Arlene Coutts with Berwick Brae Village residents Claire Van Noppen and Jennie Coventry. 85829 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
ARLENE Coutts thinks everyone should have a job like hers – but the residents of Berwick Brae Retirement Village will tell you she is one in a million.
Ms Coutts won the 2012 Retirement Village Association Manager of the Year Award for Victoria/Tasmania.
The much-loved Ms Coutts has worked at Berwick Brae since “day dot” and agreed the award was a pretty good anniversary present.
“I have been working at Berwick Brae for 30 years,” Ms Coutts said.
“We’re just one big family. I’ve seen a lot happen in 30 years and watched residents’ families grow up.”
The announcement was a huge surprise to Ms Coutts, who had just stepped off the plane for a five week visit with her daughter and grandaughter in London.
Resident Alma Blackam and Director Nunzio Tellicano accepted the award on her behalf.
“It’s probably more of a huge honour (than the award itself) to know that your residents had that much pride to nominate you and to fill out such an intense application,” she said.
“I love my job anyway, but for them to do that just blows me away.”
Ms Coutts said there was one reason she still loved her job so much after three decades.
“The people,” she said.
“Every day is different. I don’t think I could say I have had two days that are the same.
“You’re dealing with so many different age groups and so many different personalities. You have to be patient and be a good listener… you end up being a confidant. And you must have humour, I think that’s a secret ingredient.”
But she said she couldn’t do it without a dedicated team behind her.
“I have got amazing staff. We all chip in and help each other. I think that shows. We all pull together and it just works,” she said.
“They are very caring and go beyond the call of duty. They are just fantastic.”
Last Wednesday, on the day after she returned from the UK, staff and residents held a surprise afternoon tea in honour of Ms Coutts.
She will head to Sydney, along with the other state finalists, in November, for the announcement of the National winner.
