Resthaven Mount Gambier Diversity and Inclusion Display

Residents at Resthaven Mount Gambier have created a ‘Multicultural Melting Pot’ display, as part of an inclusion and diversity project being run at the home at 24 Elizabeth Street, Mt Gambier.

Lifestyle Coordinator, Trudyanne Bedson, says, "The project aims to celebrate diversity in all its forms."

"Part of this was to create this 'Multicultural Melting Pot' display."

"First, residents used their own hand prints to create the background, representing all the different people in Australia."

"The words in the pot were contributed by residents during one of our Chaplain’s Chats sessions."

"Sentiments included love, respect your neighbour, honour, understanding, togetherness, helpful, home, thankfulness, loyalty, friendship, and being there for others."

"The symbols and flags represent a range of aspects of diversity, including culture, religion, and sexual orientation."

"We tried to include flags from countries that our residents have migrated from or identify with. As you can see, there are many!"

"There is a lot going on in the display – however, everyone agreed there is a lot going on in Australia as well."

"We hope that the display conveys the unity shared at this moment during the COVID-19 pandemic; not only in Australia, but across the world."

Resthaven is a richly diverse South Australian community, founded on the principles of inclusion and unity, embracing and respecting each person’s beliefs, culture, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, lifestyle, life experiences and values. Resthaven launched their Diversity Action Plan in 2019, and continues to work on identified actions to ensure access to aged care services, and inclusion, for older people of all backgrounds and life experiences.

Resthaven residential aged care homes are located at Aberfoyle Park, Bellevue Heights, Craigmore, Leabrook, Malvern, Marion, Mitcham, Murray Bridge, Mount Gambier, Paradise, Port Elliot and Westbourne Park.

Pictured: Lily Logan and Margaret Craig with multicultural melting pot display