After success in the annual Federal Government Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR), with expansion of community care packages, Resthaven had the opportunity to establish services in the Riverland.
On October 1, Resthaven Riverland Community Services begun life in the old TAFE building at 60 East Terrace, Loxton. The building had undergone a facelift and was an excellent base from which Resthaven was able to coordinate individually tailored aged care services for people living in their own home in the region. Towns such as Morgan, Barmera, Berri, Renmark and Loxton were supported by the office.
From 15–16 September, Riverland Community Services attended the Riverland ‘Field Days’, Barmera. Their stall took on a ‘75th Anniversary’ focus – promoting Resthaven’s services and highlighting the 75th anniversary of the aged care services provider.
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.
From 18-19 September, Resthaven Riverland Community Services again attended the Riverland Field Days, hosted on the purpose-built facility just out of Barmera. The event was an opportunity to speak with people and provide information about local services.
Resthaven Riverland Community Services and Arthritis SA worked collaboratively to deliver arthritis education and information to Resthaven employees, volunteers, clients and the wider community. Part of the ResthavenFit program, the program promoted the health and wellness of Resthaven staff.
On 12 August, Resthaven Riverland Community Services held a Winter Ball with around 30 clients, staff and partners. The event was held in the Renmark Hotel Galaxy Room with Rock ‘n’ Roll Dancers providing entertainment, and plenty of dancing by the guests as well.
Unfortunately, with the advent of the COVID 19 pandemic, the Riverland Community Services’ planned celebrations to mark Resthaven’s 85th anniversary were not able to go ahead.
With strong local demand across the region, Resthaven moved from leased premises in Loxton to newly refurbished offices at 7 Wilson Street, Berri (the old State Bank building) in August. The larger premises were purchased – an indication of Resthaven’s long term commitment to the local area.
In November, the Murray River posed a significant flood risk to the Riverland region. As a result, 87 Resthaven Riverland Community Services clients were identified as at risk, as well as nine staff properties. Two additional office outlets were sourced in Renmark and Loxton to allow service delivery to continue, as road closures posed some challenges. Road closures continued for 88 days in total. Despite these environmental impacts, Resthaven continued to deliver services to clients, with minimal disruption.
In August, Resthaven Riverland Community Services clients joined other Riverland community members to ‘Yarn Bomb’ the town – covering the main street in knitting and crochet in all shapes and sizes. The event was part of the South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival and was coordinated by the Barmera Theatre Art and Craft Gallery.
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