Get to know

Say hello to some of the familiar faces that help keep our Villages up and running.

EMMA FULLERTON Sales Manager | The Village Redcliffe & Taigum

Best career advice you’ve ever received? It is more important to be interested than to be interesting. In my job I spend most of my time chatting to people about retirement living and am constantly fascinated by the people I have had the chance to meet.

When you’re not at The Village, what are you doing? I love live music so I spend a lot of my free time going to live shows with my friends. My husband is in a band so I get to enjoy music and spending time with him at the same time.

MICHELE DONOGHOE Business Support | The Village Redcliffe

If you wrote a book about your career, what would you title it and why? “Always reach for the stars!” I believe that we never stop learning and growing – I’m midpoint through my life, and I’ve found myself studying a business degree. It’s amazing the things that I have learnt so far, and I look forward to learning and growing further.

Most treasured memory from your time at The Village? The first time I sang a few songs for our residents. It was at one of our monthly events and I will never forget the smiles on their faces and how happy the whole room felt whilst I performed some of the songs that brought back happy memories for our residents. I will forever treasure that feeling!

YASMIN HADFIELD Village Manager

| The Village On The Downs

Who or what inspires you most in your career? My family. I have three daughters and growing up in today’s world at times can be really tough… but in them I see their strength and resilience. I see their kindness and compassion for others. They inspire me every day to be the best version of myself.

A motivational quote you love: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

MARNI GILLETT Business Support | The Village Coorparoo

A motivational quote you love? “Treat everyone with politeness and kindness, not because they are nice, but because you are.”

What do you love most about your job? I love the human interaction. I see so many people each day, from residents to tradies and I enjoy all my encounters with them. The Village is such a positive place – people are genuinely happy to be here, and that makes it a great place to work.

Describe yourself in three words: Bubbly, devoted, engaging.

MARK RICCA Group Facilities and Asset Manager | The Village Retirement Group

What does your role with The Village Retirement Group entail? My role is to establish a framework for full supervision and control of high-value assets throughout our Villages including strategies for acquiring, operating, maintaining, renewing, and retiring assets.

What do you do in your spare time? I own five forty-year old sports tourers and two Harley Davidsons. So, on the weekends you’ll find me riding my motorbike or out on the water on my Jetski.

DAVID VANN Maintenance | The Village Coorparoo

What’s your favourite task to do at work? I actually find mowing quite relaxing. Hearing the positive responses from the residents is worth the effort.

Best career advice you’ve ever received? Find something you enjoy doing and make that your career.

What’s your favourite 70s or 80s jam? The Saints – I’m Stranded.

LEANNE CHRISTENSEN Village Operations Manager | The Village Retirement Group

Favourite book of all time? The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay. It’s such a powerful story about values and principles and is written in a beautiful and captivating way. It’s difficult to put down once you start reading.

What is your greatest career accomplishment? I’d have to say managing a Village during the Covid lockdowns in 2020. I think all staff that worked through that period did an incredible job in very challenging circumstances!