Congratulations to Richard Hearn AM

Resthaven is delighted that former Chief Executive Officer, Richard Hearn, was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division in the Queen’s Birthday 2022 Honours List, announced yesterday by the Governor-General, David Hurley AC DCS.

The Australian Honours and Awards system recognises the outstanding service and contributions of Australians, and with 26 years as Chief Executive Officer at Resthaven, Richard was recognised for significant service to aged care, and to the community.

Darren Birbeck, who commenced as Chief Executive Officer on Richard’s retirement, says, ‘On behalf of the Resthaven Board, our staff, volunteers, and the 14,000 people supported by Resthaven, I congratulate Richard on becoming a Member of the Order of Australia.’

‘Richard has been an inspirational leader, who demonstrated unwavering advocacy and support for older people in our community. He is an incredibly worthy recipient of this honour.’

Richard commenced as Regional Director at Resthaven in 1986, and was appointed Resthaven CEO in 1994.

Over the years, the organisation has grown in service type and in geographical location, diversified into home care, community and restorative services and quadrupled the number of employees, whilst continuing to focus on improving the quality of Resthaven’s services.

On retiring, Richard said, ‘I’ve been fortunate to have been a part of the growth of the organisation, working with incredibly talented and dedicated people who remain committed to those in our care day to day. It is a privilege to support the people who invite Resthaven to care for them.’

‘There are people in our community who get to a stage where they are not as independent. At that time, to maintain quality of life, they will depend on services. It is important their needs are met. I see this as an important and worthy area to be working in – providing outstanding care and support to older people and their carers.’

‘We need to affirm and recognise the essential worth of an older person as an individual, evident in their relationships as grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, veterans, friends, clients, colleagues, volunteers and so on. The intrinsic worth of an individual and their relationships cannot be underestimated – they are vital – equally for both the very fit and the most frail of individuals.’

‘My team and I maintained a sustained focus on seeking to encourage positive images of aged care, and the active and meaningful contributions of older individuals to our community. Resthaven continues to challenge negative, ageist stereotypes, and makes it a priority to encourage positive images of older people and showcase the positive aspects of working in aged care.’

Richard’s continued advocacy for the aged care sector included many years of involvement at all levels of the Aged and Community Care Australia peak body, and he chaired the UnitingCare Aged Care Network from April 2017 – 2019.

In 2019, he was recognised for Distinguished Service in Aged Care at the South Australian Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) Aged Care Awards, having previously won the Individual Award in the 2009 National Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) Awards for Excellence.

Richard has also volunteered as a meal service volunteer with St Vincent de Paul’s Fred’s Van for 28 years.

Since retiring as Resthaven CEO, Richard continues to serve on a number of aged care-related boards and advisory committees.

Congratulations, Richard!