Half a century of care: Dawn Weyland’s incredible service

In an amazing and inspiring achievement, Dawn Weyland, celebrates her 50th year with Resthaven Murray Bridge – 23 years as a paid employee, and 27 years as a volunteer.

Her remarkable contribution was recently honoured with residents and colleagues during an afternoon tea, where she was presented with a beautifully engraved glass award.

Born and raised in Murray Bridge, Dawn has lived her whole life in the community she serves. Dawn is an avid traveller and has enjoyed many overseas adventures. Her passion for community shines through her volunteer work with The Rural City of Murray Bridge supporting the Visitor Information Centre – an ideal role for someone who knows the area so well.

Football fans will also know Dawn from her 43 years supporting the Rambler Football Club, where many of her family have played over the years.

‘There are many people I see at Resthaven who I know from the community,’ Dawn says. ‘Some of them I have grown up with, or I know them through school connections, or sports.’

Dawn started working with Resthaven Murray Bridge in 1975.

‘The Matron at the time asked me to come and do her hair,’ Dawn says. ‘After the appointment, she offered me a job! It suited me perfectly, so I said yes.’

Dawn has quite a few recollections about the site’s history. Back then, her work involved undertaking a wide range of roles, from hairdressing and cooking to helping people shower and doing the laundry. There were 18 residents, and everyone helped wherever needed.

Naturally, Dawn has seen quite a few changes at Resthaven Murray Bridge over the past five decades.

‘Staff roles have evolved significantly, with more nursing staff now,’ she says. ‘The home’s layout and design have changed too. Originally, residents used to shared bathrooms down the hall from their room, and most rooms were doubles. Sometimes couples moved in together, however often residents would have a “roommate”.’

While shared bathrooms and roommates are now a thing of the past, Dawn says that people still go to Resthaven for the same reason – high-quality care and support.

With four kids, nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, Dawn leads a full and vibrant life.

‘Volunteering keeps me agile,’ Dawn says. ‘I have a great life – as long as I can give back and make a difference, I will continue to volunteer. I’ve always had a big family, with four brothers and four sisters, so I enjoy being around people.’

Dawn focuses on providing individual companionship and helping residents join in with the site community – an increasingly important role. Previously, she has helped run the site shop, led arts and craft sessions and supported memorable bus outings, including to Lobethal for the Tour Down Under, and another time a trip to the beach. ‘I remember, for one resident, it was the first time she had ever been to the beach,’ Dawn says. ‘It was amazing!’

‘Dawn is someone we can all learn from and aspire to be,’ Stacey Thompson, Manager Volunteer Services, says.

‘Dawn, Resthaven thanks you and the Murray Bridge community thanks you. Your story inspires us all to live well and support others.’

This is just one example of volunteers supporting older people to live enriched and full lives. Resthaven welcomes many more volunteers. We are keen to hear how you would like to be involved.

If you or someone you know would like to connect through volunteering, we would like to hear from you.

For more information, call Volunteer Services on 08 8373 9036, email volunteer@resthaven.asn.au or visit the Resthaven Volunteering webpage.