Former RLC National President, Ms MacDonald, and long-time RLC Board member, Mr Nilsson, were inducted during the opening of the annual Summit on the Gold Coast.
RLC Executive Director Daniel Gannon said the induction of Ms MacDonald and Mr Nilsson as honorary life members was important recognition for their respective contributions to the sector over a long period of time.
“These two industry titans have made outstanding contributions to the reputation, growth and development of retirement living over many decades,” Mr Gannon said.
“Both M-L and Peter have dedicated their time, insights and expertise to help guide and shape the sector into what we see today – an important and affordable housing solution for older Australians,” he said.
Mr Gannon said Ms MacDonald’s four-year tenure as RLC President (2019-2023) coincided with the COVID pandemic, with her leadership bringing stability and strength to industry at a time of deep policy, economic and health uncertainty.
“M-L brought stability and leadership during a stressful and uncertain time for the sector and the 250,000 residents who lived in a retirement village during the pandemic,” Mr Gannon said.
RLC National President and Aveo Chief Executive Officer Tony Randello congratulated the pair on receiving life membership.
“M-L Macdonald has dedicated two and a half decades to the retirement living industry, including two terms as the RLC President,” Mr Randello said.
“She led us through a difficult period in the sector and left a legacy through her stewardship of the code of conduct.
“Peter Nilsson is one of the longest standing leaders in this industry. He started at the Village Glen in 1978 and has selflessly dedicated his time, knowledge and guidance to the RLC and the Victorian committee to ensure our industry has thrived over the past four decades,” he said.
Ms MacDonald, who is Chief Executive Officer of Masonic Care WA, expressed her gratitude upon receiving life membership.
“It is a great honour to receive this acknowledgement from a sector that I am incredibly passionate about,” she said.
“This industry has provided me with so many incredible opportunities and I am proud to see the ongoing work being done to help provide better housing that leads to better health outcomes for seniors across Australia,” she said.
Mr Nilsson, who is Chief Operating Officer and a director of Community Villages Australia – owner and operator of Village Glen – said it was humbling to be inducted as a life member.
“There is no greater professional honour than that of being recognised by one’s peers,” Mr Nilsson said.
“The importance of our industry cannot be understated, and I am proud to have dedicated my professional life to helping create a happier, healthier future for older Australians,” he said.
