Cathy’s a ‘gem’ to the industry
Retirement living manager, Cathy Orr, and Pearl Retirement Resort has been recognised by receiving both the 2014 Property Council’s National and SA/NT Manager of the Year awards.
Retirement living manager, Cathy Orr, has been recognised as an exceptional village manager who has excelled in the ultimate goal of creating a successful, happy and harmonious village.
The awards celebrate the management of exceptional retirement communities and its purpose is to recognise the village manager, staff and residents who work towards the ultimate goal of a successful, happy and harmonious village.
Opened in April 2011 with the onsite residential care facility, Pearl Retirement Resort is operated by Southern Cross Care (SA & NT), a not for profit organisation with more than 45 years’ experience in aged care, community services and independent retirement living.
“It was a complete surprise and privilege to receive this award,” Ms Orr says. “However, this award is for everyone involved at Pearl; we all work hard to create an environment that enhances the lifestyle of all our residents by implementing social programs, exercise programs and encouraging good health and wellbeing.”
Andrew Larpent, Southern Cross Care (SA & NT) chief executive, says Ms Orr has demonstrated an outstanding commitment and dedication to residents and staff.
“She has been extremely successful in engaging the residents in all aspects of village life, and has worked hard to ensure they stay connected to relationships, activities and communities that have meaning for them,” Mr Larpent says.
As well as playing an integral role in the wellbeing of residents and the maintenance of 35 villas and leisure centre at the Pearl Resort, Ms Orr has also played a key role in the construction of stage 5, a further 14 villas and transitioning the incoming Stage 5 residents into the community over the construction period.
In addition, Ms Orr has also been responsible for the sale and settlement of most of the villas in stages 3 to 5 and the presales on future stages.
Residents at the Pearl community enjoy an independent retirement lifestyle in Darwin’s first retirement resort. At the centre of the Pearl community is an amazing leisure centre which includes a large, stunning swimming pool, games green, café, lounge and billiards area.
There is also a cardio-gym, as well as plenty of places to get together for a chat over coffee or a cool drink. Residents are able to use the leisure centre facilities to have functions together or privately for special occasions with family and friends.
Cathy was presented with the National Manager of the Year award at the National Retirement Living Summit in Sydney last Wednesday (19 November 2014).
