I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Kathryn Blinman and I am proud to be the Village Manager at Oak Tree Retirement Village Gunnedah.

Originally from Lismore, I have relocated several times as an adult living in far North Queensland and later Tenterfield before falling deeply in love with the New England and Central West Region. From the coast to the inland, I've come full circle and have never felt more at home than in Gunnedah where I now reside with my husband and three children. Gunnedah is a fantastic community and offers true country town living and traditional values.

On a personal level I keep myself busy with my involvement in the St. Josephs' Parish Pastoral Council. I am also an active member of a local gardening club, a book club and camera club where I explore my social and creative interests.

I have held various employment over the years, the most recent as a Teacher's aide. When the role became available with Oak Tree I knew it was the new challenge I was looking for. I love interacting with the people on an everyday basis and helping them to achieve the dream of a fulfilling retirement.

Oak Tree have a caring nature – they genuinely treat their staff and all of their residents like family. There is a true, heartfelt interest to help seniors build a positive future and Oak Tree have their residents' best interests in mind. Life in the Village is like the Oak Tree itself. The roots are planted deep and strong and with time and nurturing it grows into a strong thriving being that offers a sense of certainty, peace and tranquility to all who get to enjoy it.

I am looking forward to helping the Oak Tree Gunnedah community grow, seeing my residents settled and enjoying life and feeling the satisfaction of helping to build something life changing.