Christmas arrived early at Resthaven Mount Gambier, with residents and staff celebrating their annual ‘Christmas in July’ event. Acting Lifestyle Coordinator, Jess Millard, says, ‘Residents delighted in the company of others, including Resthaven Board President, Mark Porter.’ ‘Everyone enjoyed a special Christmas lunch, followed with festive activities in our decorated hall.’ ‘Christmas in July is … Continued
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
On 20 June 2023, Mr and Mrs Wilfred (‘Wilf’) and Barbara Bowen celebrated an impressive 70 years of marriage at Resthaven Marion, where they live together. Reflecting on an eventful Sunday evening in 1948, Mr Bowen recalls, ‘Barbara sang in the choir at our local Methodist church at Prospect. That was the first time I … Continued
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
This year, Jenny Dow celebrated her tenth anniversary as a volunteer with Resthaven Mount Gambier; however, her volunteering years go way back. Jenny says, ‘My first experience was at my youngest daughter’s school 24 years ago. I had extra time and wanted to give back.’ Since then, Jenny has taken on more in her local … Continued
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
This NAIDOC Week (2–9 July 2023), we celebrate the story of Resthaven Marion resident, Mrs Betty Mangnoson, who shares her upbringing as an Indigenous Australian, and her lifelong advocacy to her community. Mrs Mangnoson says, ‘I was the oldest of five siblings, and we grew up together with my English mother and Indigenous father, who … Continued
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
On 2 July, Resthaven Aberfoyle Park resident, Mrs Audrey Niesche will celebrate her centenarian milestone, as she looks back on the past 100 years with pride. Born in Manchester, England, Mrs Niesche grew up with a World War I veteran father, and a nurturing stay-at-home mother. Mrs Niesche says, ‘I was an only child, but … Continued
This week, the ‘Men’s Group’ at Resthaven Westbourne Park was invited to Edwardstown Bunnings for a special project in the workshop. Lifestyle Coordinator, Rachael Ross, says, ‘We have a great relationship with our local Bunnings, who often provide support to us through their Bunnings Community Program.’ After learning about the site’s ‘Men’s Group’, the staff … Continued
Last Thursday was the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. It represents a turning point, when the days begin to get longer and the mornings start to get lighter. It has been a long winter for older Australians and their families, aged care workers and the dedicated providers who deliver … Continued
Fifteen years ago, Administrative Assistant Quality, Trudi Amendola, made the move from retail to aged care, in search of a career with more meaning. Trudi explains, ‘Since I left school, I had worked in administration and store management roles for a discount supermarket, and a footwear chain.’ ‘My interest to change paths and pursue aged … Continued
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
On 1 July, Resthaven Craigmore resident, Mrs Ivy Roennfeldt, will celebrate her centenarian milestone with friends and family at the Southern Hotel in Gawler, with 100 years of memories to look back on. Born and raised on the family farm near Jindera, New South Wales, Mrs Roennfeldt had a busy start to life. Daughter, Eleanor, … Continued
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
On Friday 16 June 2023, a ‘turn the turf’ ceremony was held at Resthaven Westbourne Park at 30 Sussex Terrace, Westbourne Park, to officially mark the beginning of the $46.5m site redevelopment. Resthaven Manager Residential Services, Kamala Sharma, and Board President, Mark Porter The ‘first sod’ was turned by Resthaven Board President, Mark Porter, and … Continued
Mrs Helen Doley was no stranger to Resthaven Westbourne Park when she became a resident four months ago, after dedicating 26 years volunteering at the home, and a combined total of 79 years volunteering across various charities. Mrs Doley says, ‘When I was little, I became the milk monitor for my classroom. I had the … Continued
Puzzles are not the only reason Mrs Helene La Bonte enjoys her weekly visits from Home Support Worker, Alyson, and it’s easy to see why! Resthaven Marion Community Services Coordinator, Monika, explains, ‘Alyson has been visiting Mrs Bonte every week for the past six months for social support.’ ‘Born in Mauritius, Mrs Bonte’s first language … Continued
Peter Ellemor is a household name at Resthaven Mitcham, having devoted his time as a volunteer in this aged care home for more than a decade. Peter explains, ‘I worked for the Department for Education for 37 years—the last 22 years as Principal—and it was always in my heart to give something back to the … Continued
