International partnership celebrates ten-year milestone

Resthaven and Thai aged care provider, Baan Sudthavas, have celebrated ten years of partnership with a letter and photo update from their community to ours.

CEO, Darren Birbeck, says, ‘Having bonded over our shared vision of providing high quality aged care to those in need, Resthaven first hosted Baan Sudthavas founder, Arnop Chirakiti, in 2013.’

‘Arnop visited Australia to meet with our leadership teams and learn about Resthaven’s operations, with the aim of building his own philanthropic charity “Baan Sudthavas,” back in Thailand, for destitute Thai women.’

‘From this beginning, the reciprocal relationship between Resthaven and Baan Sudthavas grew.’

‘There were visits back and forth on both sides, and a shared “Active Ageing” conference in Bangkok in 2017, attended by former Executive Manager, Wendy Morey; then-CEO, Richard Hearn AM; former Board Member, Professor Renuka Visvanathan; and then-CEO of COTA SA, Jane Mussared.’

‘Baan Sudthavas residents also began a pen pal program with residents of Resthaven Malvern, exchanging letters, gifts, and well wishes.’

‘It was in this vein that Baan Sudthavas reached out to Resthaven in December 2023, to share a wonderful letter of heartfelt thanks, and a photo of their residents celebrating their tenth anniversary.’

‘In return, Resthaven Malvern took a group photo at their Christmas luncheon, to send back to the residents of Baan Sudthavas.’

Darren says, ‘Resthaven’s relationship with Baan Sudthavas reminds us all of the power of working together.’

‘We thank Baan Sudthavas for their continued partnership, and friendship.’

Learn more about Resthaven Malvern’s pen pal program with Baan Sudthavas