Village managers can make or break a retirement village and Leading Age Services Australia (LASA), which now is part of the national peak body Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA), has nominated three women as the best.
Vanessa McKenzie, Manager of Catholic Healthcare’s McQuoin Park Retirement Village in Wahroonga, 18km northwest of Sydney’s CBD.
Her passion for caring for seniors came when her much-loved grandmother moved into residential aged care. Vanessa was touched and amazed by the kindness of the employees and the comfort and joy they brought to her during what was a difficult time.
This inspired Vanessa to make a career change where she too could help seniors lead quality lives. So, in 2008, when an opportunity arose as a client liaison coordinator, she took it to help people navigate their transition into residential care and retirement living.
“I am always looking to help address the challenges and opportunities of older residents, and I recently completed a Bachelor of Dementia Care Degree through the University of Tasmania. This knowledge will help create an even greater level of care and understanding for the residents of McQuoin Park,” she said.
DCM Institute participant Roslyn Prentice, the Village 
Manager of Ryman Healthcare’s John Flynn Retirement Village in Burwood East, 17km east of the Melbourne CBD, is in the final three.
Roslyn led the establishment and management of John Flynn, including welcoming more than 140 will offer care for more than 500 residents.
“This role brings together every skill that I have gathered in my 30-year career,” said Roslyn, who is managing her third Ryman village.
“It’s the most demanding and rewarding role I’ve held to date.
“I love being able to provide a great place to work for my team and a wonderful place for our residents to live.”
Sharon Rodgers, the Village Manager of Bolton Clarke Bongaree, on the western side of Bribie Island, 
Moreton Bay, QLD, is the third nominee.
Since starting at Bolton Clarke Bongaree, she has implemented a proactive program to support residents through COVID-19 and has worked on a creative program of social events with a focus on building connections within the village and the broader community, from healthy ageing sessions to regular bus trips, celebrations and social functions and a wine and art show which attracted about 100 guests from the local community and showcased residents’ work.
Sharon’s leadership has had an enormous impact on positive village culture and building a community.
“Sharon, the Village Manager, does a beautiful job. She is such a blessing and having her around makes a big difference to how you relax in your own environment,” said resident Wendy.
The winner will be announced on Aged Care Employee Day on 7 August.
