A passion for providing residents with different events and opportunities to build social networks and relationships has led to victory in the Programmed Award for Village Manager of the Year in South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Debbie Dean, RetireAustralia’s village manager for its Glengowrie and Scarborough retirement villages in Adelaide, was presented with the award at a special event at U City this afternoon. Debbie has been village manager since 2015.
Glengowrie Retirement Village comprises 114 independent living units which are home to 150 residents, and 23 care apartments with 24 residents. Scarborough Mews has 13 independent living units and 17 residents.
Her accomplishments include managing the business and residents’ needs across both villages, with a strong focus on resident safety, well-being and inclusion. Last year, the Glengowrie village achieved RetireAustralia’s ‘outstanding resident engagement’ and ‘excellent staff engagement’ ratings as part of its national survey of team members.
Debbie has led the way in developing a diverse program of events and activities to involve residents in village life and build a strong, healthy and happy community. She encourages residents to make the best use of the village for their everyday activities, wellbeing and enjoyment, while supporting activities which connect the village community with its local neighbours, such as exercise classes or hosting Neighbourhood Watch meetings.
Her commitment to her residents, their families, staff and visitors showcases the villages as home-like environments encompassing compassion, caring and lots of activity. The villages are professionally run with a strong sense of community.
Debbie now enters the running for the National Programmed Award for Village Manager of the Year, to be presented at the National Retirement Living Awards. The Awards 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.
