Volunteer Stories

Resthaven Craigmore is fortunate to have a creative volunteer, Julie Sieben, who is on a mission to spread colour and creativity with residents. However, this isn’t what led Julie to begin volunteering at Resthaven four years ago. Julie explains, ‘It was time to start looking at aged care for mum and dad, but I didn’t … Continued

On Valentine’s Day, we celebrate love in all its forms. At Resthaven, volunteers do what they love, not only by sharing a passion of theirs such as music or reading, but by forming meaningful connections with the older people they support. Resthaven Murray Bridge volunteer, Marian Allam, told us about the connection she shared with … Continued

Resident entertainer, Mrs Gillian ‘Gill’ Churchill, has taken the musical reins at Resthaven Marion—ukulele in hand! Mrs Churchill has performed throughout New South Wales with her ukulele group, entertaining older people living in care. She has also sung with a barbershop chorus and is a keen poet—a person of many talents! She explains, ‘Now, I … Continued

In preparation for the festive season, residents, staff and volunteers have been working together to create decorations for their celebrations at many Resthaven sites. On Tuesday 15 November, Resthaven Marion welcomed a special visit from Westminster School, reigniting their long-standing relationship between the generations. Lifestyle Coordinator, Tamara Jacquier, says, ‘A lovely girl, and class captain, … Continued

Four-legged volunteer, Quaid, formed a special connection with Resthaven Mitcham resident, Mr Walter Semmelmann, who is always first on Quaid’s visiting list! Quaid is accompanied on his visits by fellow volunteer, and doting owner, Diana Walters. She explains, ‘Many residents anticipate our visits each Tuesday, when Quaid and I slowly make our way to each … Continued

Recently, we have been holding a number of volunteer celebration events to show our gratitude and appreciation of the support provided by Resthaven volunteers. Manager Volunteer Services, Stacey Thompson, says, ‘We have been fortunate to be able hold these events in external venues and transform the spaces filled with vibrant colour.’ The Adelaide Pavillion ‘Across … Continued

It is no secret that music is good for the soul. Musical volunteers make waves as they share a familiar sensory comfort to the older people whom Resthaven supports. Coordinating Chaplain at Resthaven Paradise and Resthaven Leabrook, Rev Cate Baker, firsthand witnesses the benefits to residents that music brings. Cate elaborates, ‘Volunteers add so much … Continued

Community connection is often one of the biggest reasons why people choose to volunteer, and stay, with Resthaven. This is certainly the case with Resthaven Leabrook volunteer, Chris Cornwell. With a professional background in nursing and midwifery, Chris says that she ‘wanted to help in some small way.’ ‘I began assisting the Lifestyle team with … Continued

Retired scientist, Diana Walter, first came across Resthaven Mitcham in September 2021, when visiting a dear friend and resident on-site. ‘Hannah Coelho [Manager Residential Services] noticed I had brought in my gentle Labrador, Quaid, and asked if we would like to become Resthaven volunteers – the rest is history!’ Diana explains that 12-year-old Quaid ‘came … Continued

Carolyn McHugh has been a proud volunteer at Resthaven Leabrook since 2016, bringing her talent of ‘DJing’ to music-loving residents who enjoy coming together and sharing their love and enjoyment of music. Recently, Carolyn took it upon herself to write a letter to Resthaven, sharing how rewarding it is for her to share what she … Continued

Linda O’Neill discovered volunteering at Resthaven Aberfoyle Park in June 2021, and hasn’t looked back since, claiming it is the best thing she could have done as a retiree. ‘I was a nurse for around 50 years, and some of that time I worked in trauma,’ says Linda. ‘While high-stress, I enjoyed knowing I was … Continued

Resthaven Paradise’s own canine volunteer, Shadow, ‘barks’ joy to residents each week, accompanied by his owner, and Resthaven volunteer, Russell Dahms. ‘Shadow is my nine-year-old male Siberian husky, who loves meeting new people during our pet therapy sessions,’ Russell explains. Russell and Shadow ‘We started volunteering with Resthaven Paradise in July [2021]. The staff and … Continued

Elaine Crettenden enjoys her time volunteering with Resthaven Bellevue Heights, and her long association with the organisation stretches back to 1986, when her late husband, Ron, was appointed as a member of the Resthaven Board. ‘Ron and I were married in 1982,’ Elaine explains. ‘Before meeting him, I was a single mother, and worked full-time … Continued

Join us in congratulating Resthaven Aberfoyle Park volunteer, Janet Hill, who, on Friday 22 October, was announced as ‘Volunteer of the Year’ at the 2021 Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) awards. Manager Volunteer Services, Stacey Thompson, says, ‘This is a wonderful recognition of Janet’s talents, skills and tremendous support.’ Janet is pictured above with … Continued

In July, Rosie joined the volunteer team at Resthaven Westbourne Park. Rosie’s passions in life, other than family, have always been theatre, reading and writing. With her mother now a resident at Resthaven Westbourne Park, it was these passions that led Rosie to become a volunteer and share her love of books with other bookworms. … Continued

On 17 May, Mrs Cliffline Cox, known as Cliffy, celebrated her 100th birthday and volunteer Leigh, sat down with her to learn more about her life over a century. Currently, Cliffy is a resident at Resthaven Mount Gambier, but she was once a young girl growing up in the small country town of Dungog, NSW … Continued

‘We have a French connection at Resthaven’s Ridgway House!’, says Stacey Thompson, Manager Volunteer Services. ‘We are so happy that Sarah Burnett has become a volunteer and joined the group at Ridgway House.’ ‘Ridgway House is an overnight and day respite cottage run by Resthaven Community Respite Services,’ says Lisa Edwards, Ridgway Coordinator. ‘It just … Continued

At Resthaven Murray Bridge, volunteers share their musical talents and passions to make a real difference to residents through music. Two such people are volunteers Peter Geue and Rose Symonds, who make up the ‘Harmony Duo’. Each fortnight Peter and Rose ensure the halls are alive with the sound of music. ‘Residents love it when … Continued

National Volunteer Week, from Monday 17th to Sunday 23rd May 2021, is Australia’s opportunity to recognise and celebrate all those who volunteer in Australia. Resthaven recognises and thanks all volunteers for their important contribution. ‘Volunteers engage and connect with people supported by Resthaven in many varied and interesting ways,’ says Stacey Thompson, Manager Volunteer Services. ‘Resthaven Murray Bridge … Continued

When 25-year Resthaven volunteer, Glenda McDonald, decided it was time to move into residential aged care, the obvious choice was Resthaven. After all, she says, ‘I feel part of the place.’ A trained nurse, Glenda started her volunteering career with Resthaven later in life, when her children were a little older and she wanted to … Continued