The role of village manager is vital to the positive wellbeing of residents. But like a luxury hotel manager, the range of responsibilities is wide and people skills are requisite to be a success. Sue Fowell has managed Lindfield Gardens for nine years. She talks to us about her background and day-to-day work at the village and says retirement villages are above all businesses about people.

Sue: "I am originally from New Zealand. I started out in broadcasting over there, and after moving to Melbourne worked at 3AW. I went on to marry the General Manager of the station, and wanted to return to media work after having children, but in the end it proved too difficult. Relocating to New South Wales in 1976, I worked for a group of surveyors for 13 years, while doing a couple of days a fortnight at the front desk here. I just loved it, I loved the atmosphere. When Pam Garrett retired as village manager in 1999, I jumped at the chance to take the job."

"My role is to create a calm and relaxed atmosphere at the village - so many of the residents are exhausted when they arrive as the process of clearing out and selling their home can be a massive one. Also, to keep the residents informed at all times about what is happening at the village; listening to people is important, as if I know about something I can try and change it. And to assist with the smallest of things, the opening of jars and undoing of necklaces that older people can't always do on their own."

"I think the position of village manager involves a bit of everything: OH&S, budgeting, maintenance, as well as a social work component as you are creating an environment. In part because of this - women being multi-taskers and all - I believe the position of village manager particularly suits older women. I do know some wonderful male village managers, but I think residents are able to relate to women a bit more; we might be going through some of the same things with our parents."

"Lindfield Gardens has 138 residents. The ages vary greatly, but on the whole they are very active - we have an 101-year-old lady who was practicing accounting until recently! The village has various committees: the Blackout Committee recently purchased Dynamo lanterns, and the Entertainment Committee organises events like fashion parades and visits from Taronga's Mobile Zoo, as well as visits to places like Doyle's at Watson's Bay. Some people really blossom on committees, while others feel they have done that sort of thing all their lives and now just want to relax. It's up to each resident to decide how involved they get."

"Lindfield Gardens has a largely long-term staff - as I said, I took over from Pam Garrett who had been with the village since its very beginning. So that is nice. We have two receptionists who job share; one apartments supervisor who is a registered nurse; one full-time and two contract gardeners; one maintenance supervisor; and four personal carers that come in during the afternoon and stay overnight."

"I believe redecoration is important. At the moment, we are setting up the respite rooms and redoing some common areas - there will be new prints, floors and shutter-blinds. We want to make it very stylish. I also plan to redecorate our library and perhaps create an internet corner there; some of the residents have been learning on a resident's old computer, so it would be good to have that facility. We will also revamp the pool area, remodelling the change rooms so as to make them wheel-chair accessible."

"In the end, I want this village to be a happy, caring place, and I hope I have succeeded. We recently had a resident who passed away and the family asked if we could host the wake here - they had such great memories of the village. And of course, we celebrate many golden wedding anniversaries, as well as seventieth, eightieth and ninetieth birthday parties. I feel very fortunate to be at this village."

For more information on Aveo Lindfield Gardens please click here.