Celebrating 90 Years with 90 Trees

For six months, there has been a secret hidden in plain sight at Resthaven Head Office, Wayville. On the second-floor balcony, enjoying the sunshine and being lovingly tended to by Head Office staff, 150 native seedlings have been growing steadily, under the careful watch of Meena Sharma, Resthaven ICT Senior Applications Lead. 

These seedlings, planted from seed by Resthaven staff in February, were ready to bring joy and connection as they were presented to long-serving Resthaven employees at this year’s Staff Appreciation Awards. They were part of the gift given to long-serving staff to acknowledge the work and support they have offered Resthaven.

‘As well as caring for people at Resthaven, we’re also doing our bit to care for the environment,’ Darren Birbeck, Resthaven CEO says. ‘That’s why we chose a living gift that doesn’t have any additional packaging, hasn’t produced any emissions during manufacturing, and actually improves the environment where it is planted.’

Meena is part of Resthaven’s Environmental Committee, a group of employees from across Resthaven who are highlighting environmental issues and driving sustainability improvements. Two native seedlings – Hardenbergia Violacea (Purple Coral Pea) and Vittadina Gracillis (Woolly New Holland Daisy) – were chosen for the gift. Feedback from staff who received the plants was very positive:

‘As a massive plant-Mumma, I absolutely loved this idea,’ said one recipient.

‘Lovely thought,’ said another.

‘Beautiful idea,’ said another.

In addition, Resthaven has purchased A Gift of Trees from Trees for Life – buying 90 trees to celebrate Resthaven’s 90^th anniversary in 2025. These tree seedlings will be planted by Trees for Life volunteers, on Resthaven’s behalf, in an area where they are needed to recreate a biodiverse habitat for native wildlife.

Well done to everyone involved! We are sure these plants will be growing beautifully in staff gardens soon!

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