2026 Resthaven Excellence Awards

On Friday, 27 March, Resthaven held its 2026 Excellence Awards. The event recognises and celebrates individuals and teams across the organisation who live Resthaven’s values of Trust, Dignity and Respect.

Finalists show exceptional commitment to delivering high-quality care, fostering meaningful connections, and upholding the dignity and wellbeing of residents and clients.

Held at the Wolf Blass Centre, Morphettville, almost 300 people attended the event, including the 81 award finalists, those who had nominated them, and special guests. Among them were Louise Miller-Frost MP, along with Shannon Sanderson and Derek Dittrich from Ageing Australia, recognising the important partnership between Resthaven and the broader aged care sector.

Nominations for the awards were received from Resthaven residents, clients and families, as well as colleagues, with more than 2,200 nominations received.

‘At its heart, Resthaven is all about people,’ Darren Birbeck, Resthaven CEO, said in his opening address. ‘And what a privilege it is to be celebrating the people who care for the residents and clients of Resthaven’.

‘Our staff consistently show kindness, respect, and unwavering dedication. These awards shine a light on the people who make a genuine difference by creating moments of joy, providing comfort, and ensuring every individual feels valued and supported.’

Award categories this year were: Customer Choice Award for Retirement Living, Community Services, and Residential Services; Working Together Team Award; Value of Trust; Value of Dignity; Value of Respect; Lead by Example; Volunteers; and finally, the President Award.

Winners in all categories were selected through a combination of peer nominations, leadership input, and feedback from residents, clients, and their families, ensuring the awards reflect the voices of those who experience Resthaven’s care firsthand.

The President Award is selected from the pool of finalists, and showcases a Resthaven staff member or volunteer who embodies Resthaven’s values. This year’s President Award recipient was Maxine (Max) Taylor, Hospitality Services Assistant at Resthaven Aberfoyle Park. Max was nominated by multiple residents at Resthaven Aberfoyle Park who commended her for her work ethic, caring personality and respect.

In one of her nominations, a resident wrote:

‘Max, as we call her, is a gift given to Resthaven from Heaven…  She sees to our wants and needs in her kitchen duties, and nothing is any trouble to her…. She is caring all the time to all around her.’

In presenting the President Award, Resthaven Board President Stephanie Rozokos said:

‘The President Award is presented to someone who has demonstrated the highest quality of care and support that is truly inspiring. They have set a remarkable example for all of us, and their contributions have made a significant impact on the lives of our customers and their families.’

Those attending the event spoke of the joy at having been part of such an outstanding event.

‘I have absolutely loved tonight. Just the atmosphere in the room and people being acknowledged for what they have done. The managers and the hierarchy are just so proud, and it really fills the room with authenticity. Resthaven’s just a huge team. We’re a team, all of us!’ says Leonie Freidenfelds, Home Support Worker.

Thank you to the sponsors who made the Resthaven Excellence Awards possible:

Diamond sponsor: Community Business Bureau

Gold sponsor: Australian Migration and Recruitment Consulting, Professional Technology Partners

Pre-dinner drinks and photobooth sponsor: Brown Falconer

Silver sponsors: Advanced Home Services, Hills Sustainable Gardens, Medimart Group Hire

Bronze sponsors: BBC Digital (Adelaide), Compliant Fire Services, Cushman & Wakefield Facilities Services, Hender Consulting, LGT Wealth Management, Salute Better Solutions

Congratulations to all award recipients:

President Award:
Maxine Taylor
Hospitality Services Assistant
Resthaven Aberfoyle Park

Customer Choice Award (Residential Services):
Mitchell Renshaw
Personal Care Assistant
Resthaven Mitcham

Customer Choice Award (Community Services):
Zora Peric
Home Support Worker
Resthaven Northern Community Services

Value of Trust Award:
Harshi Wickremasinghe
Business & System Analyst
Resthaven Head Office

Value of Dignity Award:
Leonie Freidenfelds
Home Support Worker
Resthaven Community Respite Services

Value of Respect Award:
Michelle Tonkin
Customer Intake Partner
Resthaven Fleurieu Community Services

Volunteer Award:
Julie Cookes
Volunteer at Resthaven Bellevue Heights & Resthaven Mitcham

Lead by Example Award:
Tam Colbert
Clinical Reporting Auditor Coordinator
Resthaven Head Office

Team Award:
Marketing & Communications Team
Resthaven Head Office

– Julie Johinke
– Lydia Wallis
– Camila Cardenas
– Charlotte Tucker
– Kathryn Gruber
– Anna McKenzie
– Helen Randell