Sue Stevens, the retirement village manager at Carlyle Gardens in Condon, has been honoured as the Queensland winner of the Village Manager of the Year for 2018.

Operated by Blue Care, since August 2017 Carlyle Gardens is home to more than 660 residents across 458 independent living units.

The award is recognition of her role in enhancing the lives of residents through various initiatives that she has implemented at the village and for forging a strong engagement with the local community.

Sue’s initiatives include the establishment of women’s and men’s health and well-being expos for village residents and the wider Townsville community and resident information events on subjects relevant to them. Sue has also project managed the refurbishment and relaunch of the village restaurant and resurfacing of the village bowling green.

As the deputy chair of the Townsville City Council Disaster Management Team – Senior’s Portfolio Sue provides advice to the Townsville Mayor and council on seniors’ issues, including on disaster preparedness and management.

Following her state award, Sue is now in the running as Queensland’s representative for national recognition at the National Retirement Living Awards which recognises the contribution and achievements across all areas of the retirement living sector.

The winner will be announced in Canberra on 29 November.