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 Friday 11 April, around 120 Resthaven Riverland Community Services clients, staff and community members of came together for a high tea extravaganza to celebrate Resthaven’s 90th anniversary. Held at the Berri Cottage Homes Community Centre, the theme for the event was ‘Through the Ages’ and staff dressed in costumes to represent the past 90 years. … Continued
These days, Chaplains are frequently referred to as “Spiritual Care Practitioners”, working in partnership to provide holistic care which promotes physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing. Spiritual wellbeing is the most difficult to define, but has to do with being at peace with ourselves and our circumstances. Spiritual health is promoted by loving relationships and positive … Continued
On Sunday 11 May, Resthaven staff, volunteers, families, and Uniting Church officials joined parishioners gathered at the Malvern Uniting Church to hold a ‘Service of Thanksgiving’ for Resthaven. Around 160 people attended the service to celebrate the official opening of ‘Rest Haven’ by Lady Isabel Kidman on 11 May 1935 — 90 years to the … Continued
In 1969, when man walked on the moon, Mr Brian Ellis, Resthaven Melrose Park Retirement Living resident, was one of the first people in Adelaide to see the pictures. As the printing press operator of The News, The Sunday Mail and the Radio Call newspaper, Brian remembers clearly the front page and the excitement it … Continued
Arriving in Australia in the 1950s from the Netherlands, Resthaven Onkaparinga Community Services clients, Mr Willem (Wim) and Mrs Johanna (Annie) Overmeyer have witnessed many innovations over the years – and they have even been instrumental in some of them. With warmth and humour, they marvel at the changes and the adventures they have been … Continued
On Tuesday 20 May, the $36m major redevelopment of Resthaven Bellevue Heights was officially opened by Manager Residential Services, Jessica Margrate, and Board Member, Rev. Dr Graham Vawser. They were joined by Resthaven CEO Darren Birbeck and the Executive and Board, along with special guests, Louise-Miller Frost MP (Federal Member for Boothby), Catherine Hutchesson MP … Continued
Every day, Resthaven appreciates volunteers for enriching the lives of older people. Volunteers have been a part of Resthaven since the very beginning when it was established in 1935. Nationally, Australia recognises volunteers during National Volunteer Week, from 19-25 May 2025. For Resthaven this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with volunteers, so during May, … Continued
In May, South Australia recognises the past with a month-long History Festival, from 1-31 May 2025. The theme of this year’s festival is ‘Decisions’. For Resthaven, this May has also been all about acknowledging our history. On 11 May, Resthaven celebrated the 90th anniversary of the opening of its first home in 1935. It was in … Continued
SOURCE: Website a welcome window into Resthaven’s rich history | The Adelaide Advertiser
SOURCE: History celebrated at Resthaven | The Murray Valley Standard
SOURCE: History website launched to celebrate Resthaven’s 90th anniversary | Murray Bridge News
SOURCE: History of Resthaven | The times Victor Harbour
On Saturday 17 May, Resthaven Western Community Services client Mrs Rhonda Logan celebrates her 100th birthday. Rhonda, who lives with her husband of 79 years, Peter, at Henley Beach, has two celebrations planned with friends and family. ‘I really don’t know where all the years have gone,’ Rhonda says. ‘I’ve had a blessed life with good friends … Continued
SOURCE: Thank you to Resthaven helpers | Border Watch
Quality of life is something we all aim for, and never is it more important than in the last days, months or years of someone’s life. This week is National Palliative Care Week (11-17 May) – a time to reflect on the benefits that palliative care brings. Karen Gregory, Resthaven’s Palliative Care Advanced Practice Nurse, … Continued
SOURCE: Resthaven launches living history website documenting 90+ years | The SE Voice
A client of Resthaven Western Community Services, Mrs Elizabeth (Giz) James is an accomplished and successful visual artist, working across many mediums. Creating with pencils, oil and water paintings, sculpture, and printmaking, Giz’s style has changed as she learnt new skills, but in each medium she has excelled. She has travelled the world to learn … Continued
SOURCE: Resthaven Launches Living History Website Documenting 90+ Years | Aged Care Online