Resthaven celebrates turning 90
With 2025 marking 90 years since Resthaven opened, the provider will mark the achievement with a series of events across South Australia.
Fancy dress parties, family fetes and bus trips are among a series of events, activities and concerts not-for-profit, South Australian aged care provider has planned across nine sites in celebration of 90 years of operation.
Next is a 1930s themed party on 25 February at Resthaven Aberfoyle Park with guests encouraged to dress up in a mixture of 1930s nurse outfits. Then on 8 March Resthaven Paradise will have a family fair with food trucks, face painting and craft items for sale.
Resthaven is proud to celebrate its 90th anniversary, said chief executive office Darren Birbeck.
“Ninety years ago, in the coastal southern suburb of Brighton, Resthaven opened its doors for the first time,” said Mr Birbeck.
“Formed from the belief that older women with nowhere to live deserved charitable accommodation, members of the Methodist Church set about establishing this home.”
Rest Haven, as it was originally named, was officially opened in May 1935 by Lady Isabel Kidman, wife of the prominent pastoralist, Sir Sidney Kidman and provided aged care for a handful of residents.
Other activities planned to commemorate this milestone include Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services embarking on a bus trip on 14 March to a local restaurant in Penola for a luncheon and cake.
Later Resthaven Community Respite Servics will have a Devonshire Tea day of reminiscing at Toorak House on 21 March.
On 23 April, Resthaven Marion Community Services will have an Open Day with stalls, displays, exercise demonstrations, games and food trucks, along with information about the services Resthaven provides to support older people live independently at home.
In celebration of the official opening day of Resthaven on 11 May 1935, there will be a thanksgiving service at the Malvern Uniting Church on 11 May. The Resthaven community will gather at the Malvern Uniting Church and will be joined by the Resthaven board, executives, residents, staff, volunteers, families and friends.
There will be two more open days to celebrate Resthaven’s 90th anniversary later in the year, with one at Resthaven Northern Community Services on 19 September, one at Resthaven Onkaparinga Community Services office location in Noarlunga on 10 October.
Then, Resthaven Craigmore will have its 21st birthday party fete with food trucks, show games, a vintage care display, craft and bric-a-brac stalls and a live band.
Demand for Resthaven’s services grew quickly since its launch and today the provider has 12 aged care homes, 23 community service locations across Adelaide and regional South Australia, and 31 retirement living villages.
“Resthaven is committed to supporting older people, including those at risk of homelessness through the provision of affordable rental accommodation and low cost studio apartments at select locations,” Mr Birbeck said.
“We engage with older people to seek their input and consideration in a number of wide-ranging decisions and matters, including the development of programs and services.”
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