Leonie Celebrates 40 Years with Resthaven

Leonie Mules, Enrolled Nurse at Resthaven Port Elliot, is this year marking 40 years of employment with Resthaven. ‘I started at Resthaven Bellevue Heights, on a four-week contract,’ Leonie says. ‘And things just went on from there!’ Leonie was recommended the job by her mother, who was working as a cook at the site.

‘It was for the role of Relieving Hostel Caretaker,’ Leonie says. ‘In those days, the job included being on call overnight in the event of an emergency. After that contract finished, I fell into doing other shifts and roles.’

Leonie’s career with Resthaven has included the roles of permanent caretaker at the Resthaven Bellevue Heights Hostel, as well as working as a Nurses Aid (now titled Personal Care Worker), and as an Enrolled Nurse. Leonie completed her enrolled nurse training while working at Resthaven and then found a position at Resthaven Port Elliot when it opened in 2015.

‘I was there soon after it opened,’ Leonie says of the site which celebrates its 10^th anniversary this year. ‘What keeps me there is the residents. Helping to solve their challenges and make things better for them is important to me. I’m always open and honest with residents, and I think that helps a lot to build trust.’

As well as the connection with her mother, Leonie has other family ties to Resthaven. She met her partner David Crettenden while working at Resthaven Bellevue Heights (he also worked for Resthaven for many years, 36 in total across different roles). David’s father, Ron, was Resthaven’s President of the Board from 1993–1995, as well as serving as a Board Member since 1986. Ron’s wife Elaine was also a volunteer at Resthaven Bellevue Heights, as well as a resident at Resthaven Bellevue Heights Retirement Living.

Leonie fondly recollects the resident-led concerts, at which the Bellevue Heights Independent Living residents would perform for hostel residents, family members and staff.

‘They would spend a few weeks beforehand in rehearsals and getting everything ready,’ Leonie says. ‘It was a lot of fun.’

‘Resthaven has been great to work for over the years,’ Leonie says. ‘I’ve seen a lot of changes! Now, I work just two days a week and I’m enjoying it very much. I work with really good staff.’

Congratulations Leonie on an amazing milestone!

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