• Employee Stories

    Personal care ‘doesn’t feel like work’ to Shweta

    Personal Care Assistant, Shweta, thrives in her role at Resthaven Leabrook, allowing her to connect with people every day. Shweta says, ‘I am an outgoing, empathetic person by nature, and I love keeping busy, which is perfect for my role!’ Shweta’s workday involves providing direct care services to residents throughout the home, allowing her flexibility … Continued

    It’s the ‘quality of life’ for Resthaven podiatrist, Chris

    Resthaven Paradise & Eastern Community Services podiatrist, Chris Frangos, chose to work with Resthaven 20 years ago, and he hasn’t looked back since. Chris explains, ‘I graduated with a Bachelor of Podiatry from the University of South Australia in 2002, and found employment at Port Pirie Hospital.’ ‘A year in, I was looking to relocate … Continued

    Taylah’s ‘making a difference’ at Resthaven

    Whilst Taylah Prime-Harris has always worked in hospitality, she says the meaningful connections she develops with residents as a Housekeeping Services Assistant is the reason why she loves her job. Taylah, who works at Resthaven Marion, thoroughly enjoys ‘making a difference’ with her hospitality skills. She explains, ‘Before starting with Resthaven in 2020, I worked … Continued

    Jeevan’s OT skills ‘put a smile on clients’ faces’

    According to Resthaven Paradise & Eastern Community Services Occupational Therapist, Jeevan Bhela, the best thing about being an OT in the aged care sector is ‘putting a smile on clients’ faces, and knowing I have made a difference in their lives.’ Jeevan, who graduated from UniSA with a Master of Occupational Therapy in 2021, began … Continued

    Team Talent Showcase shines

    On Friday 19 May, the inaugural Resthaven ‘Team Talent Showcase’ was held at the Adelaide Pavilion. An initiative of Resthaven CEO, Darren Birbeck, the event aimed to bring staff together from across Resthaven, giving them the opportunity to showcase their talent and experience in managing and leading practical challenges in the workplace. Darren says, ‘We … Continued

    Exercise fun with physiotherapist, Hamid

    Physiotherapist, Hamid Ansari, is a crowd favourite of the Resthaven Northern Community Services exercise class, with participants calling it ‘the shortest hour in the week!’ Working both in groups and individually in the modern gymnasium at 16 Gillingham Road, Elizabeth, participants enjoy a range of mobility and fitness exercises, all under Hamid’s expert eye. Mrs … Continued

    Murray Bridge staff celebrate their service milestones

    On Friday 4 August, long-serving Resthaven staff – with 90 years of service between them – celebrated their service milestones of ten or fifteen years with an awards presentation at the Bridgeport Hotel. The group of long-serving staff, from both Resthaven Murray Bridge residential and community services, were joined by Board President, Mark Porter; CEO, … Continued

    The friendly face at Resthaven Head Office

    The next time you’re driving down Greenhill Road, make sure to check out the newest fence banner at Wayville, and meet the friendly face at our Head Office! While the banner is new to the establishment, the featured staff member is no newbie. Head Office Administration/Reception, Nora Tuazon, says, ‘I began working here about six … Continued

    1,600 years of service recognised at Resthaven Staff Appreciation Awards

    On 14 July 2023, more than 100 Resthaven staff were honoured for their long service milestones at the annual Resthaven Staff Appreciation Awards. The Resthaven Staff Appreciation Awards, held every year since 1993 (excluding 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), acknowledge staff who have completed at least ten years’ service. Employment milestones are recognised in … Continued

    New manager brings 25 years of aged care experience

    New Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services Manager, Theresa Connor, is looking forward to sharing her 25 years of aged care experience to continue to support older people to live independently in their own homes throughout the Limestone Coast. Resthaven coordinates in-home care, social groups, and respite for carers, via their three offices at Gordon Street, … Continued

    Julie Tansing’s 20-year career at Resthaven

    This month, Resthaven Clinical Nurse Workforce Development, Julie Tansing, will celebrate her 20-year milestone with Resthaven, along with an impressive 54 years in the nursing profession. In the last two decades, Julie has become an integral part of the Resthaven education team, spearheading a specialised Parkinson’s Disease training program for staff across the organisation. Julie … Continued

    Brendan ‘serves up’ a 15-year hospitality career with Resthaven

    With two decades’ experience wearing his chef’s hat, Resthaven Aberfoyle Park cook, Brendan Keville, certainly knows a thing or two about running a commercial kitchen. After spending several years working overseas as a professional chef, Brendan started with Resthaven Leabrook in 2008. He says, ‘It was a welcome change after working at the high-end The … Continued

    Maria Filpi’s 40-year career with Resthaven

    This year, Resthaven Leabrook Housekeeping Services Assistant, Maria Filpi, celebrates a milestone 40 years of service with Resthaven. Maria’s long and dedicated career certainly wasn’t forethought, starting off with a spontaneous decision and a friendly push in the right direction. She explains, ‘When my two boys were primary school age, I decided on a whim … Continued

    From Pakistan to Australia, Saadia’s journey to Resthaven

    Ten years ago, Saadia Ali made a life altering decision to move from Pakistan to Australia, in search of a better life for her family. Now, Saadia is exactly where she wants to be. Saadia says, ‘In Pakistan, I acquired a double degree in media and political science, and English literature, and found employment as … Continued

    Jeremy ‘excels’ in finance career with Resthaven

    Crunching numbers is much more meaningful when working in the not-for-profit aged care sector, according to Jeremy Ong, Manager Finance at Resthaven. With a career originally destined for small firm and tax accounting, a twist of fate 20 years ago led Jeremy to not-for-profit finance, and he hasn’t looked back! Jeremy explains, ‘After finishing high … Continued

    New Executive Manager Community Services announced

    Resthaven CEO, Darren Birbeck, announced today, ‘Due to the forthcoming retirement of Resthaven Executive, Sue McKechnie at the end of March, I am pleased to advise that Melanie (Mel) Ottaway has been appointed to the role of Executive Manager Community Services.’ ‘Mel comes to Resthaven from Uniting Communities, where she is the Executive Manager, Services … Continued

    Celebrating women in leadership for International Women’s Day

    This International Women’s Day, we look to one of Resthaven’s female leaders, Resthaven Executive Manager Community Services, Sue McKechnie, who is retiring this month after almost two decades in the role. In light of her retirement, Sue reflects on her career and inspirations, her experience of being a woman in leadership, and how she believes … Continued

    A milestone 46-year career with Resthaven

    This year, Resthaven Malvern Housekeeping Services Assistant, Lesley Wimbles, celebrates a record 46 years of service with Resthaven. Like all great stories, Lesley’s milestone achievement has a humble beginning. Back in 1977, her neighbour offered her a short-term job to work the “tea shifts” at Resthaven Malvern. Lesley explains: ‘The Resthaven Malvern matron, Barbara, lived … Continued

    Graduate opportunities at Resthaven—Solomon’s story

    Graduate opportunities within Resthaven continue to grow, with a focus on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) internships—having hosted 15 interns since April 2021. Master of Business Information Systems graduate, Solomon Ebomah, recently transitioned from an internship with Resthaven to full-time employment with the ICT team. Solomon says, ‘I successfully completed my Bachelor of Mathematics back … Continued