After taking home the award for Queensland Programmed Village Manager of the Year in October, Buderim Gardens Retirement Village Manager Terry Byway has received the title of Village Manager of the Year at the National Retirement Living Awards on the Gold Coast in late November.

After 20 years in the Army and 12 years as a police officer in Tasmania and Queensland, Mr Byway made a career change that has seen him accomplish much working as a retirement village manager since 2010.

Subsequently, Mr Byway took to the leadership position at Buderim Gardens in early 2016, and in doing so he has overseen significant upgrades to resident units and other village buildings, all while ensuring disruption to residents remained minimal and made additional savings to the village budget at the same time.

Property Council of Australia Retirement Living executive director Ben Myers said Mr Byway’s work in his community had been remarkable in a short space of time, and it was these actions that ultimately secured his place as this year’s worthy village manager winner.

“A village manager is the central point of contact for every one of their residents,” Mr Myers said.

“Terry has demonstrated his ability to listen, receive feedback and deliver a better village experience, without adding to his residents’ costs.”

Paul Bonner, chair of the Buderim Gardens residents committee, said Mr Byway helped to rebuild trust among residents at the village after facilities had been allowed to deteriorate before Lendlease bought the village in 2014.

“Terry is very approachable and does what he promises. He is caring and will always make himself available to residents to discuss their concerns,” he said.