Never alone again!
IN today’s technical age when communicating with thousands of people can be as simple as the push of a button, isolation and loneliness remains a major concern for many Australia seniors.
The Oak Tree Retirement Village Group prides itself on enabling social interaction amongst residents. Many enjoy new found companionship as they meet new and interesting people or rekindle old friendships amongst locals that have simply lost touch.
Like-minded people at a similar stage of life come together as neighbours enjoying an easier lifestyle. It comes naturally that the popular community facilities create the environment for residents to gather and socialise.
Position: Creator, Owner I got involved in business...
eight and half years ago. I started by teaching one class a week and now there are nine of us and we teach 30 classes a week – crazy!!
Our business is known for... Our bestselling product is...
our Special Needs, Kids and Seniors programs
My role in the business is... I manage...
every aspect of my business (except scheduling, that does my head in) as well as managing all the fundraising we do through my business for different people and charities.
According to my staff, working for me is... fun, exciting and rewarding. I spend my down time...
in my bed watching reality TV (there may or may not be a glass of wine involved), but I wish it was on a beach.
I’m inspired by...
smiles and hugs from my seniors, babies and special needs participants, they truly inspire me every day.
On my beside table is...
“Those who have made Oak Tree their home often attest to the fact that their social lives have improved since moving to one of our villages. The friends they have made have helped them to feel happier and less lonely,” said Oak Tree’s Managing DREAMS’, and a thousand chargers.
In my opinion, the biggest issue facing small businesses is...
competing with larger companies with a huge staff base and huge budgets for advertising. We are not in their league, so we have to get creative. My secret to success is... not giving up, finding a way even when I don’t understand. Just keep slogging away at it, you’ll get there eventually even if it’s the long way.
I’m most proud of... creating my very own original program Allabilitesdanz and of course all the fundraising we do. The two that stand out are the fundraiser to buy Barnesy a new wheelchair and when we recently raised almost $30,000 to purchase a Liberty Swing (a swing for people in wheelchairs).
If I could, I’d tell my 20-year-old self that... being dyslexic and leaving
school at 14 doesn’t mean you can’t succeed in the business world, as I believed most of my adult life. Just because you’re not academically smart, it doesn’t mean you can’t achieve. It may be harder, you most definitely won’t understand things, but don’t give up. Somehow, some way, you’ll get there. It’ll be the long way, you’ll have to work harder, but you WILL succeed.
The best piece of career advice I can offer is... think outside the box!
Be creative! Don’t do what’s expected! Never give up, even if you’re out of your depth! DREAM BIG!!
And if I wasn’t in my current role, I’d... maybe still be hairdressing,
but I think I would have moved onto working with seniors, people with special needs and/or a disability – they truly are my passion. Director Mr Mark Bindon.
Join us at our Grand Open Day for casual look around, tour the display homes and recreation facilities, meet the Directors and seek answers to any questions you may have.