Limestone Coast Community Services celebrates Resthaven’s 90th anniversary

On Friday 14 March, Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services welcomed around 60 clients, family and friends to Rymill Hall, Penola, for a celebratory lunch to mark Resthaven’s 90th anniversary in 2025.

Guests enjoyed music from Resthaven Mount Gambier volunteer, Gina Surth, and her two-piece band, and were pleased to hear from Resthaven Executive Manager Community Services and Retirement Living, Mel Ottaway, and Resthaven Board President, Mark Porter.

Both spoke a little of the history of Resthaven and talked about the place that the Limestone Coast community holds within this heritage.

The anniversary cake was cut by Mrs Glenys Ottens, a client of Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services. Glenys has a special connection with Resthaven. Her great-uncle, Reverend John Pearce, was a Methodist Minister at Brighton and was involved in the inception of Resthaven in 1935.

In 1933, he and his wife, Annie, welcomed an older lady into the care of their home at Brighton. Within the year, their number of guests had grown to three or four. This experience led directly to the proposal to establish the ‘Old Folk’s Home’.

After the cake was cut, one of the clients, Mr Brendan “Mallee” Buchanan, jumped up, grabbed the microphone, and belted out ‘Three cheers for Resthaven’, which was met with loads of laughter and responses of hip, hip hoorays!

‘Our guests were very happy to be a part of the celebrations,’ Mel says. ‘There were many compliments, from the food to the transport and everyone had a great day.’

A full list of the 90th anniversary events to be held at Resthaven locations this year is available to view on the Resthaven website.