Meet Lincoln Emsley, one of Keyton’s dedicated Community Connect managers in Victoria. He organises an array of exciting events to bring potential newcomers to the charm of retirement living. He is passionate about fostering connections and creating memorable experiences for those considering a retirement living community.
I like to create opportunities for people to have conversations, share experiences, and answer any questions they have about retirement living. Transparency is key to having an honest connection," says Lincoln Emsley.
Lincoln's role
As a Community Connect manager, Lincoln's commitment goes above and beyond connecting individuals within the retirement living sphere. He hosts events designed to introduce guests to the benefits of village life, offering them the opportunity to explore the community and take guided tours during a morning or afternoon tea session.
With his strategic approach he wants to ensure those considering retirement living options are not only well-informed but also confident in the choices they make. His ultimate objective is to demonstrate the unique benefits of each community and to generate local enquiry and partnerships.
Community Connect
"Sometimes people do not feel comfortable about contacting a village directly for themselves and would feel less pressured if they came to the village as a guest or a visitor in a group. Keyton’s Community Connect Program is a great introduction to what villages offer, whether it is for now or in the future. With this in mind, we welcome local groups and clubs of around 15-20 seniors into our villages to enjoy a morning or afternoon tea. We answer any questions guests may have about retirement village living and enjoy a lovely walk around our village, meet residents and view all our amenities," says Lincoln.
He add, "As a thank you, we offer a contribution of up to $500 as a Digital Gift Card for the group, which can be put toward club activities or donated to a club’s favourite charity."
Keeping an active schedule
Lincoln organises an engaging calendar of events for many Keyton villages. Recently, he helped arranged an opening event for the residents of Viewbank Gardens after the village underwent a well-deserved refurbishment of their community centre. Since it now boasts a spacious area, he is ready to transform the community centre into a central hub for social gatherings.
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Japanese artist Junko, conducting one of her classes
Lincoln had events featured locally with the City of Banyule and welcomed the community into Viewbank Gardens during the Seniors Festival. He wants to ensure that events celebrate the unique elements of each retirement community and guests leave feeling empowered, curious and welcomed. He says, "It is great when you see our residents being proud of the community they live in, and my job is to facilitate this connection and make people consider all the benefits of living at Viewbank Gardens."
In another exciting endeavour, Lincoln has invited Junko, a highly acclaimed local Japanese artist, to lead ink classes. He emphasises, “These sessions aren’t just about creating stunning cherry blossom drawings and bamboo artworks. They’re about guests and residents
expressing themselves through art, weaving their personal stories into every brushstroke. It's more than art; it's a journey of self-expression and mindfulness.”
Lincoln is also excited about organising Qigong during the 2023 Seniors Festival for the broader community. Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice that combines physical movements, controlled breathing, and meditation to promote physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. It is often viewed as a holistic exercise system that balances the body’s vital energy and improves overall health.
He says, “The Qigong sessions will be held amongst the splendid gardens at Viewbank Gardens They have become so popular that we had to get extra slots. Our guests and our residents alike can indulge in four weeks of relaxation surrounded by nature.”
The Qigong sessions have become so popular that we had to get extra slots.
Making the right decision
Lincoln knows the challenges retired individuals face in moving to a retirement village. He believes in honest conservations and throws light on his role as a Community Connect manager, “Transparency is key in the retirement living industry, and I understand this well. By providing potential newcomers with honest and accurate information, I help demystify the retirement living options. I want to provide a clear picture of the community’s offerings before they decide.”
"I try to help demystify the retirement living options. I want to provide a clear picture of the community’s offerings before they decide.”
Hear from the residents
Lincoln understands that moving to a retirement village requires proper planning and the correct information. He says, “That’s where my role comes in. There are various choices, and people usually have several questions. They might not immediately decide to come and look at an apartment, but the events we organise demonstrate that living in a retirement community involves more than just a place to stay. It’s about the sense of community and the friendships that blossom. So, I focus on creating opportunities for them to converse with each other and have meaningful conversations.” He facilitates peer-to-peer interactions through open days and the various events he hosts to allow them to ask the right questions and hear them from the residents to make an informed decision.
Beyond events and interactions, Lincoln’s goal is to create lasting memories. Whether it’s a live music performance, an art class, or a simple afternoon tea, every experience is designed to bring a smile to their faces and provide them with something to cherish.
Learn more about Viewbank Gardens
For more information about the lifestyle and support offered at our retirement villages, call our customer service team on 1800 550 550.
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