17 Sep 2025
Words
Mandy Clarke Accom News
The best of management rights: ARAMA TOP Awards highlights
The ARAMA TOP Awards 2025 lit up The Star Brisbane on Friday, September 12, as industry leaders, resident managers, service providers and political figures gathered for a glittering evening celebrating excellence in management rights and building management.
With EBM Insurance & Risk as Naming Rights Sponsor for the Merit Awards, and The Onsite Manager sponsoring the People’s Choice Awards, the stage was set for one of the industry’s most prestigious nights. Adding flair and warmth was Kimberley Busteed, the former Miss Universe Australia turned TV and radio presenter, who emceed the evening with her signature charm and humour.
Shining a light on management rights
For more than three decades, the Australian Resident Accommodation Managers Association (ARAMA) has been the peak body for the management rights industry, a sector worth over $120 billion, employing more than 30,000 people, and providing the backbone of service and support for tourism operators, communities and guests across the nation.
Reflecting the industry’s importance to the economy and tourism, the event was attended by Queensland Premier Hon David Crisafulli, who delivered the opening address, alongside Hermann Vorster MP, State Member for Burleigh, and Leon Rebello MP. Their presence underlined the strong political support for an industry that is critical to Queensland’s tourism and community living success.
ARAMA CEO Trevor Rawnsley summed up the significance of the evening: “The TOP Awards recognise the quiet achievers who keep our buildings running, our residents happy, and our guests coming back. These are the people who solve problems, build communities, and represent the best of what management rights can be.”
Resident Manager of the Year (Mixed Stay) – Sponsored by EBM Insurance & Risk
Hamish and Jess Watts – Glen Eden Beach Resort
The judges called this a “hotly contested field” but praised the Watts’ ability to unite mixed-use owners and stay true to environmental goals, noting their work was “outstanding and worthy of recognition.”
Resident Manager of the Year (Short Stay) – Sponsored by Goldenwater Finance Group
Paul and Francine Tuddenham – Peninsula Airlie Beach
The Tuddenhams rose above a stellar field. Judges said, “If I could give the award to all, I would, but Paul and Francine excelled in innovation, guest satisfaction and financial returns.”
Resort Management Team of the Year – Sponsored by Programmed Property Services
Bel Air Broadbeach
With ten nominees in the running, Bel Air Broadbeach impressed for their rental pool growth and layered scheme management. Judges said their achievements in building strong committee and guest relationships were “exceptional.”
Resident Manager of the Year (Long Stay) – Sponsored by Property Bridge
Michael and Roslyn Rudd – Cloudland Apartments
The Rudds were recognised for going “above and beyond.” Judges highlighted their community-building events and tireless efforts during emergency weather events, which “greatly reduced impact on residents and costs.”
Building Manager of the Year – Sponsored by Flood Legal Pty Ltd
Brian Whitehead – Mantra Southport Central
With a record 12 nominees, Brian Whitehead stood out for innovation and resilience. Judges applauded his $800,000 savings and crisis leadership, saying he “not only rises to the challenge but exceeds it.”
Building Management Team of the Year – Sponsored by MYBOS
Ultiqa Freshwater Point Resort
Judges noted this was “the category that attracts the big guns.” Ultiqa’s team triumphed thanks to operational efficiency and people-first values, described as “the triangle of management in action.”
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS (Sponsored by The Onsite Manager)
Sales Broker of the Year: Chenoa Daniel – ResortBrokers
Sales Brokerage Firm of the Year: ResortBrokers (Sponsored by MRM Finance)
Service Provider of the Year: Mahoneys Lawyers & Advisors (Sponsored by ResortBrokers)
Onsite Manager of the Year: Don Brady (Sponsored by Archers the Strata Professionals)
Special Recognition – ARAMA Life Membership
The evening closed on a high note with the presentation of a new ARAMA Life Membership to Tony Rossiter, recognising his longstanding contribution and unwavering service to the management rights industry.
A night of pride and recognition
From emergency heroes and community builders to financial innovators and team leaders, the ARAMA TOP Awards once again showcased the very best of the industry.
As Trevor Rawnsley reminded the packed Brisbane ballroom, “Management rights is the glue that holds many of our communities together. Tonight is about celebrating the people who do the hard work, often behind the scenes, to make our industry stronger and more sustainable every day.”
On a night of celebration, it was clear the management rights industry has plenty to be proud of, and remains a vital pillar of Australia’s tourism and economic success. END
