On Tuesday 20 May at 2pm, the $36m major redevelopment of Resthaven Bellevue Heights in Adelaide, South Australia was officially opened by Manager Residential Services, Jessica Margrate, and Board Member, Rev Dr Graham Vawser.
They were joined by CEO Darren Birbeck, and the Executive and Board team, along with special guests, Louise Miller-Frost MP (Federal Member for Boothby), Catherine Hutchesson MP (State Member for Waite), Dr Heather Holmes-Ross (Mayor for the City of Mitcham), Rev Peter Morel (Moderator of the Uniting Church in SA), and fellow Aged Care CEOs, Linda Feldt (ACH), David Moran (Southern Cross), Jenny Hall (UnitingSA), and Michelle Church (St Basils). Residents, volunteers, staff, family members, and Resthaven Retirement Living residents also attended.
The opening was the culmination of five years of planning, consultation, hard work and patience for the site community, with the first sod turned in 2021 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is fitting then that the major redevelopment of the site should occur in tandem with Resthaven’s 90th anniversary this year, heralding a new, modern era for the late 1970s-built facility, which is home to around 100 residents.
Live music greeted the guests on arrival, along with canapes and drinks, and ‘Gatsby’ themed decorations made by residents.
Following a spirited Welcome to Country by local Elder, Uncle Allen, and speeches from Darren Birbeck, and David Norton, Executive Manager Finance & Technology, Graham and Jessica officially unveiled the plaque, to a huge round of applause from the audience.
Guests then enjoyed afternoon tea and tours of the new areas of the home, with one tour group led by Darren and David, and the other by Kelly Geister (Executive Manager Residential Services) and Emmet O’Donovan (Senior Manager Buildings and Property Services).
The site community is thoroughly enjoying their beautiful new home, which encompasses: the replacement of 32 rooms which were constructed in the late 1970s; an upgrade of the auditorium where residents enjoy activities, entertainment and special events; a new kitchen, laundry and maintenance area; and improved street appeal of the home.
Others attending the event included Shannon Sanderson, SA State Manager Ageing Australia; Mario Dreosti, Managing Director Brown Falconer; Adrian Esplin, CEO Sarah Constructions; and Mark Waters, Director.
To view a timelapse of the Resthaven Bellevue Heights redevelopment visit Redevelopment at Bellevue Heights - Resthaven
