Resthaven Murray Bridge sites celebrate 90th anniversary
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 home.
Residents built the menu for the event, and the same delicious food was served at both locations with chilled champagne served from teapots, as well as soft drinks, cucumber sandwiches and brandy snap baskets on offer.
Special guests included local Member of Parliament Adrian Pederick, Resthaven Board President Mark Porter, Executive Manager Residential Services Kelly Geister, Executive Manager Community Services Mel Ottaway, Senior Manager Residential Services Sonja Dillon and Senior Manager Community Services Sue Dahl.
Decorated in a 1930s jazz theme, the hall evoked memories of pre-war Australia, with live music from the Nostalgia Jazz Band adding to the atmosphere. Staff at both locations were festively dressed in their flapper outfits, with sequins, feathers, and beads on display.
Residential Manager, Charlie Roe, and her dance partner, Viv, entertained everyone by performing a lively waltz.
In the hall, Dr Nina Corlett gave an Acknowledgement of Country and a prayer, then Charlie joined with Community Services Manager Kimberley Lord, to welcome all guests.
Just down the road at the aged care home, Kelly gave a short speech before Nina led the residents in singing Happy Birthday. The cake was cut by resident Mrs Nilda Guadagnin and site doctor Dr Martin Altmann, whose mother, Mrs Pam Altmann, is also a resident at Resthaven Murray Bridge. In the hall, Charlie and Kimberley cut the cake together.
‘It was wonderful to come together with Murray Mallee Hills Community Services to stage this event,’ Charlie says.
‘Our teams worked together to decorate the hall, transport residents and clients to the venue and to organise catering and entertainment.’
Kimberley agrees.
‘Many of the clients and residents have crossed paths at some stage in their lives, so it was nice to hold a celebration where everyone was invited to come along,’ Kimberley says.
‘We enjoy working collaboratively and I think it shows in the standard of celebration we had, and the enjoyment on everyone’s faces!’
Well done to everyone involved!
