From running a gift shop to high-fiving retirees, Malcolm Payne has always valued the true gift of connection — something he now brings to life every day as Village Manager at TriCare’s Runaway Bay Retirement Community.
Before making the Gold Coast his home, Malcolm ran a successful gift shop in Tasmania for 16 years, selling everything from AFL jerseys to quirky souvenirs. But while business was steady, he longed for more meaningful interactions — something deeper than the occasional chat over the counter.
That calling led Malcolm to a management role at Devonport Gardens Retirement Village, where he discovered the joy of working with older Australians and quickly found his professional purpose.
On a personal note, soon came a life-changing reunion. At his 30-year school reunion in 2012, Malcolm reconnected with Pamela, his first girlfriend from Year 9 — now a theatre actor and soon after, his wife. The spark was instant, and within months, he packed up his life and moved north to the sunny Gold Coast to be with her.
Wanting to stay in the Retirement Living Industry, he soon joined TriCare at Runaway Bay. Today, the couple is about to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary — and they’ve never looked back.
Every day is different for this Village Manager
Life as a Village Manager is never dull. Apart from the day-to-day tasks of a Village Manager he also finds himself assisting the catering team with meal service or covering overnight first aid shifts when short staffed, Malcolm is hands-on and always ready to help.
“You’ve got staff you manage every day, and then there are the 230 residents — no two days are the same,” says Malcolm. “There’s always something to do, and I like having a finger in every pie.”
He credits much of his success to his Assistant Manager, Nicki Muir, who helps keep the village running smoothly.
Malcolm has become a favourite among the village residents
In his 12 years at TriCare, Malcolm has become more than just a manager — he’s become part of the resident’s daily lives. There’s the 93-year-old woman who makes sure she’s near the entrance when Malcolm leaves for the day. She just likes to say goodbye and wish him hooray as he heads off for the day. “Some nights as I leave the village on my motorbike and I ride past, we high-five,” he says.
He’s also made sure to support residents from all backgrounds. One resident, who only speaks Chinese, now uses Google Translate at lunch to communicate with others. “I’ve picked up a few phrases to make him feel welcome — his son told me he was really touched,” says Malcolm.
More Than a Job – A Way of Life
“For residents, this isn’t just a facility — it’s their home. I may clock in and out, but I never forget that this is their everyday life, and we’re here to support it.”
What sets Runaway Bay apart from other retirement communities
TriCare’s Runaway Bay Retirement Village also boasts a putting green, croquet lawn and tennis court and billiards room. For boating enthusiasts, the benefits of being on the canal is there a few pontoons (subject to availability), allowing crafts to be moored on-site at no additional charge.
“If I end up retiring here one day,” Malcolm laughs, “you’ll find me lining up for Chef Jamie’s meals, still riding my bike and taking my fishing boat out.”
Life After Hours
Outside of work, Malcolm enjoys a full life. A passionate fisherman and motorbike rider, he also dabbles in guitar and gardening.
“I’ll belt out a few ‘70s tunes like American Pie — I’m no Ed Sheeran, but it gets a smile,” he jokes.
He’s also a devoted son, visiting his parents regularly — his dad, 92, is in aged care, and his mum, 83, still lives independently. “I visit Dad after work on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and we often go out for fish and chips on weekends. It’s one of the highlights of my week.”
And when Monday rolls around, Malcolm returns back to work and eager to check in with residents, catching up on their weekends, and continue being the heartbeat of the village.
For more information on TriCare’s Runaway Bay Retirement Living Community click here and say hello to one of their friendly staff today!
