John Flynn Retirement Village sales advisor Michelle Shaw has been named the best in the business across Victoria and Tasmania.

Today Michelle was awarded the Victoria/Tasmania Retirement Living Salesperson of the Year, recognising her unwavering commitment to achieving the best retirement living outcomes for residents, sales success, and strong community engagement.

The award was presented during the Property Council’s 2024 Victorian Retirement Outlook Summit.

As well as thanking General Manager Sales Victoria Debra Richardson, Area Sales Manager Angela Barraclough, and her family, Michelle acknowledged the residents at John Flynn.

“I think of the residents as my extended family,” she said.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t grow up with grandparents, so I am so fortunate now to have hundreds of them.”

Helping people transition to retirement living was the ultimate privilege, she said.

“Helping my residents and their families to make the most important decision of where to spend their twilight years is an honour and a privilege,” Michelle said.

Michelle’s retirement industry win comes after she was named ‘Sales Advisor of the Year’ at the 2023 Ryman Awards.

One of Ryman Australia’s longest serving staff members, Michelle started in 2014 as an executive assistant before becoming a sales advisor in 2017.

At John Flynn, her tireless worth ethic and passion shone, leading to the village becoming the fastest selling Ryman community in Australia.

Michelle Shaw (center) celebrates being named the Vic/Tas 'Salesperson of the Year' with Ryman Healthcare colleagues (from left) Ryman Australia CEO Cameron Holland, Area Sales Manager Angela Barraclough, John Flynn Retirement Village Manager Roslyn Prentice and General Manager Operations Rami Kamel.

During COVID-19, Michelle and the John Flynn team overcame immense challenges caused by the impact of the pandemic on the construction industry, welcoming 90 residents in six weeks to their new homes.

John Flynn sales assistant Amina Dzakic said Michelle was an ‘amazing mentor’.

“Michelle’s leadership style and her dedication to helping others succeed is truly impressive,” she said.

“I really appreciate what an amazing mentor she is.”

Ryman Healthcare General Manager Sales Victoria Debra Richardson said Michelle embodied the qualities of an outstanding sales advisor.

“Michelle’s commitment to ensuring residents and their families are supported every step of the way on their retirement journey is undeniable,” Debra said.

“She is a truly exceptional leader who worked throughout the challenges of COVID-19 to welcome residents into their new homes and an exciting new chapter of their lives.

“Today, John Flynn is a vibrant community that is filled with care, Michelle has been an integral part of making this happen.

“I am thrilled Michelle has been recognised by the retirement industry.”

Michelle is now a finalist in the National Salesperson of the Year category of the National Retirement Living Awards.

Ryman Healthcare staff and projects are finalists in three additional categories.

John Flynn Retirement Village is a finalist in the ‘Best Retirement Living Development-Large operator’ category, Senior Development Manager Patrick Fitzgerald is in the running for ‘Future Retirement Living Leader (corporate)’ and Ryman’s Mulgrave sales suite is a finalist in the ‘Marketing Excellence Award’.

The winners will be announced at a gala event on the Gold Coast during the National Retirement Living Summit in June.