RSL Care Westhaven Village Manager Shines in Toowoomba

RSL Care Westhaven Retirement Village Manager, Vanessa Nugent has been named a finalist in the National Manager of the Year (MOTY) Awards.

This award is the pinnacle of the industry as it identifies the excellence of a distinguished retirement village community. Vanessa has been named a finalist for her exceptional management practice and outstanding commitment to her residents.

Vanessa is a nurse with a strong medical background making her the perfect Retirement Village Manager. She operates Westhaven with a passionate community focus and keeps her residents involved in Toowoomba activities.

She is responsible for 112 residents and her village has a robust wait list. Her residents love the village as many used to live on the land and enjoy the open green spaces and ample room to garden in.

One of the most popular features of the Westhaven village is the community garden. Vanessa developed the community garden and expanded the space to include more plants as well as a rose garden at the request of a 93-year old resident, who tends to it daily.

“With Vanessa nothing is a trouble, you just have to ask and it will be done. I am just so happy here,” Westhaven resident Harry* said.

The village has a very strong connection to the local community, thanks to Vanessa’s efforts. She maintains good relationships with relevant clubs and organisations, especially the RSL and sub branches, to help meet the needs of her residents and stay connected with the local community.

Vanessa manages an activity calendar at Westhaven which is absolutely bursting with things for residents to do. These include but are not limited to: line dancing, exercise classes, bowls, tai chi, card games, gin rummy games, movies nights, gardening group, shopping trips, trivia nights, high tea, pool, bingo, craft group and book club.

She manages her activities based on seasons and resident suggestions, she is inclusive of all abilities, making special provisions for those who have low vision, difficulty hearing, mobility issues and cognitive impairments.

“Vanessa Nugent, is an excellent village manager who has a rapid response to any resident needs, she is well spoken, well mannered, a delight to deal with,” Westhaven resident Ethel*.

Vanessa believes it is very important for residents to get out and about as much as possible. She has had difficulty in finding a reliable bus driver so she secured her own bus driver’s licence. She is now able to take all her residents out without the hassle of booking a driver. This has proven extremely effective as she is able to drive small numbers of residents around for errands and appointments.

She operates her village with a strong set of values: Experience, Lifestyle, Balance, Choice, Harmony and Friendship. Due to this she is held in very high regard by her colleagues, residents and the community.

“No matter what else happens in a day I know if I come to your door I will see your nice big smile,” Westhaven resident Mary*.

Vanessa is a truly deserving recipient of this award nomination. The winners will be announced at the National Retirement Living Summit on 28 November 2016.

Click here to find out more about RSL Care's retirement villages located throughout New South Wales and Queensland. 

*Resident names have been changed for privacy.