As Resthaven Malvern resident, Mr Thomas (Tom) Richards, celebrates his 100th birthday, he reflects on a life well lived: ‘I’ve had a bloody good life,’ Tom smiles. Community-minded and dependable, Tom’s life has been shaped by hard work, strong family ties, and a steady, grounded presence. Raised in the Riverland, Tom was one of five … Continued
The Resthaven Marion Community Wellness Centre is taking shape, with the foundation and concrete slab completed, and the walls going up. The centre is part of the $100m Resthaven Marion site redevelopment and is due for completion in October 2026. The new centre will provide a range of wellness, social and therapeutic services to older … Continued
‘Circle left, do si do, and swing your partner, round we go!’ Resthaven Paradise resident Mrs Noelene Hawker remembers the thrill and exhilaration as she followed every square-dancing call with precision and delight as one of the eight dancers on Channel Nine’s Country and Western Hour in the 1960s. Led by caller Colin Huddleston, who … Continued
At every stage of life, looking after your health and wellbeing is essential – and in later years, it becomes especially important. As our bodies and lifestyles change, so too do our needs. While residential aged care providers deliver 24 hour care and support and are encouraged to provide seamless, holistic care, we are not … Continued
By Rev. Stan Kolodziej, Chaplain, Resthaven Aberfoyle Park and Westbourne Park A chaplain is someone who cares for the whole person — heart, mind, and spirit. Chaplaincy is about kindness, listening, and being present with people in everyday life, especially during times of change, loss, or uncertainty. Chaplaincy is for everyone. It does not matter … Continued
Residents at Resthaven Paradise are enjoying monthly buffet breakfasts of fresh fruit, cereals, muffins, and toast, and hot options including sausages, bacon and scrambled eggs, as well as tea, coffee and juice. Whilst the food is the number one drawcard, the shared meal is also a chance to start the day on a positive note … Continued
Easter is almost upon us, but Resthaven Bellevue Heights resident Pauline has been busy preparing since before Christmas. She’s been knitting hundreds of Easter ‘chicks’ to give away to others at Resthaven Bellevue Heights in an act of generosity and kindness. The chicks, which are designed to hold an Easter egg, are knitted in yellow … Continued
During National Advance Care Planning Week (16–22 March 2026), we are all encouraged to reflect on what matters most, and what we want to happen if we are no longer able to speak for ourselves. In aged care, these conversations are especially important. At Resthaven, advance care planning is embedded across both residential and community … Continued
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate women who challenge barriers, create change, and inspire others to aim higher. Resthaven Leabrook resident, Miss Barbara Wagner, 101, has done exactly that. As a child growing up on a remote farm on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, Barbara was encouraged by her father to ‘always aim to be the … Continued
Whether he is quietly listening at a bedside, walking alongside his dog Sherlock, or reflecting during an annual retreat, Chaplain Stan Kolodziej believes that presence — simply being there — can be life-changing. Stan has recently joined Resthaven, working predominantly in the residential home at Westbourne Park. He brings with him a deeply human approach … Continued
With his foot firmly on the accelerator of the hired Ford he and his late wife Evelyn were travelling in, Mr Wilfred Sutcliffe steered through the unfamiliar roads of Scotland in 1988, acutely aware that their hotel check-in time was fast approaching, and they were still on the wrong side of Loch Lomond. ‘We only … Continued
Boards, church committees, school events, family commitments — if something needed doing, Resthaven Malvern resident, Mrs Shirley Kanally (nee Reynolds), was usually there, sleeves rolled up. She has spent her life ‘doing things’ and it is a pace that has barely slowed as she prepares to celebrate her 100th birthday this month. ‘I’ve always been … Continued
As Resthaven Malvern resident, Mrs Elsie Gleghorn (nee Beynon) celebrates her 100th birthday, she does so with a sharp memory, easy humour and a lifetime of stories shaped by art, travel, family and community. An influential and formative part of Australia’s contemporary art scene, Elsie ran Macquarie Galleries in Sydney before moving to South Australia … Continued
Resthaven Port Elliot residents are embracing new opportunities to improve their health and wellbeing with a dedicated gym onsite and a 12-week Strength and Balance program – and the results are impressive. Resident, Mr Hans Lotze, 91, is a regular user of the facilities and says he enjoys all the equipment. ‘I like to keep … Continued
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
A modest church picnic in the 1950s proved to be anything but ordinary for Resthaven Paradise residents Mr Kevin and Mrs Rhonda Green. The pair knew each other from the Maylands Methodist Church, where they both attended and played sports, but the picnic was a chance to get to know each other a bit better. … Continued
A blind date in 1967 brought together Resthaven Paradise residents Mrs Noelene and Mr Colin Hawker— and they’ve been inseparable ever since. ‘We were set up by a girl I worked with, Jan, whose husband, Cedric, worked with Colin,’ Noelene says. ‘I had met Cedric before, and he was such a lovely man. I thought … Continued
When Ron Jeffree was picked up from work by a friend one night in 1953, little did he know that he was about to meet his future wife. The car pulled up, and sitting in the back seat was a young lady by the name of Joyce. She was 16 years old and was working … Continued
If you have driven past Resthaven Leabrook lately, you will have noticed the building works that are going on at the site. The major refurbishment of the Mortimer wing has recently been completed, with both staff and residents excited to experience the upgrades. The lounge and dining area has been demolished to make way for … Continued
When Resthaven Paradise resident Mrs Marjorie Ware required an x-ray recently, she was pleasantly surprised by the whole process. Rather than needing to attend a hospital (and endure the waiting around and transport challenges that are a part of it), the x-ray machine came to her! Leigh Bauer-Nason, Managing Director of Ultra Mobile Radiology, performed … Continued