Resthaven Fleurieu Community Services

With Resthaven already offering home care in the Fleurieu through Resthaven Murray Bridge and Hills Community Services for many years, further funding provided the prime opportunity to formalise presence in the area. A small in-home care provider, Strathalbyn Country Care, approached Resthaven to take over its operations. Following a due diligence process, on 1 June 2010 Resthaven commenced operations at Unit 2/3 Donald Street, Strathalbyn.

On 14 January 2014, Assistant Minister for Social Services, Senator Mitch Fifield, announced that Resthaven was to receive a boost in funding, resulting in new low-level services to be delivered in Strathalbyn.

With the opening of Resthaven Port Elliot on 14 May 2015, Resthaven also commenced community services in the area, operating under the new title of Resthaven Murray Bridge, Hills and Fleurieu Community Services. The site's co-located heritage-listed 'Old School House' was renovated to become an outreach office and wellness centre, with an annexe of modern amenities added and items of significance (chalkboards and desk, original floors, ceilings and ornamental sash windows) retained. A ‘community gym’ of outdoor fitness equipment complemented the offering.

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In light of increased demand, the Strathalbyn office relocated to larger premises at 9 Rankine Street, Strathalbyn. Formerly a restaurant, the building cost $1.1 million to refurbish and provided more space for group programs and activities. With extra staff hired to coordinate services, the office also welcomed staff from the Mount Barker office, which had closed after an eight-year lease. Operations commenced on 1 November 2016.

On 27 February 2017, locals and dignitaries flocked to the hills for the official opening of the new Strathalbyn office, with a cake cutting ceremony and morning tea. Following the official opening, an 'Open Day' was held for members of the public to see the range of services available.

On 3 April 2017, the inaugural Southern Fleurieu Parkinson’s Support Group commenced at the Port Elliot office. Run in collaboration with Parkinson’s SA, the group was the only one of its kind in the area.

On 1 July 2021, due to structural changes resulting from the aged care reforms, Alexandrina Council transferred its home care packages to Resthaven Murray Bridge, Hills and Fleurieu Community Services. Resthaven partnered with the YMCA to support continued access for clients transferring from Alexandrina Council.

In July 2021, services expanded into the Fleurieu once again. An office at 1 Loveday Street, Goolwa, was purchased to support a growing number of clients in the area.

With continued high demand for services, in March 2022, a new outreach office was leased at 68 Victoria Street, Victor Harbor. At the same time, a neighbouring house at 1-3 Newland Street, Victor Harbor, was leased to provide community respite for the area. Both the office and 'Newland House' underwent several months of refurbishment before commencing service provision in June 2022.

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On 14 September 2022, Executive Manager Community Services Sue McKechnie cut the ‘opening ribbon’ at the official Open Day for Newland House. Throughout the day, interested parties enjoyed a tour of the building and learned about the services available.

On 10 March 2023, Resthaven hosted Sharon Tentye, Carers SA Executive Manager Service Delivery, to share ideas about how Resthaven and Carers SA can work together to support older people and their carers. A team of Resthaven staff took Sharon on a tour of Newland House, and discussed the issues facing carers, including stress and burn out.

With an opportunity presented to take over a number of home care packages from another provider, home care services expanded to regional areas such as Yankalilla, Normanville, and Second Valley. To introduce Resthaven’s presence in this area for the first time, staff participated in the Yankalilla Show on 30 September 2023.

Resthaven undertook strategic planning to ensure the future sustainability and effectiveness of its services in regional areas, resulting in a restructure and creation of two distinct regional services: Resthaven Murray Mallee Hills Community Services and Resthaven Fleurieu Community Services. Effective from 1 July 2024, the transition was carefully managed to minimise disruption. Once complete, Goolwa was selected as the Fleurieu's primary office, supported by outreach offices in Strathalbyn, Port Elliot, and Victor Harbor.

In October 2024, the Port Elliot office closed following the formal conclusion of operations at the wellness centre located in the ‘Old School House’. This change was part of a broader consolidation of client services, made possible by the opening of two new outreach offices in Victor Harbor and Goolwa in the previous years. The Old School House instead transitioned into an administrative hub supporting residential services.