A milestone 46-year career with Resthaven

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 01:30:00 +0000

This year, Resthaven Malvern Housekeeping Services Assistant, Lesley Wimbles, celebrates a record 46 years of service with Resthaven.
Like all great stories, Lesley’s milestone achievement has a humble beginning. Back in 1977, her neighbour offered her a short-term job to work the “tea shifts” at Resthaven Malvern.

Lesley explains: ‘The Resthaven Malvern matron, Barbara, lived across the road from me. One day, she asked me, “you wouldn’t like a job, would you, for six weeks? We’re desperate!”’

‘And I said, “Oh gee, I’ll have to ask mum if she can watch the kids — as long as it’s only six weeks”. Well, we all know it ended up being longer than that!’
‘I still remember my first day, helping with the tea duties,’ Lesley continues.

‘In those days, there were 84 residents sitting together in one big dining room. I remember thinking, “How will I remember all their names?” But, amazingly, I did!’

Lesley Wimbles receives her 45-year service award in July 2022 from Resthaven Board President, Mark Porter, and Resthaven CEO, Darren Birbeck.

Since that time, Lesley has enjoyed several roles within the Resthaven Malvern housekeeping department, turning her hand to anything thrown her way.

‘When the sweets cook was sick, I used to go in and do the sweets in the main kitchen. That was awesome — a lot of fun,’ she says.

Lesley also remembers many a Christmas when residents came back late from viewing the Lobethal lights on the Resthaven bus.

‘They used to go to the lights and then come back for supper, which I would have ready for 10pm,’ Lesley says.
She also fondly reflects on all the recipes she’s traded over the years.

‘I remember when one lady, Molly, gave me a nut loaf recipe. This was years ago, but I made that nut loaf just the other day! It’s labelled in my recipe book as “Molly’s nut loaf.” She was a beautiful lady.’

These fond memories, and heartfelt connections with residents, are the reason for Lesley’s dedicated service to the Resthaven Malvern community.

‘All in all, it has been a privilege to hear the most wonderful life stories of people over the years. There is always something new or different to talk about,’ Lesley says.
‘Working at Resthaven has definitely changed me as a person. It has made me very compassionate, more understanding, and respectful.’

‘I just think, if I can put a smile on residents’ faces each day, then I’ve done my job,’ she says.

We wholeheartedly agree, Lesley!

Becoming a Registered Nurse was ‘the best decision’

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:37:34 +0000

Resthaven Marion Community Services Registered Nurse, Kim Long, loves what she does in the community, assisting clients to continue living independently in their own homes for longer.

At the age of 25, Kim discovered the world of aged care when her grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

‘As his condition progressed, I started looking after him more and more,’ says Kim.

‘I realised how fulfilling it was to look after someone in their own home.’

‘I made the jump from hospitality and enrolled in my Certificate III in Aged Care/Community Services, and began working with Resthaven Marion Community Services as a Home Support Worker.’

‘In 2020, after receiving encouragement from my manager at the time [Lee Bennetts], I enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing at Charles Darwin University.’

‘After graduating, I entered Resthaven’s pilot program, Transition to Professional Practice Program [TPPP].’

The Resthaven TPPP aims to support graduate nurses to transition to a professional aged care environment, and it was certainly beneficial for Kim.

‘It’s a great way to transition into aged care. Even though I already worked as a Home Support Worker, I developed a deeper understanding of the industry, and it grew my confidence as a graduate nurse.’

‘I love working in the community with older people—it’s a real motivator to come to work each day with the aim to keep them in their homes for longer, which is ultimately where they want to be.’

‘If you’re looking for a meaningful career, this is it — it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.’

Resthaven employs more than 3,000 staff across 40 locations in South Australia — discover your future career today.

Test Blog

A milestone 46-year career with Resthaven

Becoming a Registered Nurse was ‘the best decision’

Resthaven Marion Community Services Registered Nurse, Kim Long, loves what she does in the community, assisting clients to continue living independently in their own homes for longer.