operated by Lendlease. Lesley has been the manager at The Lakes for the past five years, overseeing the 310-unit village which is home for around 460 residents.
Lesley's award recognises her wide-ranging contribution to The Lakes community during her time as village manager, leading initiatives to improve the social and recreational amenity for residents, along with their health, safety and wellbeing. Lesley was also commended for her village business management skills, which have delivered savings in energy and operating costs and improved relationships with residents.
Lesley's support for new ideas and activities to improve the quality of village life has been acclaimed by residents. Her staff also speak highly of her leadership qualities and mentoring of their career development.
The Lakes Village Residents Association said in support of her nomination: "As Village Manager, Lesley is second to none. Her concern for and efforts in ensuring the village facilities are well maintained and, in many instances, greatly improved for the betterment of residents, is to be applauded. Her efforts have not only improved our village, but also reduced residents' cost of living."
Lesley now enters the running for the National Programmed Award for Village Manager of the Year, to be presented at the National Retirement Living Awards which recognise the contribution and achievements across all areas of the retirement living sector by the people and companies helping ensure senior Australians have an enjoyable retirement.
The award winners will be announced at the National Retirement Living Awards Gala Dinner on the Gold Coast on 21 November 2019.
