Village operations are the responsibility of the village manager. It's a demanding role; they oversee the business side of the village alongside the wellbeing of residents. We asked Carolyn Taylor to tell us about her day-to-day life as a village manager.

Carolyn: "I have now worked in the retirement village industry for 18 years. Prior to that, I spent a number of years in real estate and also television advertising."

"Bellevue Gardens comprises 131 villas and there are 44 apartments, an indoor heated swimming pool, bowling club and green, restaurant, clubhouse, hairdressing salon, library, residents' workshop, and craft and games rooms. We're very proud of our prizewinning gardens and the koalas and other wildlife they attract. Our village is owned by Aevum, who allow me to run the day-to-day affairs of the village but expect a certain level of financial and operational reporting to head office. A total of 15 staff are employed in the village."

"In our restaurant, we employ a full time head chef as well as a casual chef and waitress. We also employ six personal care assistants on a 24-hour roster system in our apartments and to attend to after hours emergencies in the village. There is one permanent maintenance person, and two permanent gardeners. Administration is staffed by a receptionist, an accounts person contracted two days per week, and myself. Staff training is provided in fire safety & evacuation, OH&S, privacy, food handling, first aid, and any other education required to ensure legislative compliance and the efficient running of the village. We have a comprehensive orientation program in place for new employees, and staff education is arranged both externally and onsite as required."

"Accreditation? Yes, I have just been through the accreditation process and I'm very happy - and relieved - that we passed with flying colours. Accreditation is basically compliance to a number of standards set by the Retirement Village Association (RVA) to ensure a high quality of services and operations. It covers resident services and lifestyle, organisation management, human resources and physical resource environment."

"Following submission of the application and self assessment documentation, an onsite survey is conducted by the Accreditation Survey Team during which they interview residents and the Residents Committee, speak to staff members, inspect village facilities and sight documentation. At the end of the day, the survey team meets with the village manager to identify any areas of concern and advise whether or not they will be recommending accreditation. Even though I found the accreditation process to be quite intense and time consuming, it was a valuable exercise and extremely helpful to me in identifying areas where our operation could be improved."

At present, I am busy preparing the operational budget for the 2006 / 2007 financial year for distribution to residents for approval in accordance with the Retirement Villages Act, and it is my responsibility to ensure that spending is kept as closely as possible within the budgeted amounts. At Bellevue Gardens, I prepare a YTD Variance Report each month for our Residents' Committee which identifies any items which vary from the budgeted amount and the reasons for that variation. This not only keeps our Residents Committee informed, but is a great help to me in preparing the budget for the following year."

"What duties do I perform in an average week? I think any village manager will agree there is no average week, and duties can range from gardening and maintenance issues, resident welfare, resident requests, staff issues, meetings and rostering, financial planning and reporting, education & training, OH&S issues, resident outings, coordination of resident social activities - the list goes on! Our residents are involved in a variety of regular activities provided in the village, including aqua aerobics, indoor and outdoor bowls, cards, mahjong, bingo, painting, tai chi, line dancing and craft."

"I always enjoy going along with them on day trips to local places of interest. Our staff go to great lengths to create the atmosphere in our Terrace Restaurant for our monthly theme nights. We have Trivia Nights, Hawaiian Nights, Halloween, Country & Western and Back to School Nights, all great fun and always well attended."

"We have a very proactive and supportive Residents Committee. I meet with the committee regularly, and resident contact is also maintained through outings and activities, our ‘Belle Views' newsletter and regular notices. Being a village manager can be all consuming, frustrating at times, and challenging. But meeting those challenges brings tremendous satisfaction. The position has a diversity unique to this industry and is one which requires versatility, compassion, and dedication. There's also fun, friendship and social activity. All in all, a great place to be."

"The position has a diversity unique to this industry, and one that requires versatility, compassion and dedication"

For more information on Bellevue Gardens please click here.