At the 2017 Port Macquarie Business Awards held recently, Port Macquarie retirement village Ocean Club Resort picked up two awards for Real Estate and Residential Services and Excellence in Small Business.

This is the resort’s fourth year of operation, and Resident and Sales Manager for the village Karen Trigg said they have provided over 160 homes to residents during that time.

Co-founder John Gilmour said Ocean Club Resort were proud to be recognised for their growth, adding that the community started with one person and has grown to 300 people.

“We don’t see ourselves as developing houses as much as creating a lifestyle,” he said.

“It’s just recognition of everyone’s effort including those who moved up here and had faith in the concept.”

Mr Gilmour said the staff are the ‘guardians’ of the facilities at the resort but the community is its own entity, with staff reiterating their belief that as the village is designed inclusiveness at its heart, it has helped remedy loneliness and depression amongst the over 50s community.

Facilities include a swimming pool, a bowling green, a gymnasium, an all-weather tennis court, and golf driving nets. Regular classes take place in everything from ten-pin bowling to water aerobics.