‘Christmas in July’ at Resthaven Mount Gambier

On Thursday 14 July, Resthaven Mount Gambier held their annual ‘Christmas in July’ celebrations, with special guest, Resthaven CEO, Darren Birbeck.

This is a much-anticipated event, particularly as the temperature in the Limestone Coast at this time of year closely resembles a European Christmas rather than a typical Australian winter!

Manager, Belle Kerr, says, ‘Our Christmas in July event is always a lot of fun, with guests enjoying a traditional three-course meal, including turkey with all the trimmings, and pudding with brandy custard.’

‘Residents, staff and volunteers all work together to decorate the home with festive Christmas tinsel, lights, and baubles.’

‘The dining rooms were decorated, and guests pulled their bonbons and happily donned their paper crowns.’

‘The most anticipated guest at the December Christmas event is, of course, Father Christmas,’ Belle explains, ‘but at the Christmas in July event, the most anticipated guest is Darren!’

‘One resident, Mr Norman ‘Bushy’ Crafter, even has an annual tradition with Darren, where he has his picture taken with Darren while holding their picture from the previous year!’ [pictured above with Darren]

‘It was a wonderful, festive event, and we look forward to doing it again next year.’

Resthaven Mount Gambier opened on 4 July 2011, and it wasn’t long before the home started celebrating its annual ‘anniversary’ with a Christmas in July feast. What a great way to celebrate a birthday!

Later that evening, Darren hosted the annual Resthaven Staff Appreciation Dinner in Mount Gambier, which celebrates Resthaven’s long-serving staff across on the Limestone Coast. He was joined by Resthaven Board President, Mark Porter.

For more information about Resthaven Mount Gambier, click here.