Bookworms Unite at Resthaven Westbourne Park

In July, Rosie joined the volunteer team at Resthaven Westbourne Park. Rosie’s passions in life, other than family, have always been theatre, reading and writing.

With her mother now a resident at Resthaven Westbourne Park, it was these passions that led Rosie to become a volunteer and share her love of books with other bookworms.

‘When I began volunteering, I mainly assisted in keeping the library under control, but that soon grew into something more.’

‘As resident interest grew, a gathering formed as we shared our stories, love of books and theatre’. Rosie is an award-winning director and has been in involved in theatre for 50 years.

Rosie says, ‘I enjoy spending time in the site library with residents who also love books.’

‘I am hoping that all readers come along and visit to let me know about the authors they enjoy, and then we might be able to update the bookshelves!’

Rosie’s mum loves, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee, which has also been made into a movie. She is looking forward to sharing with the group her son’s unique experience of the time when he visited the movie set in Alabama.

‘There is something special about volunteering. I can see the difference I am making with residents, and I can feel the difference it makes within myself.’

Rosie’s sister, Susie, who is a talented painter, has also joined as a volunteer and is looking forward to connecting with people through painting sessions.

As someone who has actively contributed to her community for many years, inspired by her mother’s community involvement, Rosie also highly recommends volunteering.

Volunteers are encouraged to enquire about opportunities (phone (08) 8373 9036) throughout Resthaven, with locations in metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Fleurieu Peninsula, lower Barossa region and the Limestone Coast of South Australia.

Established in 1935, Resthaven is a South Australian not-for-profit aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church in Australia.

Every day, Resthaven shares the lives and wisdom of older people and their carers, opening doors to the full range of aged care service options available.