Resthaven Leabrook celebrates 80th anniversary

Around 75 residents, family and friends joined with staff on Friday 4 October to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Resthaven Leabrook residential aged care facility.

The event was opened by Aman Kahlon, Resthaven Leabrook Manager Residential Services, who was joined by Darren Birbeck, Resthaven CEO, and Pardeep Singh Dhot, Senior Manager Residential Services.

‘It is a pleasure to be here at the 80th anniversary of our Leabrook site,’ Darren said on the day. ‘Leabrook is our oldest site, and it remains an important part of Resthaven’s offerings.’

Reminiscent of the official opening of the home back in December 1944, the occasion was marked by afternoon tea, with the anniversary cake cut by resident Noela Long.

The Leabrook residence was bought by Resthaven in November 1944 from the estate of Mr F.C. Cooper for the sum of £5,750. Even before it’s official opening, the site was popular, with 22 women moving into the home before the official opening, stating at the time that they were ‘delighted’ with their new abode.

Over many years, additions and renovations have taken place at the site, including the construction of the ‘Mortimer’ and ‘Shapley’ wings. Much of this building work was financed through fundraising efforts, the biggest of which each year was the Mother’s Day Appeal, a garden party and fete that was supported by the Methodist, and later, the Uniting Church.

Recently, Resthaven celebrated the 50th anniversary of Resthaven Marion, and coming up will celebrate the 70th anniversary of Resthaven Malvern, 20th anniversary of Resthaven Craigmore and in 2025 the 90th anniversary of Resthaven, founded in 1935.