My name is Kate Thornton and I am the Village Manager at Oak Tree Retirement Village, Martin Street Armidale.

I grew up in Inverell and have strong family ties throughout the New England region.

After spending 15 years on the Gold Coast and being drawn back to Inverell in 2006 to raise our young family (four children including twins), we have been thrilled with our lifestyle decision to raise our family in the country.

After managing numerous different businesses on the Gold Coast, my husband and I decided to locate to Armidale to start a construction company which we managed and built up over a 12-year period before selling. We covered a large geographic area throughout New England and supported numerous charities and sponsored many sporting clubs during this time.

Through our company we were involved in building a home in Africa in Kenya’s Rift Valley for HIV orphans, a project that has forever changed the lives of all involved.

I am very active in my local community undertaking numerous volunteering roles, including being on the committee for the Armidale Junior Rugby Union Club where I’ve held two positions as the Media/Publicity Office and Team Manager.

I have also had extensive work history in the aged care sector and health care industry where I’ve enjoyed interacting with people and assisting them in living fulfilling and rewarding lives.

What I love most about Oak Tree is that it provides residents a sense of belonging and community and an environment where they can enjoy independence and freedom. I also love that Oak Tree has a strong focus on wellbeing and encouraging residents to be involved within the community with likeminded people.

I am delighted to join the Oak Tree Group as the Village Manager in Armidale, Martin Street and I look forward to welcoming any future residents and their families to visit our village community and all that it has to offer.