IRT manager wins NSW/ACT manager of the year award
IRT Shoalhaven Lifestyle Services Manager Mark Surace has won the Property Council of Australia, Retirement Living NSW/ACT Manager of the Year 2015 award for his outstanding commitment to staff and residents.
Retirement Living NSW/ACT Manager of the Year 2015 Award winner Mark Surace, pictured with medals from his former Australian Defence Force career.
In his role as Lifestyle Services Manager for Southern Shoalhaven, Mr Surace supports more than 260 residents at IRT Sarah Claydon and IRT St Georges Basin.
Congratulating Mr Surace on his award, IRT Group chief executive officer (CEO) Nieves Murray says: “Mark and his team have worked hard to improve the quality of life and social engagement of residents at Sarah Claydon and St Georges Basin.
“They have introduced some innovative programs to engage residents with the local community, including 'companion day' in which residents spend one afternoon a week with school students and exchange skills.
“A resident may teach students knitting and tapestry, while students help residents set up tablets, access the internet, or learn online video conferencing skills,” Ms Murray continues.
Mark has also worked hard to break down the perceived barriers that sometimes exist between Lifestyle Communities and Care Centres, inviting Lifestyle Community residents to Care Centre outings.” IRT Sarah Claydon and IRT St Georges Basin are facilities that co-locate Lifestyle Communities and Care Centres.
Mr Surace is quick to point out that his work is a team effort. “I am honoured to win this award but it's never just one person,” he said. “I have a great team, and the residents are fantastic. That makes my job a lot easier.”
Mr Surace and his team have also introduced the 'My Story Matters' program in which students collaborate with residents to capture and share life stories. The program will celebrate its fifth anniversary and a new partnership with Ulladulla High School in September.
Prior to joining IRT, Mr Surace spent more than 20 years in the Australian Defence Force (Medical Corp Royal Australian Army).
This is the second year running that an IRT Group employee has won the prestigious award – the NSW/ACT Manager of the Year 2014 award went to Tony Striegl at IRT Kangara Waters.
