Employee Stories

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

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

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 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

Resthaven Marion Clinical Nurse, Krista Fox, made the leap into aged care a decade ago. Now, she continues to reap the benefits of a meaningful career. Krista explains, ‘The first part of my working life was spent at McDonald’s, and I proudly worked my way up to Assistant Manager of the shopping centre food court.’ … Continued

After almost two decades in the role, Resthaven Executive Manager Community Services, Sue McKechnie, has announced that she will retire in March 2023. CEO, Darren Birbeck, says, ‘I would like to thank and acknowledge Sue for the significant contribution that she has made over the past 18 years and the wonderful legacy that she has … Continued

Resthaven Marion Community Services Registered Nurse, Kim Long, loves what she does in the community, assisting clients to continue living independently in their own homes for longer. At the age of 25, Kim discovered the world of aged care when her grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. ‘As his condition progressed, I started looking after … Continued

Resthaven Northern Community Services Coordinator, Donna Haar, loves what she does in aged care, however, she hasn’t always been in the sector. Donna explains, ‘15 years ago, my “office” looked slightly different!’ ‘I worked as a factory supervisor in regional South Australia. I thought I would be doing that for my whole working life, but … Continued

Since leaving her insurance job to join Resthaven as a Home Support Worker, Donna Felce hasn’t looked back. Donna, who made the bold career move only a short time ago, says, ‘I spent 15 years in insurance – before that, payroll and banking.’ ‘My daughter was doing a nursing degree, and we talked about the … Continued

As one of South Australia’s largest aged care providers, Resthaven has an active presence in the community—proudly supporting more than 12,000 clients to continue living independently in their homes for longer. Resthaven Executive Manager Community Services, Sue McKechnie, says ‘It is very important to acknowledge and thank the 88 nurses working across Resthaven Community Services … Continued

Flinders University graduate, Hillary Williams, is starting her career off strongly, as Resthaven’s first ever Exercise Physiologist, adding to Resthaven’s existing suite of allied health and wellness services for older people. Not one to shy away from ‘firsts’, Hillary was part of the first cohort to complete the new exercise physiology degree at Flinders University … Continued

Claire Fox, Personal Care Assistant at Resthaven Craigmore, recently took up a unique opportunity to experience life in the Fleurieu Peninsula. Having only worked in aged care for one year, Claire is all about taking new opportunities. ‘I was a dairy farmer in Victoria for 20 plus years, and felt it was time for a … Continued

This year, Resthaven Westbourne Park Housekeeping Services Assistant, Garth Rowe, celebrates 40 years of service with Resthaven Westbourne Park. He shares his reflections with us. Garth says, ‘I was studying at music school, and one of my friends, who was also studying there, told me there were some evening shifts going at Resthaven. So I … Continued

Resthaven Malvern Housekeeping Services Assistant, Lesley Wimbles, this year celebrates an amazing 45 years of service with Resthaven – however, she only ever meant to be in the role for six weeks! Lesley is pictured above in 2017, receiving her 40 year award from former Resthaven CEO, Richard Hearn. She will be presented with her … Continued

‘The day I started working in aged care, is the day I fell in love with it,’ says Home Support Worker, Robyn Jones. ‘I have been working in the aged care sector for around 20 years, a lot of that being in residential care.’ ‘It’s the conversations that I have with older people that has … Continued

UniSA Occupational Therapy student, Kezia Norton, is thoroughly enjoying working in the role of Resthaven Craigmore Lifestyle Coordinator whilst she takes a year-long break from her studies. The six month contract position, covering a period of maternity leave, was the perfect opportunity for Kezia to gain aged care experience during her study break. Kezia explains, … Continued

Amanda Pritchard has spent the last four years working her way up the ranks at Resthaven Marion, having recently accepted her dream position as Clinical Nurse on site. With a bachelor’s degree in Registered Nursing from Flinders University, Amanda came to Resthaven with the goal to progress her career. ‘I started out filling shifts in … Continued

This International Women’s Day, we look to one of Resthaven’s female leaders, paving the way for other young women to progress their careers. Belinda Willshire recently took over the role of Manager Residential Services at Resthaven Leabrook, however, she is not new to the Resthaven family. ‘I worked as Care Coordinator at Resthaven Murray Bridge, … Continued

In January, Resthaven Westbourne Park Lifestyle Assistant, Julie Venables, reached her 30-year milestone with Resthaven. Having started in 1992 as a kitchen hand, Julie would never have guessed that she would still be enjoying what she does 30 years later. ‘I started looking for employment when my two children went off to school – I … Continued

When Liz Southall retired from the role of Manager, Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services, after fifteen years in the position, hers were always going to be big shoes to fill – and Karen Hammond is more than up to the task! Karen, who has been with Resthaven for almost 20 years, is delighted to be … Continued