A vibrant retirement lifestyle in the heart of Armidale Sharron Chappell (right), Alan Chappell (left) and their daughter Christine (middle)
F
or newcomers at Newling Gardens Retirement Village, Village Manager Sharron Chappell’s familiar face and warm personality help make village life feel like home.
Newling Gardens is owned and operated by RetireAustralia, the country’s largest private retirement village provider, but has the intimate feel of a well-loved, family-run business. Sharron, her husband Alan and their daughter Christine have been managing the village ever since it first opened in 2008 and have formed close relationships with the residents and their family members.
What are the most rewarding things about your job?
“Getting to know the residents and their extended families is a very important part of my job.”
What I really love are the smiling faces I meet each day in the village and seeing residents join in the activities. At first people are a bit shy but it doesn’t take long before they make new friends and feel part of our wonderful community.
This personal approach is just one of the things that sets Newling Gardens apart and has helped it to cultivate a reputation as one of the local area’s most popular retirement communities. “Our residents have great pride in their village and I’m delighted to be part of this vibrant community,” Sharron said. We spoke to Sharron about her role as Village Manager and why she’s such a strong believer in the benefits of retirement village living.
What are the benefits of living in a retirement village?
“Through our nursery and landscaping business and my voluntary work with senior citizens, I already knew many of the residents before I became Village Manager,” Sharron said.
It’s all about companionship and living in a beautiful, friendly environment without having to worry about maintenance. Living here gives you freedom and time to devote to hobbies, volunteering and enjoying what you love most.
“As the community keeps growing, I’m forever being adopted!”
Our residents are very active in the wider community - between them, they
What qualities do you think a good village manager needs? are involved in around 30 different organisations and many are avid volunteers.
How would you describe Newling Gardens? Welcoming, vibrant, social, caring and surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and pathways. We are in a fabulous location, close to medical centres, shops and the bowls club and we are just a stone’s throw from town. The council recently installed a bus stop outside the village entrance so that our residents, especially those who don’t drive, have easy access to all the local amenities.
RetireAustralia purchased Newling Gardens in 2013 and the village is now home to more than 75 happy residents. To keep up with the high demand for quality retirement living, Newling Gardens recently developed 36 brand new, architecturally designed villas and the final stage is selling now.
I think empathy and listening are a must and you need to be able to deal with emotional and everyday issues. I’m so grateful to work with a fantastic and supportive team who really care about our residents and the village.
What would you say to someone who’s thinking of moving into a retirement village? If you have elderly parents or you are thinking about making the move yourself, you will love our community spirit and the social connection with likeminded seniors. I say do it now, while you are still active, rather than later.
In addition, the community centre has been extended and now includes an upgraded indoor heated pool, gym and lounge and a brand new snooker room, hairdressing salon, library, dining room, bar and an outdoor barbeque area.
Call 6772 4440 for more information or to arrange a personal tour 173 Taylor Street, Armidale | www.retireaustralia.com.au new england focus. 5