The Resthaven Mount Gambier community has farewelled Chaplain Dianne Bailey-Walters — though it is very much a case of ‘bye for now’, not ‘bye forever’. While Dianne officially retired from her role at the end of 2025, she remains a familiar and welcome presence at the home, continuing to volunteer with Caring Canine Companions and … Continued
When Jack Ellison’s mum spotted a Facebook post calling out for young people looking for work, it sparked an opportunity that slotted in perfectly with Jack’s busy university schedule and sporting commitments. Successfully applying for the role of Housekeeping Services Assistant at Resthaven Mitcham, Jack found that not only did the roster suit him to … Continued
Grabbing opportunities with both hands, Aleen George began a student placement with Resthaven as a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) in early 2025 while completing her Certificate III in Individual Support. Her dedication and skills stood out, and she was hired into Resthaven’s relief pool as a PCA soon after. However, not one to rest on … Continued
In celebrating 90 years of service to the South Australian community, Resthaven staff and volunteers, and their families, have enjoyed a free twilight experience at the Adelaide Zoo in December 2025, as the aged care service provider says ‘Thank Zoo’ to those who enrich the lives of older people every day. ‘We value our staff … Continued
How can we shape residential aged care to better match each person’s abilities, interests, and drive? That’s the challenge that Brooke Edwards, Resthaven’s new Wellness & Active Ageing Manager, is tackling. At the centre of Resthaven’s active ageing initiatives, individuals are supported to engage in the things that are most important to them,’ Brooke says. … Continued
‘I love being able to put a smile on someone’s face,’ Emily Ellis, Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services Respite Coordinator, says. ‘Hollyhock’ Limestone Cottage As a Respite Coordinator, Emily works closely with individuals and their families and carers who come into ‘Hollyhock’ respite cottage in Mount Gambier. ‘Resthaven Community Services gives people independence to be … Continued
Celebrating and bringing together the allied health community, ‘Allied Health Professions Day’ is held annually on 14 October. This year’s theme, ‘Stronger together’, highlights the benefits of multidisciplinary team-based care and recognises the importance of allied health professionals working alongside their nursing and medical colleagues to comprehensively support clients. Resthaven Northern Community Services physiotherapist, John … Continued
In an amazing and inspiring achievement, Dawn Weyland, celebrates her 50th year with Resthaven Murray Bridge – 23 years as a paid employee, and 27 years as a volunteer. Dawn and Lifestyle Coordinator, Soraya Her remarkable contribution was recently honoured with residents and colleagues during an afternoon tea, where she was presented with a beautifully engraved … Continued
Simone Suggate and her dad Steve Ward are both recent starters at Resthaven, though in vastly different roles. Simone is Resthaven’s Clerical Lead, supporting the clerical teams across all Resthaven residential sites, while Steve has recently retired and comes to Resthaven as a COTA visitor volunteer, working 1:1 with Resthaven Bellevue Heights resident Mr Denis … Continued
Shannon Hutchins knows aged care kitchens. From ensuring food safety to providing an outstanding dining experience and managing staff, he brings his expertise to the table, returning to Resthaven as Manager Hospitality Services. Shannon first began with Resthaven in 2011 before taking a break in 2020. After five years, he has returned, this time to … Continued
Aged Care Employee Day, 7 August, is a chance to put a spotlight on the tireless efforts of all our amazing staff and volunteers in aged care and retirement living. ‘Today, we are celebrating every aged care worker who makes a difference,’ says Darren Birbeck, Resthaven CEO. ‘We’re incredibly grateful for the important work you … Continued
On 4 July 2025, more than 100 Resthaven staff were honoured for their long service milestones at the annual Resthaven Staff Appreciation Awards luncheon held at the Adelaide Pavilion. The Resthaven Staff Appreciation Awards, held every year, celebrate staff who have completed service milestones over ten years. Ann Fox celebrates 40 years of service Topping … Continued
This year, Leonie Mules, Enrolled Nurse at Resthaven Port Elliot, is marking 40 years of employment with Resthaven. ‘In 1985, I started working at Resthaven Bellevue Heights, on a four-week contract,’ Leonie says. ‘And things just went on from there!’ Leonie was recommended the job by her mother, who was working as a cook at … Continued
On 27 June 2025, Resthaven’s Executive Manager Finance and Technology, David Norton, will retire from the role he has expertly executed for the past 12 years. Warm and approachable, David will be missed for his dedication and humour, and his willingness to help out – in whatever capacity is needed. However, things might have turned … Continued
Upon meeting Dorothy ‘Dot’ Mickan, it is immediately clear that she has a deep and genuine love, compassion, and respect for the work that she does. Dot is a Home Support Worker with Resthaven Murray Mallee Hills Community Services and the recent recipient of Resthaven’s inaugural ‘President Award’ at the 2025 Resthaven Excellence Awards. ‘I … Continued
With a career that spans almost 30 years in the aged care sector, Executive Manager Residential Services Kelly Geister has had her fair share of roles and responsibilities. Focused on providing quality care and support to older people, Kelly began working as a carer at the age of 18. However, her passion for aged care started … Continued
On Tuesday 6 May, Michael Burton, Resthaven Corporate Coordinator Hospitality Services – Food and Dining Lead, joined the panel at Tasting Australia on Aged Care – Hospitality: Cooks and Chefs. Jane Mussared and Michael Burton Michael appeared alongside South Australian food icon, Maggie Beer AO; Jessica Zilujko, Director, Food, Nutrition and Dining Unit, Chief Clinical … Continued
Five years ago, if someone had mentioned to Tara Hunter (Enrolled Nurse for Resthaven Murray Mallee Hills Community Services) that she would be working in the nursing sector, she would have laughed out loud. ‘People would say to me “you’d make a great nurse”,’ Tara says. ‘But it wasn’t something I was interested in.’ It … Continued
On Friday 2 May, Karen Gregory, Resthaven Palliative Care Advanced Practice Nurse, was awarded the Excellence in Aged Care award at the SA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards 2025. Speaking at the event, SA Health Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jenny Hurley said: ‘These awards recognise the vital role nurses and midwives play in improving … Continued
When Merridy Baylis, Resthaven’s Executive Manager Clinical Governance and Operational Excellence, decided to enter the aged care sector in 2020, she knew she would face a steep learning curve. However, as an experienced ICU nurse and senior clinician, Merridy is known as someone who rises to a challenge, and the move has proven to be … Continued