RFBI staff, volunteers and aged care villages across the New England have been recognised at the organisation’s 2026 Showcase Awards.
The awards recognise employees, volunteers and villages across categories including resident experience, volunteering, employee excellence and hospitality.
RFBI Armidale Masonic Village acting general manager Anita Johnson was named joint 2026 Employee of the Year.
The award recognises employees who demonstrate excellence in their role and make an exceptional contribution to residents, clients and colleagues.
Johnson was recognised for her dedication, professionalism and commitment to providing care and support to residents.
RFBI regional general manager Natalie Green praised Johnson’s contribution to the Armidale village.
“We are incredibly proud of Anita for receiving this well-deserved recognition,” said Natalie Green, Regional General Manager – North.
“Anita consistently demonstrates excellence in everything she does and is a wonderful example of the values we strive to uphold.
“This award reflects the positive impact she has on residents, families and colleagues every day.”
Other New England winners included RFBI Glen Innes Masonic Village volunteer Kevin Jones, who received the 2026 Ray Vickers Volunteer of the Year Award.
RFBI Moonbi Masonic Village’s Paul Taggart was named the 2026 Cook/Chef of the Year.
Green said the awards reflected the work being done across RFBI’s New England villages.
“These awards are a wonderful recognition of the people who make our villages such special places to live and work. From our volunteers and frontline employees to our leaders and support teams, each recipient has made a meaningful contribution to the lives of residents and their families.”
“I am incredibly proud to see our New England villages recognised across multiple categories. These achievements speak to the passion, professionalism and genuine care shown by our teams and to the strong sense of community that exists across the region.”
RFBI Tamworth Masonic Village was also named the organisation’s 2026 Happiest Village of the Year.
The award is based on resident and staff feedback and performance measures collected across RFBI villages throughout the year.
Results from the 2025 annual satisfaction survey showed 100 per cent of resident respondents at the Tamworth village rated their overall experience as good or excellent.
The village also recorded a Net Promoter Score of 100 among consumer representatives, meaning every respondent said they would recommend it to others.
RFBI Tamworth Masonic Village general manager Ben Callaghan said the recognition belonged to the broader village community.
“This award is a reflection of our residents, staff, volunteers, families and supporters. Every day we strive to create an environment where people feel respected, connected and happy and it is wonderful to have that recognised.”
The New England results formed part of RFBI’s annual awards recognising employees, volunteers and villages across the organisation.
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