Resthaven Malvern celebrates 70th anniversary
Resthaven Malvern has gone back to the 1950s this month as residents, staff, family, and friends celebrate its 70th anniversary.
Starting with an afternoon tea on Monday 14 October, the celebrations included a demonstration by Rock ‘n’ Roll dancers, a 1950s-style Happy Hour with milkshakes and ‘spiders’, and a 1950s-themed quiz for residents. Music from the era is a feature of the events, with a jukebox temporarily installed in the site’s foyer for use by residents, staff, and visitors.
Relieving Manager, Cathy Ryan, opened the official celebrations, before handing over to Resthaven CEO, Darren Birbeck. Also in attendance was Executive Manager Clinical Governance & Operational Excellence, Tina Cooper, and Resthaven Board member, Freddy Bartlett. Darren spoke about the significance of Resthaven Malvern in the organisation’s history, as the second home to be opened under the Resthaven name that still provides aged care accommodation and support.
‘Resthaven Malvern is our second oldest site,’ Darren says. ‘It is significant, not only for its longevity, but it was also the location of our head office for forty years, from 1985 – 2015. Many important and impactful decisions have been made at this site.’
Resthaven purchased the property on the corner of Marlborough Street and Cambridge Terrace in 1953 for £8,690. Known as ‘Corinna,’ the property had been owned by noted surgeon, Dr Shorney. Renovations and improvements were needed to transform the building into a residential aged care home and plans for an adjoining building onsite were underway almost immediately.
It was in 1954 that residents moved in, and, later that year, on 23 October 1954, Mrs Elizabeth Playford, wife of the Premier of South Australia Sir Thomas Playford at the time, laid the foundation stone of the new building. When completed, this extension meant the site could accommodate 50 people.
However, it was still a home that accommodated only women. It wasn’t until 1966 that a bequest from Mr Heinrich T. Noske was used to erect the Noske Men’s Wing at Resthaven Malvern, consisting of five single rooms.
Further renovations were made over the years to continually improve the interior standards of the building, offering comfortable surroundings and quality care for residents.
Next month, Resthaven will also be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Resthaven Craigmore, and in 2025, the 90th anniversary of Resthaven, founded in 1935. Resthaven has recently celebrated other site milestones: the 50th anniversary of Resthaven Marion and the 80th anniversary of Resthaven Leabrook.
