Shannon Hutchins knows aged care kitchens. From ensuring food safety to providing an outstanding dining experience and managing staff, he brings his expertise to the table, returning to Resthaven as Manager Hospitality Services. Shannon first began with Resthaven in 2011 before taking a break in 2020. After five years, he has returned, this time to … Continued

‘Bright as a button’, ‘loving and caring’ and ‘stubborn’ are just some of the words used to describe Resthaven Northern Community Services client Mrs Irene Andrews, who turned 100 on 4 July 2025. ‘Stubbornness has got me where I am,’ Irene laughs. Living independently at Hillier Park Residential Village, with her daughter and daughter-in-law nearby, … Continued

On Wednesday 16 July, Resthaven Western Community Services celebrated Resthaven’s 90th anniversary with around 65 clients and family members coming together for a high tea at the St Clair Recreation Centre, Woodville. Mark Butler MP, the Federal Member for Hindmarsh and Minister for Health and Aged Care, was a special guest at the event, as … Continued

Every Tuesday morning, residents at Resthaven Mitcham enjoy a Devonshire tea service – scones served with jam and cream, and tea or coffee poured into fine China teacups with saucers. It’s a tradition that goes all the way back to the mid-1980s, and one which former volunteer Mrs Alison Sparkes, 93, now a resident at … Continued

Recently, I was asked by one of our home support team whether we had a backup plan in place should the launch of the new Aged Care Act, planned for 1 November 2025, be delayed again. After explaining that another delay was unlikely, given the political and legal consequences, and the fact that the final … Continued

For six months, there has been a secret hidden in plain sight at Resthaven Head Office, Wayville. On the second-floor balcony, enjoying the sunshine and being lovingly tended to by Head Office staff, 150 native seedlings have been growing steadily, under the careful watch of Meena Sharma, Resthaven ICT Senior Applications Lead. These seedlings, planted … Continued

The rustle of the paper from fish and chips, and the sounds of the beach were at Resthaven Malvern when Jaswinder (Jas) Saini, Relieving Coordinator Hospitality Services, and other staff, brought a ‘Day at the Seaside’ to residents this month. Classic fish ‘n chips! But the best surprise was yet to come, with a seaside-inspired … Continued

On Wednesday 16 July, Resthaven Murray Bridge and Resthaven Murray Mallee Hills Community Services came together to celebrate Resthaven’s 90th anniversary. A combined party was held at the John Dohler Hall in Murray Bridge. Around 150 people gathered in the hall, with another 100 residents and family members joining via video link from the aged care … Continued

On a recent visit to Resthaven Craigmore, Resthaven’s Manager Volunteer Services, Stacey Thompson, saw (and heard) the new drumming group. Read about her experience below: During a recent visit to Resthaven Craigmore, I had the pleasure of seeing their new drumming group in action, led by talented volunteer, Julie Sieben. You can see Julie pictured … Continued

‘You have to make your own way in life,’ says Resthaven Blackwood Retirement Living resident Mrs Constance Neil, who turns 100 on 10 August. A devoted mother and wife, with talents for cooking and singing, Constance was the second eldest of her parents’ five children. The family grew up in regional South Australia, travelling with … Continued

Aged Care Employee Day, 7 August, is a chance to put a spotlight on the tireless efforts of all our amazing staff and volunteers in aged care and retirement living. ‘Today, we are celebrating every aged care worker who makes a difference,’ says Darren Birbeck, Resthaven CEO. ‘We’re incredibly grateful for the important work you … Continued

In June, a celebratory high tea was held to mark the official end of the Maggie Beer Foundation Trainer Mentor Program. Freshly made scones with jam and cream, mango cheesecake, savoury muffins, and a spring vegetable frittata were all on offer to residents at Resthaven Marion. The 18-month program, which included a five-day intensive training … Continued

Wearing his Air Force cap, and with a black and white photo of his 18-year-old-self staring back from the cockpit of a Wirraway advanced trainer, Resthaven Leabrook resident Mr Laurence Middleton says flying is one of the great passions of his life. ‘I was mad on flying!’ says Laurence, who turns 100 on 5 August. … Continued