The ‘Cottage Queen’ Celebrates 15 Years with Resthaven

Resthaven Western Community Services client, Mrs Yvonne Campbell, endearingly known as the ‘Cottage Queen’, has been enjoying day respite at Regency Cottage for an impressive 15 years, and her anniversary hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Home Support Worker, Rosemary Gorodecky, says, "Yvonne visits from Tuesday through Sunday each week, and she has become a strong part of our community."

"We celebrate clients in any way we can, and they appreciate the effort we go to in making a fuss just for them. For Yvonne’s anniversary, we went all out!"

On Friday 10 February, the cottage was filled with party decorations and the kitchen was stocked with delicious Pavlova, and other sweet treats for clients to enjoy.

Personal Assistant, Jude, kindly made a personalised t-shirt for Mrs Campbell, including two more for attending staff members. To top it off, the team crowned the ‘Cottage Queen’ with a tiara on the day.

Amongst the guests was Resthaven CEO, Darren Birbeck, who was delighted to stop by for a coffee and a chat.

Rosemary says, "Yvonne was on cloud nine and couldn’t stop smiling all day—she also had a surprise up her sleeve!"

After receiving Darren’s gift of a Resthaven history book, Mrs Campbell turned around and handed him a gift of her own—a wrapped friendship bracelet she had made just for him, with the help of her friends at Regency Cottage.

On celebrating her anniversary with the group, Mrs Campbell says, "It feels like home here, and I always look forward to seeing my friends. They encourage me to try new activities, and we always have fun with whatever we do."

"The staff and management are approachable. I enjoy my chats with Karen [Manager Resthaven Western Community Services], and of course, Rosemary, who always makes my day."

After a morning of laughter and cake, Yvonne could hardly wait to fill her Cottage Memory Book with more photos of her Regency Cottage adventures.

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