Fifteen years ago, Administrative Assistant Quality, Trudi Amendola, made the move from retail to aged care, in search of a career with more meaning. Trudi explains, ‘Since I left school, I had worked in administration and store management roles for a discount supermarket, and a footwear chain.’ ‘My interest to change paths and pursue aged … Continued
Ten years ago, Saadia Ali made a life altering decision to move from Pakistan to Australia, in search of a better life for her family. Now, Saadia is exactly where she wants to be. Saadia says, ‘In Pakistan, I acquired a double degree in media and political science, and English literature, and found employment as … Continued
Crunching numbers is much more meaningful when working in the not-for-profit aged care sector, according to Jeremy Ong, Manager Finance at Resthaven. With a career originally destined for small firm and tax accounting, a twist of fate 20 years ago led Jeremy to not-for-profit finance, and he hasn’t looked back! Jeremy explains, ‘After finishing high … Continued
Resthaven CEO, Darren Birbeck, announced today, ‘Due to the forthcoming retirement of Resthaven Executive, Sue McKechnie at the end of March, I am pleased to advise that Melanie (Mel) Ottaway has been appointed to the role of Executive Manager Community Services.’ ‘Mel comes to Resthaven from Uniting Communities, where she is the Executive Manager, Services … Continued
This International Women’s Day, we look to one of Resthaven’s female leaders, Resthaven Executive Manager Community Services, Sue McKechnie, who is retiring this month after almost two decades in the role. In light of her retirement, Sue reflects on her career and inspirations, her experience of being a woman in leadership, and how she believes … Continued
This year, Resthaven Malvern Housekeeping Services Assistant, Lesley Wimbles, celebrates a record 46 years of service with Resthaven. Like all great stories, Lesley’s milestone achievement has a humble beginning. Back in 1977, her neighbour offered her a short-term job to work the “tea shifts” at Resthaven Malvern. Lesley explains: ‘The Resthaven Malvern matron, Barbara, lived … Continued
Graduate opportunities within Resthaven continue to grow, with a focus on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) internships—having hosted 15 interns since April 2021. Master of Business Information Systems graduate, Solomon Ebomah, recently transitioned from an internship with Resthaven to full-time employment with the ICT team. Solomon says, ‘I successfully completed my Bachelor of Mathematics back … Continued
Resthaven Marion Clinical Nurse, Krista Fox, made the leap into aged care a decade ago. Now, she continues to reap the benefits of a meaningful career. Krista explains, ‘The first part of my working life was spent at McDonald’s, and I proudly worked my way up to Assistant Manager of the shopping centre food court.’ … Continued
After almost two decades in the role, Resthaven Executive Manager Community Services, Sue McKechnie, has announced that she will retire in March 2023. CEO, Darren Birbeck, says, ‘I would like to thank and acknowledge Sue for the significant contribution that she has made over the past 18 years and the wonderful legacy that she has … Continued
Resthaven Marion Community Services Registered Nurse, Kim Long, loves what she does in the community, assisting clients to continue living independently in their own homes for longer. At the age of 25, Kim discovered the world of aged care when her grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. ‘As his condition progressed, I started looking after … Continued
Resthaven Northern Community Services Coordinator, Donna Haar, loves what she does in aged care, however, she hasn’t always been in the sector. Donna explains, ‘15 years ago, my “office” looked slightly different!’ ‘I worked as a factory supervisor in regional South Australia. I thought I would be doing that for my whole working life, but … Continued
Since leaving her insurance job to join Resthaven as a Home Support Worker, Donna Felce hasn’t looked back. Donna, who made the bold career move only a short time ago, says, ‘I spent 15 years in insurance – before that, payroll and banking.’ ‘My daughter was doing a nursing degree, and we talked about the … Continued
In reflection of Spiritual Care Week (23-29 October), Resthaven Coordinating Chaplain (Resthaven Murray Bridge and Leabrook), Nina Corlett-McDonald, shares her thoughts on wisdom. Mentors are people who encourage, support and enable us to be the people we are meant to be; whether that’s in a new job, a new circumstance, or just in general, as … Continued
We are delighted to announce that Resthaven Nurse Practitioner, Peter Jenkin, has been named 2022 HESTA Nurse Practitioner of the Year. The HESTA Nurse Practitioner of the Year award is a prestigious national award that recognises a Nurse Practitioner who has demonstrated outstanding qualities in the areas of clinical work, mentoring and leadership. Peter’s win … Continued
As one of South Australia’s largest aged care providers, Resthaven has an active presence in the community—proudly supporting more than 12,000 clients to continue living independently in their homes for longer. Resthaven Executive Manager Community Services, Sue McKechnie, says ‘It is very important to acknowledge and thank the 88 nurses working across Resthaven Community Services … Continued
Flinders University graduate, Hillary Williams, is starting her career off strongly, as Resthaven’s first ever Exercise Physiologist, adding to Resthaven’s existing suite of allied health and wellness services for older people. Not one to shy away from ‘firsts’, Hillary was part of the first cohort to complete the new exercise physiology degree at Flinders University … Continued
At age 80, Judith McKenzie has recently retired from her role with Resthaven, in which she delivered weekly Keep Fit/ChiBall classes to Resthaven Paradise and Eastern Community Services clients for 21 years. ‘As a ChiBall teacher and Master Trainer, I’ve dedicated much of my later life to promoting the importance of health and wellbeing,’ Judith … Continued
Claire Fox, Personal Care Assistant at Resthaven Craigmore, recently took up a unique opportunity to experience life in the Fleurieu Peninsula. Having only worked in aged care for one year, Claire is all about taking new opportunities. ‘I was a dairy farmer in Victoria for 20 plus years, and felt it was time for a … Continued
This year, Resthaven Westbourne Park Housekeeping Services Assistant, Garth Rowe, celebrates 40 years of service with Resthaven Westbourne Park. He shares his reflections with us. Garth says, ‘I was studying at music school, and one of my friends, who was also studying there, told me there were some evening shifts going at Resthaven. So I … Continued
Resthaven Malvern Housekeeping Services Assistant, Lesley Wimbles, this year celebrates an amazing 45 years of service with Resthaven – however, she only ever meant to be in the role for six weeks! Lesley is pictured above in 2017, receiving her 40 year award from former Resthaven CEO, Richard Hearn. She will be presented with her … Continued