In an amazing and inspiring achievement, Dawn Weyland, 87, recently celebrated her 50th year working with Resthaven Murray Bridge – 23 years as a paid employee, and 27 years as a volunteer. Her service was recognised at an afternoon tea at Resthaven, where she was presented with a glass-engraved award.
‘Dawn is someone we could all aspire to be like,’ Stacey Thompson, Manager Volunteers Services, Resthaven, says. ‘Her commitment to the residents at Murray Bridge is wonderful. Her involvement through visiting and engaging with individuals is so important – and this one-on-one time is something that is becoming even more important for residents.’
Dawn is ‘born and bred’ in Murray Bridge and enjoys a busy life – travelling overseas, making and creating things for others, and actively supporting her community. As well as volunteering at Resthaven, she also volunteers for The Rural City of Murray Bridge at the Visitor Information Centre, and for 43 years she has volunteered for the Rambler Football Club, where members of her family have played. She is now a life member of the club. She also dances (New Vogue style) 2-3 times per week, and has done for the past 12 years.
‘There are many people I see at Resthaven who I know from the community,’ Dawn says. ‘Some of them I have grown up with, or I know them through school connections, or sports.’
Dawn started working at Resthaven Murray Bridge in 1975.
‘The Matron at the time asked me to come and do her hair,’ Dawn says. ‘I did her appointment, and then she asked if I’d like a job! It suited me well, so I said yes.’
Dawn did a variety of tasks to support the 18 or so residents who lived there at the time.
‘They were just in Homburg House (the original 1900s homestead) then,’ Dawn says. ‘I would do laundry, showering, cooking and some hairdressing. I also helped out with bus trips – I really did whatever was needed.’
Dawn says she has seen quite a few changes at Resthaven Murray Bridge over the years.
‘The workers’ roles at the home have certainly changed since I worked there – with more nursing staff now,’ Dawn says. ‘The home itself has also changed significantly. Residents used to share a bathroom down the hall from their room, and most rooms were doubles. Sometimes a couple would come in together, but more often residents would find themselves with a “roommate”.’
Shared bathrooms and roommates are now a thing of the past, but Dawn says that people still go to Resthaven for the same reason – high-quality care and support.
‘Volunteering keeps me agile,’ Dawn says. ‘I have a great life, with four kids, nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren – so I just feel like I can give back. I’ve always had a big family (with four brothers and four sisters). I enjoy the company of others.’
As well as individual social visits, Dawn has helped run the Resthaven Murray Bridge site shop, led arts and craft sessions and helped with bus trips, including to Lobethal for the Tour Down Under, and another time for a trip to the beach.
‘I remember, for one resident, it was the first time she had ever been to the beach,’ Dawn says. ‘Amazing!’
‘I’ll keep volunteering as long as I can. I enjoy it, and the residents appreciate it too – they always thank me.’
Stacey says: ‘Thank you for your service, Dawn. Fifty years and counting is an outstanding contribution. We value your time and expertise, and we hope your story inspires others on their own volunteering journey.'
