Showcase Spotlight: Ramida Bond and Kristie Payne, RFBI Raleigh Urunga Masonic Village

• RFBI News

Sonia Lim 12 Sep 2025

At RFBI Raleigh Urunga Masonic Village, two exceptional team members have been shortlisted among this year’s 21 finalists for our RFBI Showcase Awards: Ramida Bond, Hospitality Officer, and Kristie Payne, Lifestyle Supervisor.

Ramida, affectionately known as Da, is a finalist for our 2025 RFBI Cook/Chef of the Year, recognised for her warm hospitality and the welcoming, home-like environment she creates in the village café. Kristie has been named a finalist for our 2025 RFBI Mentor of the Year, acknowledged for her compassionate leadership and her commitment to supporting staff across multiple villages.

Cook/Chef of the Year Finalist – Ramida Bond

Ramida “Da” Bond is widely known as the heart and soul of the Lido Café at RFBI Raleigh Urunga. Her warm smile and caring nature create a space that feels more like home than a café, welcoming residents, staff and families with kindness and genuine connection.

Da is renowned for her delicious meals, with her weekly Pad Thai and Yellow Curry always in high demand. But beyond her cooking skills, it’s her calming presence and thoughtful care that make a real difference. She instinctively knows when a resident needs comfort and always offers support with quiet compassion.

In addition to running the café, Da regularly assists the kitchen team in preparing fresh meals each morning, stepping in wherever she’s needed without hesitation. Her hard work, humility and heart make her an invaluable part of village life and a truly deserving finalist for Cook/Chef of the Year.

Mentor of the Year Finalist – Kristie Payne

Kristie Payne leads with empathy, positivity and purpose. As Lifestyle Supervisor, she is respected by residents, families, and staff alike for her person-centred approach and unwavering support of others. She takes the time to build genuine relationships and is always looking for ways to improve the resident experience.

Kristie goes beyond her own village to support the wider RFBI network. She initiated the State-wide Leisure and Lifestyle collaboration program, bringing supervisors together to share ideas, solve problems and strengthen consistency across sites. Her mentorship and encouragement have helped countless colleagues grow in confidence and capability.

From leading quality improvement initiatives to stepping in during emergencies, Kristie’s actions consistently reflect her deep care for others. Her leadership style is quiet but powerful, inspiring those around her to lead with kindness and always put residents first.

“Our team are excited for Ramida and Kristie to be named as finalists in the Showcase Awards,” said Jenny Chapman, General Manager, RFBI Raleigh Urunga Masonic Village. “Ramida and Kristie are true role models and the village is proud to have them in the Showcase Awards. I wish them luck next month at the awards night.”

Finalists will be honoured at a special awards evening in Sydney this September, where the winners will be revealed and celebrated in front of their peers and aged care industry leaders.