30 year volunteer celebrates 60th site anniversary

When Resthaven’s third-oldest residential aged care home at 53 Swanport Road, Resthaven Murray Bridge, celebrated its 60^th anniversary, it was only fitting that 30 year Resthaven volunteer, Ken Wells, was there to head up proceedings.

Ken, whose long association with Resthaven is matched only by his flair for amateur photography, has kept a photographic record of the home since it opened in 1958.

In his speech to residents, staff, volunteers, family and friends, Ken recalled walking past the property as a young boy, then privately owned. He chuckled his way through a story about stealing oranges from the front yard of ‘Homburg House’ – the heritage listed cottage located on site, which was recently restored to its former glory as part of the $16.5m redevelopment of the home.

Ken’s photographs of Resthaven Murray Bridge over the years hang proudly around the site, and include such moments as the opening of a new ‘wing’ (as it was called in those days) in 1978.  

The gathered crowd thoroughly enjoyed Ken’s recollections of the site history, and were delighted that he could be there to celebrate such an important event.

The birthday celebrations were kicked off with a celebratory cake, followed by tours of the newly refurbished areas of the home, which include a new main entrance to the home, new single room accommodation with private ensuites, a brand new hall, café area, lounges, courtyard gardens, a new hairdressing salon, kitchen, laundry, and staff offices.

An additional 18 rooms are also now available at the home, several with river views.

Manager, Debbie Lindner, says, "I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Resthaven Murray Bridge in 2018 than with the completion of the current major redevelopment project."

"The whole site has transformed. It’s a new era at Resthaven Murray Bridge!"

Find out more about Resthaven.