After living through a very tough childhood, Michael McMullen understands the healing power of having someone who listens to you.
“We all just want to be listened to,” says the Village Manager of Drayton Villas Retirement Village in the rural city of Toowoomba, Queensland. Wise beyond his 26 years, Michael has made a huge impact on the residents’ lives since he took over more than 12 months ago. His mission is to help the residents forge connections and build a supportive community.
“The biggest thing is just listening to people,” explains Michael. “What may seem a small problem, to them it’s the biggest problem. So it’s listening to them and helping them work through the steps, it may be a quick solution or they may just want someone to talk to.”
Breaking the mould
As a young man, Michael doesn’t fit the stereotype of a Village Manager, but working in a retirement village is something that he’s passionate about.
“It all started with my upbringing, I didn’t have the best upbringing. I was in and out of foster care, but my grandparents were the one saving grace. I went out to their property, where they taught me love, respect and how to work. They gave me little, but important, things and life skills, which was great,” says Michael.
“When it came time to start a career, I really just wanted to be able to help people. I worked in resources, for 8-and-a-half years, but I always wanted to work in a retirement village and be able to make a difference, because I knew that my grandparents had really touched on me with that love and care. If they didn’t help, it would have been different, so I definitely have a soft spot for the elderly.”
It’s that compassion and empathy that makes Michael a good Village Manager.
Not-so-secret men’s business
When Michael started working at Drayton Villas, he quickly noticed that the men seemed to have more difficulty connecting with others in the village. While the women were able to bond over a cup of tea, there was still a stigma that men don’t need to socialise. He and his team decided it was something they needed to tackle.
“So we started a men’s day out,” says Michael. “Every couple of months we go somewhere. The first one was at a pub on the weekend and we had a feed, a beer and a good chat. We’ve done a sausage sizzle in the park and we’ve done one in the homestead as well.
“It’s helping them build relationships with the other guys. Now they will go and have a coffee and talk. Before they were tucked away until some family came and visited.”
Now the men are making these connections, Michael is noticing an improvement in their health and spirits – they seem brighter and more energetic. Having these friendships also helps to build a sense of community in the village.
“It gives them more purpose, it comes back again to wanting to be listened to. They want people to tell a story to. The Villas is their life, so creating those friendships and relationships in the village is what makes it a good community,” explains Michael.
More than just a job
For Michael, working at Drayton Villas is more than just a nine-to-five pay cheque. Whether it’s taking time on the weekend to get the men out or starting early so he is available for the residents during the day, helping people is Michael’s passion.
“I come in early in the morning, to get all the paperwork out of the way because by 8 o’clock we’ve got people coming in for a chat. I want to make sure I have time for them. It’s being able to make that time and not be busy, so if they need to come and have a chat they can,” Michael says.
“Giving them that time is so rewarding for them and for me. I’ve dedicated my life to being in a position that I could help people. I can finally make a difference in people’s lives, not only short term, but long term.”
Looking to the future
In his first year at Drayton Villas, Michael has achieved so much, which was acknowledged at the annual RetireAustralia awards where he received a Highly Commended RetireAustralia Family Award. That doesn’t mean he’s resting on his laurels, Michael has a lot planned to help improve the lives of the
residents.
“I’m excited to create activities that engage more people, so we can have a better outcome. We have happy hour on a Thursday, which is great. But I want to bring more and different things that engage different people and try to excite them,” Michael says. “There are the few people who don’t come to things, so I make an effort to visit them and get to know them. Often they’re the people with the most amazing stories, but they don’t want to be a burden on people so they tuck themselves away.”
With Michael’s passion and energy, we can’t wait to see what he continues to do at Drayton Villas.
“I love coming in every day and knowing that you’re going to make someone smile. Some of their stories are amazing, so I can’t wait to hear the next story,” says Michael.
Neither can we!
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