It’s time. Resthaven CEO announces his retirement

A note of appreciation to those in the service of others

I very much appreciate the kind remarks that Resthaven Board President, Mark Porter, offered following my announcement today that I will retire from Resthaven in 2020.

I commenced with Resthaven on 10^th February 1986. It was a wonderful career move for me, and I subsequently became the CEO in 1994.

Throughout my working life, I have had a desire to serve and work with people and support them in practical and meaningful ways. Resthaven has given me a unique opportunity to fulfil this desire. I am very grateful for this and am very proud of being part of this great organisation and the good work that has been, and continues, to be achieved.

I greatly admire and respect the caring and dedicated work of all our staff and volunteers in their many and varied roles and who are at the heart of Resthaven. I have also had the privilege of working with their very capable and committed managers and the executive team leaders in this worthy work we do, under the guidance and leadership of the Resthaven Board. I have benefited from their support, skill and passion for Resthaven’s purpose over the years.

Resthaven has proudly and successfully remained true to its purpose over its 85 year history. Countless thousands of older people, their family, friends and extended community have been touched by our most important work. This reflects my belief in, and the importance of, Resthaven’s continued capacity to adapt to the changing needs and expectations of the wider community.

Resthaven does not do our good and important work in isolation. I wish to acknowledge my appreciation of the valued relationships and kindred spirit of many individuals I have had the good fortune to work with over time. This includes my colleagues in Aged and Community Services Australia, Uniting Care Australia network colleagues, local networks such as the SA Innovation Hub, and the many respected, committed individuals who, from different perspectives, have great impact on this important work we do. This includes professional support services, advocates, carers, health care workers, regulators and the Department, and others who contribute to older members in our communities at their time of need.

Having acknowledged this I continue to strongly believe that the government must give greater priority to resourcing services for older individuals at their time of need, this requires a urgent and greater commitment then currently being offered.

My best wishes to the Board in the process of identifying a successor. The CEO role presents a wonderful opportunity to the successful candidate. I am very confident the Board will identify the right person, who will work with them and the Resthaven community to guide the organisation in the future, with a continued focus on the important work we do, recognising the many individuals in our community who have invited us to support and work with them.

As the recruitment process progresses, I look forward to meeting with individuals over the coming months as we celebrate a significant milestone – Resthaven’s 85^th anniversary.