An exciting modernist development, an extensive refurbishment, and a trio of hardworking professionals are among the winners of the 2021 National Retirement Living Awards.
The awards, presented at the Gala Dinner of the Retirement Living Summit on the Gold Coast, recognise impressive talent and are a testament to the resilience and strength of the sector and the high-quality products provided to our ageing communities.
Retirement Living Council Executive Director Ben Myers said although the event had been subject to a lengthy postponement, it was pleasing to finally bring the industry together to celebrate its achievements and its leaders.
“The retirement living industry is such an important one to our national identity, and I am so pleased for tonight’s deserving winners,” Mr Myers said.
“It is so important that we recognise the people and places that give older Australians a healthy, engaged, and happy retirement,” he said.
The most prestigious award of the evening was awarded to ‘The Grace’ by Australian Unity which took home the 2021 FMSA Architecture Award for Best Retirement Living Development, for its work in creating a thriving community in an upmarket inner-city vertical village setting in South Melbourne.
Village Manager at Arcadia Waters Maddington, Steven Daly, was recognised as the Programmed Award for Village Manager of the Year as a result of his initiative, diverse experience, and knowledge in resolving long-term social issues, addressing complex maintenance issues and transforming the culture within the village.
Brighton Classic Residences received the 2021 Blueforce Award for Best Refurbishment for its extensive renovations which reflected the desire of its residents.
Regional Development Manager for Ingenia Communities in Queensland, Matt Fedrick, was awarded the 2021 Ingenia Communities Award for Future Retirement Living Leader, while Sharon Manson from Ingenia Lifestyle Hervey Bay won the 2021 Imagine Projects Award for Salesperson of the Year.
The winner of the 2021 Senior Living Mediation Award for Marketing Excellence was Birdwood Park by RSL LifeCare. The project was the first of its kind in the Newcastle CBD.
“2021 has one of the tightest talent pools in the history of the awards,” Mr Myers said.
“Our awards celebrate the retirement living industry’s role in providing safe and secure age-friendly communities for Australians.
“Congratulations to all winners for being part of an exclusive group that exemplifies our industry’s continuous dedication to quality,” he said.
| Category | Winner | Nominated by |
| Programmed Award for Village Manager of the Year | Steven Daly | Arcadia Group |
| Imagine Projects Award for Salesperson of the Year | Sharon Manson | Ingenia Communities |
| Ingenia Communities Award for Future Retirement Living Leader | Matt Fedrick | Ingenia Communities |
| Senior Living Mediation Award for Marketing Excellence | Birdwood Park by RSL LifeCare | RSL LifeCare |
| Blueforce Award for Best Refurbishment | Brighton Classic Residences – Community Facilities Refurbishment | Lendlease Retirement Living |
| FMSA Architecture Award for Best Retirement Living Development
|
The Grace | Australian Unity |
