Beleura Retirement Village is celebrating an award given to their very own village manager, Amanda Anthony, after her efforts in outstanding achievement were officially decorated with the Victorian Programmed Village Manager of the Year award.

Ms Anthony received recognition in front of hundred of industry representatives in Melbourne on Wednesday September 14th for her ongoing work with more than 380 village residents in her care.

After working in the retirement village sector for just two years after a 20 year career in hospitality and tourism, Ms Anthony has managed to build Beleura’s reputation amongst the wider community, achieving full occupancy with a long waiting list of prospective residents.

Casually described as the ‘CEO’ of the village, Ms Anthony effectively manages a $1.1 million budget and ensures residents’ service and maintenance fees have not been increased, even by the rate of inflation.

As village manager, she liaises with village nurses to ensure that ongoing programs are relevant and assist residents to get the most out of their village lifestyle. She has also established a strong relationship with the nearby St Macartan’s Parish Primary School, and many resident volunteers attend the school for morning tea and to take lawn bowls training sessions.

“Efficient, creative, driven and insightful, Amanda possesses a quiet air of authority and calm under fire coupled with an easy disposition and a friendly ear,” said Andrew Philip, Managing Director of RCA Villages, which owns Beleura Retirement Village.

“Her door is always open and she embraces the concept of ‘servant leadership’ – continually encouraging residents and staff to take ownership of their achievements rather than seeking to be recognised herself.”

With this award, Ms Anthony is now in the running for the National Programmed Manager of the Year, which will be presented at the National Retirement Living Awards on the Gold Coast on Monday 27 November.