Excellence on Show at Resthaven Award Night

On Friday, 28 February, Resthaven held its 2025 Excellence Awards. The event recognised and celebrated Resthaven’s staff and volunteers, and the valuable and important work they do to contribute to the outstanding care and support of older people and their carers.

Held at the Wolf Blass Centre, Morphettville, almost 300 people attended the event, including the 80 award finalists, people who had nominated them, and special guests. Nominations for the awards were received from Resthaven residents, clients and families, as well as colleagues – with more than 1,800 nominations received.

At its heart Resthaven is all about people,’ Darren Birbeck, Resthaven CEO said in his opening address. ‘And what a privilege it is to be celebrating people who care for other people.’

Darren emphasised this point by acknowledging the founders of Resthaven, who 90 years ago, began the model of welcoming older people into a charitable home. Further, he highlighted the dedication of Resthaven employees over the years, including former CEO Richard Hearn and the first female President Carole Davidson, who were guests at the event, as well as all those award finalists in the room.

Resthaven Aberfoyle Park resident, Mrs Shirley Grimes, who along with fellow resident Mrs Shirley Muller, nominated Resthaven Aberfoyle Park Clerical Assistant Lisa Gardner, was impressed with the event.

‘I’m very happy to be here to support Lisa,’ Shirley says. ‘Lisa is always so nice. Whenever we see her, she is warm and welcoming. It makes us feel homely and at home…Nothing ever seems too much trouble for her. She listens so well and goes out of her way to help us. She radiates kindness and care whilst also being extremely efficient.’

Other nominators were also happy to attend the event, including Resthaven Riverview Retirement Living residents, Mrs Barbara Cohen and Mrs Janet Thomas, who were at the event to support Riverview Assistant Manager, Stephanie Sim.

‘Nothing is ever too much trouble for Stephanie,’ Barbara says. ‘Our village wouldn’t be what it is without her keeping everything on track. She keeps the world running – and she gives us a voice.’

There were tears of pride from many during the event, and for the first time, Resthaven also presented the prestigious President Award. The award recognises individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to excellence, celebrating those who go above and beyond in providing high-quality service and support to others. The inaugural award went to Resthaven Murray Mallee Hills Home Support Worker, Dorothy (Dot) Mickan, who was recognised for her outstanding commitment to Resthaven’s values of Trust, Dignity, and Choice.

 
Pictured: Resthaven Murray Mallee Hills Home Support Worker, Dorothy (Dot) Mickan, winner of Resthaven's President Award.

In presenting the award, Resthaven’s Board President, Mr Mark Porter said that in choosing a winner, Dot was a standout because of the overwhelming respect she had from her colleagues, and the quiet dignity with which she went about her work.

‘I am very honoured to receive this award,’ Dot said in her speech on the night. ‘I would like to thank everyone who has come along to this magnificent gathering. I feel very proud to be a part of the Murray Mallee Hills team. Resthaven is a team effort and that’s what we are all here for tonight. We all work together, and I would like to thank everyone so much for this recognition.’

Dot was nominated by Resthaven Murray Mallee Hills Community Services client Mrs Joyce Lord who said:

‘Dot is a wonderful lady. She does everything – she cleans and does a thorough job…She's so easy to speak to... She is just a marvel. I'd be lost without her. Everything she does is just perfect.’

Resthaven’s Executive Manager People and Culture, Sylvia Powell, says that Resthaven has an excellent culture of acknowledging the work that is being done by employees and volunteers, across the board. 

‘Our Resthaven Excellence Awards recognition program showcases the work that is being done by Resthaven staff every day and highlights how our clients and residents appreciate this extra effort,’ Sylvia says. ‘The awards are an opportunity to recognise and reward individuals – and to say to others, this is what excellence looks like.’

Those attending the event spoke of the joy at having been part of such an outstanding event.

• ‘The whole room was like a big warm hug. It truly was a celebration of the many magnificent people that work for Resthaven, and I feel honoured and humbled that I was part of such an amazing group of people.’

• ‘It was truly inspiring to see the dedication and impact of your amazing team recognised and celebrated. Their passion made the event a memorable and meaningful experience.’ 

Thank you to the sponsors who made the Resthaven Excellence Awards possible:

Diamond sponsor: Community Business Bureau

Gold sponsor: Professional Technology Partners

Pre-dinner drinks and photobooth sponsor: Humanforce

Silver sponsors: Bega; Butterfields

Bronze sponsors: Salute; Hender Consulting; NAB; Cushman and Wakefield.

Congratulations to all award recipients:

President Award:
Dorothy (Dot) Mickan (Resthaven Murray Mallee Hills Community Services)

Customer Choice Award (Residential Services):
Colleen Steer, Coordinator Hospitality Services (Resthaven Bellevue Heights)

Customer Choice Award (Community Services):
Lisa Hallam, Home Support Worker (Resthaven Northern Community Services)

Customer Choice Award (Retirement Living):
Melissa Jennings, Retirement Living Coordinator (Resthaven Head Office)

Value of Trust Award:
Ben Zhang, Registered Nurse (Resthaven Leabrook)

Value of Dignity Award:
Susan Cichon, Registered Nurse (Resthaven Fleurieu Community Services)

Value of Choice Award:
Jemma Kirpensteyn, Program Assistant (Resthaven Fleurieu Community Services)

Volunteer Award:
Linda O'Neill, Volunteer (Resthaven Aberfoyle Park)

Lead by Example Award:
Sonya Cater, Clinical Care Nurse (Resthaven Port Elliot)

Team Award:
Resthaven Port Elliot and Resthaven Murray Bridge Collaborative Team (Resthaven Games)

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