With her sunny disposition and cheerful smile, it’s no surprise that one of the favourite sayings of Resthaven Paradise resident Mrs Theodora Tollenaar (nee Werkhoven) is ‘be happy!’. Turning 100 on 1 January 2026, Theodora’s positive attitude has been a blessing in her life, helping her to tackle challenges such as growing up in the … 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

If you visit the activity hall at Resthaven Paradise, there is a good chance you will happen upon Mr Leslie (Les) Motley playing a game of pool on the newly refurbished pool table. But don’t expect to be able to beat him! The 98-year-old has been playing since he was 16, and his skills are … Continued

Over the past 12 months, the Resthaven community has celebrated its remarkable 90th anniversary of care and support to older South Australians. The year-long program of events included a masquerade ball, train ride, jazz parties, family fun days, Devonshire teas, celebratory lunches, a thanksgiving church service, a history website launch, and charity initiatives all thrown … Continued

Residents and clients across Resthaven’s retirement living, community services and residential sites have been enjoying celebratory Christmas lunches this month, all in the lead up to the big day. At residential sites, festive decorations have been created and crafted by residents, supported by the Wellness Teams and volunteers. These have now been hung in the … Continued

There were celebrations galore last month when the Resthaven Hillcrest ‘Crestview’ and Resthaven Fulham ‘The Oaks’ Retirement Living communities marked Resthaven’s 90th anniversary – both in the same week! On Tuesday, 18 November, residents, family and friends gathered in the community hall at Resthaven Hillcrest ‘Crestview’ Retirement Living to celebrate Resthaven’s 90th anniversary. Around 100 people attended … Continued

The $9.3 million addition to Resthaven Chiton Retirement Living was officially opened on 22 December by Mayor of Alexandrina Council, Keith Parkes together with Resthaven CEO Darren Birbeck, Executive Manager Community Services & Retirement Living Mel Ottaway, and Board President, Mark Porter. Residents of the village attended the event as well as special guests: Managing … Continued

Residents at Resthaven Port Elliot have taken centre stage this month, swapping their usual routines for costumes, props, and scripts as they delighted audiences with a pantomime performance of ‘Snow White’. Five months in the making, the pantomime was performed on Thursday 4 December and Friday 5 December to packed out auditoriums of residents, family … Continued

It was a full house at Resthaven Fulham Gardens ‘Leisure Court’ Retirement Living on Friday 24 October, when the site community came together to mark Resthaven’s 90th anniversary with a celebratory lunch. Stephanie Sim, Assistant Manager at the village, welcomed everyone to the event before introducing Mel Ottaway, Executive Manager Community Services & Retirement Living, who … Continued

It was a triple celebration at Resthaven Melrose Park Retirement Living on Monday 17 November, when the site community came together to mark Resthaven’s 90th anniversary, the 40th anniversary of the site, and also one year of the retirement living village being in Resthaven’s portfolio. Before the event itself began, residents gathered on the lawns … Continued

SOURCE: Alan’s Musical Contribution Recognised With an OAM

Celebrating Resthaven’s 90th anniversary, Resthaven Retirement Living communities, Resthaven North Haven ‘The Haven’, Resthaven Elizabeth Vale ‘Riverview’, and Resthaven North Haven ‘Gulf Point’ recently held unique celebrations, bringing together residents and staff at each site. At ‘The Haven’, a special lunch was held on 14 October, with entertainment by the band Buddies Four, who played … Continued

At this time of year, we look forward to catching up with family and friends, to enjoy sharing time and hospitality. However, the festive season can also bring mixed feelings, particularly for people who are lonely and socially isolated. Be proactive in making contact with family members or significant others who may be frail, or … Continued

A lover of travel and adventure, Resthaven Leabrook resident Mrs Phyllis Hilder celebrates her 100th birthday on Monday 15 December. ‘I’ve always loved a good yarn and a new view,’ Phyllis says. Born in Hawker, the middle child of five children, Phyllis grew up on a sheep station 23 miles outside the town. With a … Continued

Resthaven Northern Community Services client, Mr Peter Townsend, estimates he has given away around 300 rose blooms in the past month. Carefully arranged into beautiful bouquets, Peter has been handing them out to grateful recipients whom he knows through his daily routines, volunteering, and active social life. The roses have come from Peter’s front garden … Continued

Resthaven announces the opening of the Western Wellness Centre in November, located at 21 Davidson Avenue, Hendon. The wellness centre provides support and services for older people looking to maintain their independence and stay confident with everyday activities. Promoting wellness and supporting reablement are a key focus for the centre. The centre builds on the … Continued

Calm and considered, with a strong moral compass and a willingness to speak up against injustices, Resthaven Fulham Gardens ‘Leisure Court’ Retirement Living resident Mr Frank Bevan is an advocate you want in your corner. Frank (right) cuts a cake with fellow resident Sam Born in 1935, the same year as Resthaven, and celebrating his … Continued

When Julie Mullighan volunteers with Resthaven Bellevue Heights she brings a calm, reassuring presence with a quiet focus. As residents arrive for Church Service, they receive a warm welcome from the team, and Julie shows them to their seats. During the service she offers support by turning the pages of the hymn books for those … Continued

Creating mosaics, making fruit animals and composing songs with ‘boom whackers’ – it’s all part of the fun and learning of the Resthaven and Annesley Junior School’s intergenerational Sharing Wisdom program. A joint initiative, the program brings together residents from Resthaven Retirement Living villages and reception students from Annesley for six weeks of activities and … Continued

Stepping into the room of Resthaven Aberfoyle Park resident Mrs Heather Hoskin is like stepping into a handmade wonderland. Quilts, lace, embroidery, crochet and other handcrafted items adorn the space that Heather has well and truly made her own. Previously residing in retirement living with her husband Ian, things changed for Heather around three years … Continued