THERE'S been a changing of the guard at Merton Living.
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And, the "old" manager - Rod Dillon - became the new chairman at last month's board meeting, after David Roe stepped down from his role following more than a decade on the aged care facility's committee.
But, he won't be lost to the Denman community.
He and his wife Joan are moving into one of the units in Merton Village.
General manager Shani Mitchell paid her respects to Mr Roe, describing him as "Merton Living's champion".
"David served on the board for over 10 years, holding the positions of treasurer and most recently as chairman," she said.
"He oversaw the transition of our service from an incorporated association to a public company limited by guarantee, along with the rebranding to Merton Living.
"Merton Village was also expanded and completed during David's tenure as chairman.
"Often as manager, I've had ideas to promote the service and involve the community.
"However, in order for those ideas to come to fruition and be successful, you need someone to pick up the ball and run with it.
"David gave his time and worked tirelessly to organise the events, as well as round up some willing helpers, who often then became regular members of the Merton Living family.
"He wrote some very kind words in his resignation letter - and repeated them at his retirement dinner.
"David is extremely proud of the wonderful and enormous achievements of Merton Living since its inception in the 1970s.
"He considered it to be a privilege to serve as chairperson with such a supportive board.
"David feels that Merton Living and the Denman community are blessed to have such dedicated staff, especially those in key roles in our three services - Merton Court, Merton Home Care and Merton Village."
Ms Mitchell said Mr Roe's work at Merton Living wasn't finished yet.
"He's very much looking forward to being an active village resident; and building on the sense of community that has already been created by the residents," she explained.
"His other mission is to find another dedicated member of the community with suitable skills, to join our board, to ensure the ongoing success of Merton Living."
Mr Dillon, who served as manager for 13 years, is the new chairman.