GUNTHER Village recently broke new ground by having residents attend the annual general meeting.

Vicki Boyd said it was also a first that residents were presented with awards during the meeting.

About 80 people gathered for a barbecue dinner before the meeting, giving residents a chance to socialise.

During the meeting, the chairman of the board presented a report for the past 12 months.

A facilities manager report, a financial report, the welfare committee and the Gunther village op shop also presented reports on the night.

Ms Boyd had asked that the residents be invited to attend this meeting.

Jenny Thompson said Vicki had really made the home more about including the residents in all the decisions on the running of the nursing home.

"The residents attended the meeting, they listened to the whole meeting and reports, they then hopped up and got presented in front of everybody with their little award and there was also some lovely comments about the manager and the facilities throughout the meeting,” she said.

Ms Thompson said the residents were very keen to become involved in the meeting, they wanted to first and second the proceedings of the meeting.

"Vicki had asked them at the residents' meeting if they would like to become members, so we are looking at them becoming members,” she said.

Ms Thompson said by the residents becoming members, it would give them a feeling of inclusion and importance to then be able to second things throughout the meeting.

Gunther Village is looking for more members to join.

If you would like to become a member, all you have to do is go and see the staff at the nursing home.