85th Anniversary research uncovers historical photo
To mark Resthaven’s 85th anniversary, Resthaven is working with noted historian, visiting Research Fellow at The University of Adelaide and author, Dr Rob Linn, to update the history book. This revised edition is the third history book he has written.
As part of his research into important developments over the past ten years since the 75th anniversary book, Rob has been touring new and redeveloped residential and community sites.
The first visit was to Resthaven Leabrook, where he toured the site, and the Resthaven Leabrook Premium Apartments with Manager, Mark Bednall.
‘We met up with resident, Mr Bruce Retallick, who invited us to take a look at his apartment’, says Mark.
‘Rob said he recognised Bruce’s name, but couldn’t remember where he had seen it. In the coming days, his thoughts turned to a particular photograph on the Australian War Memorial website.
‘The photo is of a group of three Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Leading Aircraftmen (LACs) loading equipment onto a jeep in Labuan, North Borneo, after the end of the war in 1945.
‘Rob sent me the link and I showed it to Bruce. “Yes, that’s me! I have a copy of that picture, but I didn’t know it was on the internet. It’s fabulous it is in the public domain for all to see!”’
The next visits for Rob included the fully revamped Murray Bridge precinct, the Strathalbyn Community Services offices, Resthaven Port Elliot and the Old Port Elliot Primary School Community Services, with Resthaven Aberfoyle Park the final stop.
Rob was very impressed, and said, ‘It was tremendously useful for me in getting an understanding of more recent developments.’
He visited Resthaven Mitcham, Malvern, Westbourne Park and Paradise and Resthaven Western Community Services and Agedcare Alternatives in later weeks.
The history book will be released in October 2020.
Description: Labuan, North Borneo. 1945-11-03. Found abandoned at Noemfoor, this jeep was modified and has now become one of the most useful transport vehicles held by No. 81 (Fighter) Wing RAAF, which at Labuan now is preparing to move to Japan. Three South Australian volunteers, 152286 Leading Aircraftman (LAC) Ron Thompson, Colonel Light Gardens, 141439 LAC Don Adair, Alberton, 152742 LAC Bruce Retallick, Payneham, are assisting in the packing of boxes of necessary equipment.
Celebrating 85 years in 2020, Resthaven Incorporated is a not for profit, South Australian aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church. Every day, Resthaven shares the lives and wisdom of around 10,000 older people and their carers, working together to provide outstanding care and support.
Resthaven works together with older people and their carers throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Fleurieu, Barossa, Riverland and Limestone Coast of South Australia.