Volunteers celebrated at the 2026 Resthaven Excellence Awards
On Friday 27 March, Resthaven held its 2026 Excellence Awards, celebrating ‘people who care for people’.
Resthaven congratulates volunteer finalists Julie Cookes (Resthaven Bellevue Heights & Resthaven Mitcham), Julie Sieben (Resthaven Craigmore), Linda Hay (Resthaven Marion), Robert Mutton (Resthaven Westbourne Park), Rona Pratt (Resthaven Craigmore), Trevor Kuhl (Resthaven Mount Gambier), and Vicki Mase (Resthaven Aberfoyle Park). All are outstanding representatives of volunteers across Resthaven.
On the night Julie Cookes, was presented with the ‘Volunteer Award’.
Julie volunteers with two Resthaven residential sites, Bellevue Heights and Mitcham, and began volunteering when she retired. A few years later Julie moved into a unit at Resthaven Bellevue Heights Retirement Living.
‘My parents were both community minded and volunteered their whole lives. I had experienced that growing up, and so it was a normal path for me to follow,’ Julie says.
‘I have volunteered with Resthaven Bellevue Heights for over 20 years and some of my favourite activities involved supporting the site kiosk, reading the newspaper with residents and keeping abreast of current affairs, and working on puzzles together in the lounges.’
‘I served weekly at the coffee mornings in the auditorium for both residential and independent living residents, and also helped at the monthly concerts — serving afternoon tea and supporting residents, especially those managing cups, saucers and walkers, which could be quite a challenge. I really enjoyed those experiences,’ she says.
‘When I heard about Resthaven Mitcham wanting volunteer support with their kiosk, I put my hand up, as it was just down the road.’
‘I like variety and also volunteer driving the Resthaven Bellevue Heights van, for shopping trips to a local shopping centre.’
Her award nomination, submitted by a colleague, stated that Julie ‘…has a quick wit with endless enthusiasm and is always willing to lend a hand. Julie’s presence has a wonderful impact in our communities.’
Julie says she finds volunteering incredibly rewarding and something she truly enjoys.
She also reflects on the perspective it’s given her:
‘I’ve come to really appreciate how much knowledge people have, especially as I’m getting older myself. The wisdom older people hold is incredible — it’s so valuable to build relationships and stay connected.’
With a smile, Julie adds that volunteering has also shaped her own outlook on ageing.
‘I hope I’ve learned enough along the way to age gracefully as time passes for me — and to keep volunteering until it’s time to pass the baton on.’
Of the 2026 Resthaven Excellence Awards evening, Julie says, ‘It was a lovely evening, where I experienced a real warmth of appreciation by everyone who attended. It was a heartwarming experience.’
Resthaven welcomes 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.