Kara Jones' ability to juggle multiple projects and complex issues all at once - while overseeing Keyton's Harbourside Village - was the driving factor behind her nomination for Western Australia's RV Manager of the Year.
But what sealed the deal - and ultimately the title win - was her personal commitment to enhancing the quality of life for more than 250 residents.
With three years of experience under her belt as manager of Harbourside Village, Ms Jones has overseen the implementation and delivery of a new maintenance system and supervised multiple builds simultaneously, ensuring that each project was completed on time and within budget.
In a nomination to the Retirement Living Council (RLC) for the award, Keyton Retirement Living Regional Operations Manager, David Mooney, applauded Ms Jones' ability to manage resources and timelines effectively - "a key factor in her success".
"Regular team meetings are a cornerstone of her management approach. These meetings are used to delegate tasks, provide updates, and ensure that all team members are aligned with the project's goals," Mr Mooney, a former national Village Manage of the Year winner, said.
"Kara's exceptional conflict resolution skills and thorough knowledge of relevant legislation enable her to facilitate issues as needed. She handles conflicts with a calm and professional demeanour, ensuring that all parties feel heard and respected."
Mr Mooney said Ms Jones also has a strong focus on community engagement by "creating opportunities for different age groups to interact and share experiences".
"These interactions not only enrich the lives of residents but also help bridge generational gaps, fostering mutual understanding and respect," he said.
RLC Executive Director, Daniel Gannon, congratulated Ms Jones on her win.
"From an outsider's perspective, Ms Jones is the complete package for a village manager and can lean on an array of skills in every area to support the residents she cares for," Mr Gannon said.
"She actively fosters a sense of community within the village and does so while ensuring residents have access to new and updated amenities that are crucial to the lifestyle of retirees."
Ms Jones - like all winners of state awards - will now go into the running to be crowned Australia's Village Manager of the Year at the RLC's National Retirement Living Summit in Brisbane in June.
