Village Manager Interview: Terry Mackin at Aveo Bayview Gardens, Bayview

Terry: "The people who are attracted to village management are a special kind of person. We all have a similar attitude and, at the end of the day, our job is about giving service to our residents. This is their hotel, and we trade seven days a week."

"I believe in service because I come from the hospitality industry. I grew up in pubs, starting in Burwood. My father was a pub manager and then an owner. I later managed hotels and motels with my husband, ending up at The Florida in Terrigal."

"Along the way I was also a hairdresser, like my Mum. That is how I started here 21 years ago, as a hairdresser working two days a week after selling my salon in Mosman. I have worked in every area of the village - the accounts, cooking for seven villages at one time, the laundry, the lot."

"I still do not understand how the hairdresser became the manager! One thing is for certain, you can't be a village manager under the age of 40. It's hard to say why, but it just doesn't work. It was told to me when I started and it still holds true."

"As a village manager, you have to be very aware, down to earth and practical. You need to have a basketful of abilities - horticulturist, cleaner, cook, lawyer. Also a counsellor to families on Mum not being so good, and a manager of grief - including guiding our staff on how to cope."

"Then there is the monetary side. I am responsible for budgets and new initiatives; these also need to be balanced with what the residents want. I can have my ideas, but they may decide they want to pay for something else instead - you have to be creative and satisfy everyone. We have 16 staff here plus four contracted gardeners and six kitchen staff. My staff includes four in the office, two hairdressers, two in sales, five cleaners and one handyman. Together we look after 300 residents."

"We are currently building a further 32 units of three bedrooms - this larger size is because the people coming in are getting younger, with some in their early 60s. Part of the reason is the effect of divorce rates in the 80s; some join us because of security. Then of course there is location - it is wonderful here, close to shops, beaches and Pittwater for sailing. Plus we have beautiful gardens, with the benefit of grand, mature trees. All in all, it's a delightful place to work."

For more information on Aveo Bayview Gardens please click here

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