Resthaven applied for and was successful in securing government funding to expand its Community Services offering into the Riverland. Soon after, planning was underway to formally establish this service.
On 1 October 2009, Resthaven Riverland Community Services commenced service delivery in the former TAFE building at 60 East Terrace, Loxton. The building, which had undergone a facelift, was an excellent base from which services were coordinated for people living in their own homes in surrounding regional towns.
From 15-16 September 2010, Riverland Community Services attended the Riverland ‘Field Days’ in Barmera. The stall celebrated Resthaven's 75th anniversary and promoted the home care services in the local area.
A funding boost from the Australian government meant that Resthaven’s Riverland Community Services could offer additional in-home care and support services for older people living in their own homes. A well-attended Open Day on 20 June 2014 (held as part of a global 'International Aged Care Open Day' initiative) introduced new staff and highlighted the range of available social activities.
From 18-19 September 2015, Resthaven Riverland Community Services again attended the Riverland Field Days in Barmera. The event offered fantastic opportunities for local connections, with staff busy doing referrals, taking employment enquiries and providing information to those interested in local services.
In early 2017, Resthaven worked collaboratively with Arthritis SA, sponsoring a range of 'Take Charge of Pain' seminars for the general public and Resthaven clients, employees and volunteers. A free public information session was held in the Riverland, which provided a basic understanding of arthritis and its impact on quality of life, and promoted self-management health skills.
On 12 August 2017, Resthaven Riverland Community Services held a 'Winter Ball' in the Renmark Hotel, with around 30 clients, staff and partners attending. Guests enjoyed dancing the night away, with the event featuring an entertaining dance demonstration by the Riverland Rock ‘n’ Roll Dancers.
On 24 February 2018, Resthaven Riverland Community Services attended the Loxton Mardi Gras celebration. In recognition of the festival's theme, 'When You Were Young', the site team showcased a project titled 'Generations'. Staff had asked clients to provide photos from when they were young, and a more recent photo, along with a story from their youth. Posted along the outer walls of the Resthaven booth, festival-goers enjoyed reading the stories with interest.
In late 2019, Resthaven sponsored a range of 'Listening Posts' facilitated by the Council on the Ageing (COTA) SA. Held across many regional areas, the purpose of the Listening Posts was to connect with older people across the state and hear their experiences, with the aim of informing COTA SA policy. Resthaven Riverland Community Services supported the event in Loxton on 18 September 2019.
With strong local demand continuing across the region and staff outgrowing the Loxton office, Resthaven considered the future. In early 2020, a large property was purchased at 7 Wilson Street, Berri. The former State Bank building, its interior was upgraded and modified to suit service provision in May 2020. With the former Loxton office leased, this purchase demonstrated Resthaven's long-term commitment to the Riverland.
Unfortunately, with the advent of the COVID 19 pandemic, the site's planned celebrations to mark Resthaven’s 85th anniversary were not able to go ahead.
On 24 August 2020, Resthaven Riverland Community Services officially commenced operation in Berri. The refurbished building was turned into a modern office and wellness centre, whilst maintaining the external Art Deco style. There was space for clients to meet and undertake activities on site, as well as more office space, a men’s shed and external patio.
In November 2022, the Riverland experienced a major flood from the Murray River, with the properties of 87 clients and 9 staff members identified as at risk. Road closures posed substantial challenges, so two additional office outlets were sourced in Renmark and Loxton to continue service delivery. This natural disaster lasted for three months, and staff were incredibly resilient to continue services during this challenging time.
In August 2024, as part of the South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival, Resthaven Riverland Community Services clients joined other community members to ‘yarn bomb’ the town. Coordinated by the Barmera Theatre Art and Craft Gallery, the main street was covered in knitting and crochet of all shapes and sizes. Resthaven’s yarn artwork now adorned one of the trees in Barmera’s main street, with clients making a day of it by heading on a bus trip to see the completed work.
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