Ingenia team recognised at National Retirement Living Awards

Last night’s National Retirement Living Awards were a success for Ingenia Communities, with team members Matt Fedrick and Sharon Manson taking home the awards for Future Retirement Living Leader and Salesperson of The Year respectively.

Celebrating high achievement across the retirement living sector, the Awards recognised Sharon’s success as Community Sales Manager at Ingenia Lifestyle Hervey Bay, while Matt was acknowledged for his commitment to innovation as Ingenia Lifestyle’s QLD Development Director.

Sharon said it was an honour to take part in the Awards alongside industry peers, and to be recognised for her work in Hervey Bay.

“I think there is a real need for the creation of community and a commitment to transparency in the industry, which extends to advising potential residents to always consider, question and understand the options available when looking at any retirement community,” she said.

“I approach our customers as if I was advising my own family – I believe that extra attention and openness ensures that customers and their families can feel confident in choosing the community that best suits their lifestyle needs.”

With Hervey Bay being one of the most popular growth areas for downsizers and retirees in Australia, Sharon has one of the busiest sales positions in the business.

Ingenia Communities General Manager Sales, Kate Melrose said Sharon’s sustained high performance and initiative has been instrumental to Ingenia Lifestyle’s success in Hervey Bay.

“Sharon’s deep passion and compassion for customers combined with a highly strategic approach to match customer and product sets her apart,” Ms Melrose said.

“She has worked to build strong relationships with the wider Hervey Bay community, and within the Ingenia community is a valued leader who is always encouraging colleagues to develop themselves and inspiring her team to deliver their best for customers.”

Matt considers it a privilege to be the recipient of the Future Retirement Living Leader award.

“The last two years have certainly been one of the most exciting, challenging and defining times to work in the property industry and to be recognised with this award is an absolute honour,” he said.

“Being surrounded by the Ingenia team and having my wife attend last night as well to celebrate was a very special moment indeed.”

Joining Ingenia in 2018 as Senior Development Manager, Matt’s natural leadership saw him quickly progress to his current role as Queensland Development Director, where he leads a team
of strategic thinkers in developing homes and communities that meet the needs of todays over 50s customer.

In 2020, Matt was instrumental in introducing a new, more affordable style of home at Ingenia Lifestyle Chambers Pines.

The project was recognised for its social and economic impact, providing an innovative solution centred around social and economic responsibilities to fill the housing affordability gap for Australians aged 50 and over.

“It’s important to me to encourage my team to embrace innovation and efficiency, and this work is demonstrated across large-scale deliverables such as the Chambers Pines project and a similar project at Ingenia Lifestyle Hervey Bay,” Matt said.

“We have been able to introduce affordable housing in these areas, offering properties starting from $239,000 in the Hervey Bay region when the median house price for this area is around $420,000.”

Ingenia Communities Chief Executive Officer Simon Owen said Matt is highly regarded within the Ingenia business, having hit the ground running from his first day on the job.

“Matt runs one of the largest and most profitable business units at Ingenia – our Queensland development business. He demonstrates great leadership in his role daily and constantly coaches and supports his team to be their best,” he said.

“He constantly seeks to challenge the status quo and bring new ways of thinking into the business – whether it is building methodology, addressing a new segment in the seniors housing market or repurposing a 40-year-old building.

“Both Matt and Sharon are tremendous assets to the Ingenia team and we are very proud to have their achievements recognised and celebrated by their industry peers and to support their continued success into the future.”

Ingenia Lifestyle’s Latitude One community at Port Stephens was also a finalist in the Best Retirement Living Development category.