Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Certification
With Heart Awards 2020 - RESPECT
Timeline
Generic

Charmaine Rakanace

Summary

A highly experienced and results-driven professional with a strong background in managing operations, leading teams, and driving development initiatives. Over my career with Uniting, I have progressed from Village Manager (2015) to Area Manager (2021) and was seconded to our Westmead Campus to oversee complex operations, including independent living facilities, development projects, and resident services. Proven track record in budget management, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement in service delivery. Currently, I am undertaking the dual role of Sydney West Area Manager and Campus Manager for the Westmead Campus.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Campus Manager Westmead (ILU, RAC, Assisted Living, Seniors Gym, Early Learning)

Uniting NSW & ACT
10.2015 - Current
  • Manage operations for Park Meadows Village and overall campus
  • Collaborate with site service managers to ensure effective service delivery and coordinate activities
  • Prepare annual budgets, conduct monthly forecasts, and negotiate with resident committees and stakeholders
  • Work with development teams to keep stakeholders informed about upcoming works and minimize disruptions
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders for issue resolution and communication
  • Ensure assets meet operational needs in line with the Asset Management Plan (AMP) to ensure smooth campus operation
  • Lead community engagement efforts, fostering collaboration and maintaining a high standard of living for residents
  • Manage vendor contracts and services, including catering, cleaning, security, waste disposal, and grounds maintenance
  • Ensure Sydney West R&IL villages meet high standards, addressing both short-term and long-term issues while prioritizing resident satisfaction
  • Lead, support, and develop the R&IL team, setting objectives and providing resources for high-quality service delivery
  • Area Manager Sydney West (February 2021 to current):
  • Ensure services are delivered consistently across my area by providing leadership and support to Village Managers and developing the skills and competencies of the area team members
  • Maintain strong relationships with residents on development sites and manage relationships between existing and new residents in expanding villages
  • Ensure villages are maintained at the level required to deliver a high-quality standard of living and satisfaction level for residents
  • Take the lead in the preparation of annual budgets and negotiate budget acceptance with resident committees and resident communities where committees do not exist
  • Prepare and present regular reporting on financial performance
  • Ensure that all activities and operations within the scope of responsibility are performed in accordance with the village/sales budgets
  • Ensure operational compliance
  • Manage escalated complaints and issues across the region
  • Ensure that all villages have appropriate emergency response system, fire equipment, evacuation plans and emergency procedures.
  • Maintain awareness of and fulfil responsibilities, authorities and accountabilities as defined by the organisation’s health, safety, and wellbeing management team

Director of Sales & Marketing

Treasure Island Limited – Fiji
11.2014 - 05.2015
  • Led Sales & Marketing for Fiji and New Zealand
  • Managed communication with GM & Board of Directors
  • Developed business and executed marketing campaigns
  • Analysed sales results and adjusted strategies accordingly
  • Increased resort profile in local and international markets
  • Monitored online presence, addressing issues on platforms like TripAdvisor
  • Attended trade shows and coordinated FAM trips for key buyers
  • Managed and updated resort website and social media presence
  • Wrote and designed resort newsletters
  • Fostered relationships with key partners
  • Contract role

Director of Sales & Marketing and Relief Resort Management

Sonaisali Island Resort & Tadrai Island Resort - Fiji
10.2013 - 11.2014
  • Led Sales & Marketing team (5 staff) and managed communication with MD and GM on resort occupancy and marketing
  • Reviewed daily sales reports (ADR, Inventory, Budget)
  • Directed sales team to achieve KPIs and implemented sales strategies for various market segments
  • Analysed wholesaler performance and hosted VIPs and wholesalers
  • Organized travel agent familiarization trips and maintained industry partner relationships
  • Managed group sales (local, weddings, incentives) and attended trade shows
  • Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures
  • Acted as Resort Manager for Tadrai, overseeing all resort operations (relief basis)

Assistant Village Manager

Glenaeon Retirement Village (Lendlease)
01.2010 - 10.2013
  • Oversee administrative and operational functions of the village
  • Assist Village Manager in achieving optimal performance and RVA Accreditation compliance
  • Make day-to-day operational decisions within frameworks and budgets
  • Act as Village Manager when absent
  • Serve as OH&S Coordinator and manage staff, rostering, and wages
  • Supervise Activities Coordinator and Receptionists
  • Ensure resident welfare and implement improvements to enhance satisfaction
  • Manage resident inductions and contractor compliance
  • Collaborate with maintenance team on village/unit matters
  • Coordinate with marketing on village-related activities
  • Implement company policies and strategies to maintain resident satisfaction
  • Update and maintain resident database

Skills

  • Operational Management
  • Leadership & Team Development
  • Budget & Financial Management
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Asset & Facilities Management
  • Compliance & Regulatory Knowledge
  • Decision Making
  • Vendor & Contractor Management
  • Customer Service Excellence
  • Emergency Management

Certification

  • 2012 - Microsoft Dynamics 2-day course
  • 2012 – Manual handling/Food handling
  • 2011 – OH&S Accreditation/Chemical handling
  • 2010 – Certificate III in Real Estate
  • 2009 – Certificate III in Aged & Community Care and Senior First Aid certificate
  • 2008 - Professional Presentations (Short Course)
  • 2004 - Fiji Matai Specialist - GOLD
  • 2004 - Amadeus – Fares and Ticketing
  • 2004 - Travelscene – Certificate of Competency in Travel Insurance
  • 1995 - Japanese Part 1 & Japanese Part 2
  • 1992 - Travel Certificate

With Heart Awards 2020 - RESPECT

In my professional career, respect allows me to effectively work with diverse teams, navigate challenges, and build strong, productive relationships with colleagues and clients alike. Personally, it helps me maintain meaningful and compassionate connections with those around me.


I strive to approach each interaction with empathy and an open mind, recognizing and valuing different perspectives. I believe in actively listening to others, acknowledging their contributions, and maintaining a balance of fairness and kindness.

Timeline

Campus Manager Westmead (ILU, RAC, Assisted Living, Seniors Gym, Early Learning)

Uniting NSW & ACT
10.2015 - Current

Director of Sales & Marketing

Treasure Island Limited – Fiji
11.2014 - 05.2015

Director of Sales & Marketing and Relief Resort Management

Sonaisali Island Resort & Tadrai Island Resort - Fiji
10.2013 - 11.2014

Assistant Village Manager

Glenaeon Retirement Village (Lendlease)
01.2010 - 10.2013
Charmaine Rakanace