• Darren Birbeck visits Resthaven sites in the Murraylands

    Darren Birbeck visits Resthaven sites in the Murraylands

    A trip to the Murraylands

    New Chief Executive Officer, Darren Birbeck, who commenced in this role on 1 June, has been visiting Resthaven sites to meet and speak with Resthaven residents, clients, staff and volunteers.

    On 3 July, Darren visited Murray Bridge and the Fleurieu, where he dropped in at three Resthaven residential and community services locations.

    First stop was the Resthaven Murray Bridge ‘campus’ on Swanport Road, Murray Bridge, which comprises Resthaven Murray Bridge residential home and the main Resthaven Murray Bridge, Hills & Fleurieu Community Services office building.

    Following a tour of the residential home to meet residents and staff, Darren joined a seated exercise class. Manager, Debbie Lindner, says, ‘The residents and staff were absolutely thrilled that Darren took the time to meet with them today.’

    ‘There was very positive feedback from residents, especially of Darren joining in their exercises!’

    Afterwards Darren stopped at the Community Services office to say hello to staff. Next, he headed off to the Resthaven Murray Bridge, Hills & Fleurieu Community Services office in Strathalbyn, located at 9 Rankine Street. There, Darren chatted with the staff team and enjoyed a tour of the site.

    Assistant Manager, Tanya Boakes, says that ‘everybody was very positive about Darren’s visit, and found him very approachable and engaging.’

    ‘It really meant a lot to us all.’

    Following his visit to Strathalbyn, it was back on the road again, as Darren headed on to the Resthaven Port Elliot residential home.

    Here, he was most impressed with the Lifestyle program, coordinated by Kirsty Meggison.

    ‘One resident, Mr Don McLaren, wanted me to understand how much of an asset Kirsty is to Resthaven and the outstanding lifestyle choices available,’ Darren says.

    ‘It was an extremely poignant moment, to hear this wonderfully heartfelt and sincere feedback directly from one of the people whom Resthaven supports.’

    Shortly after this trip, Darren’s next ‘tour’ was to the Limestone Coast, where he visited Resthaven’s services in the south east with Board President, Mark Porter.

    Celebrating 85 years in 2020, Resthaven Incorporated is a not for profit, South Australian aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church. Resthaven’s residential and in-home care and support options are offered throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula and the Limestone Coast.