President of the South Australian Methodist Conference at the time Resthaven was formed, Rev. Jenkin believed that charitable actions were the remedy for distressing times brought on by the Depression. He said:
‘Methodism, with a heart aflame and a soul filled with love for men, weak and sinful men, could transform this old world and change the course of human history.’
Rev. Jenkin was born in Cornwall, England, and moved to South Australia in 1858. As well as being a South Australian minister, Rev. Jenkin was co-founder of the Renmark Pioneer newspaper.
Rev. Shapley was a big man in every sense. He was a returned serviceman, and his form towered over that of his father, Rev. W.T. Shapley.
Rev. Shapley had an acute sense of what Methodism was about. Close to his heart was the ideal of service in the footsteps of Jesus. For fifteen years, he superintended the Home Mission Department, during which time he achieved an impressive list of accomplishments, including:
One who knew Rev. Shapley well commented:
'George Shapley was a statesman of no mean order. His wide and deep contributions to the Church are of cumulative value. The assessments of the future will be even richer than in the present … [He had] a vast store of experience in the heart and mind [which] was always available on request … George Shapley was a grand soul.'
Resthaven’s first matron, Mrs Northey, was employed by Resthaven from 1935 to supervise the older women who resided at Shirley Gardens. She was described as ‘a very practical woman’ and ‘gracious and sympathetic’. Her husband became the caretaker of the property. In late 1937, illness forced her resignation from the position.
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Nellie was employed at Resthaven as Matron between 1941 and 1952. From her first days, the Home Mission Department reported that, without any slur on the work of those who had gone before, there had been ‘a big improvement in the atmosphere of the institution’.
Well-known Methodist journalist, Dorothy Langsford, wrote:
‘Only those who [had] seen the workings of the Home, and the Matron at the head of her family of 28 elderly ladies – whose ages average[d] somewhere in the region of 80 – gain even the remotest idea of the stupendous task she [had] taken upon her shoulders. Sister Joyce has assuredly made this work her mission in life as any missionary sister serving overseas.’
The Mayor of Burnside, Philip was ‘a son of Methodism who had distinguished himself in community welfare as well as professionally’.
He officially opened Resthaven Leabrook in 1944. Philip had more than a civic interest in the event, as his firm of architects had previously designed and built the house for Mr F.C. Catt more than 30 years prior.
Moreover, Philip was proud of his Methodist heritage and he continued to sit on the council of the Methodist boys’ school, Prince Alfred College, and on the Board of the YMCA.
Rev. Harry Griffiths (Griff) was born in England. He and his wife moved to Australia after World War II, seeking a warmer climate. They first lived in Alice Springs, where he joined the Methodist Inland Mission.
After moving to Murray Bridge in 1952, it wasn’t long before Griff placed before the Resthaven Board a proposal to create at home in the town. He gained the support and of civic and church leaders in the area and took it upon himself to search for a suitable property for Resthaven Murray Bridge.
For over 21 dedicated years, Dorothy was the Matron at Resthaven Leabrook, managing the residential aged care home. She commenced work on 24 August 1953, in an era when matrons 'lived in' — located on the premises and on call 24/7 to assist frail, aged residents with their needs.
During Dorothy's time as Matron, Resthaven Leabrook grew to accommodate up to 117 residents. The job was her life and the residents her family. She would accompany residents to hospital, liaise with family members and fill the role of family where there was none. She advocated on behalf of the residents and always went the ‘extra mile’.
It was said of her that she was 'a very fine young Christian woman, whose heart [was] in her work for the aged'. Rev. George Shapley said that she came from
‘A fine Christian home and she … [brought] those high qualities of service that [would] further enhance the life of Resthaven’.
When Dorothy retired, she continued her association with Resthaven, visiting regularly to volunteer with a variety of tasks. In 1990, she returned to Resthaven Leabrook to live in a Retirement Living Unit onsite. In her later years, she moved into the aged care home where she lived until her death in 2016.
Commencing in 1954, Eileen was involved in the administration of Resthaven’s affairs for many years. In addition to doing a wide variety of secretarial and administrative work and working closely with the Board administrators, she also travelled to country areas to talk about Resthaven.
Her early devotion to Resthaven was exemplified by a request in the late 1950s: Eileen was asked to loan Resthaven a thousand pounds (a massive amount in those days!) so Resthaven could pay the staff their wages.
When land was purchased at Mitcham for Resthaven’s development, she requested that she be able to move into one of the units as she was working long hours and would often have to catch the first bus at 6 am, and the last bus home at 11.35 pm. Her request was granted and she moved in on 5 November 1962, becoming actively involved with the home’s activities and the Mitcham Methodist Church.
Sadly, with no warning, Eileen was forced to resign from her much-loved job, due to illness, in 1975. She continued to volunteer for another 20 years or more, collecting resident board payments at Resthaven Malvern. Later, Eileen moved from her unit at Resthaven Mitcham into the hostel, and then, eventually, into the nursing home. She passed away on 30 December 2004.
Born in Burra, South Australia, Ivon was an ordained minister of the Methodist Church before being elected to the South Australian Parliament in 1968. He went on to serve four terms as the Liberal Member for Murray, and was involved in fundraising to establish the Resthaven Murray Bridge.
In 1977, Ivon was appointed Deputy Administrator of Resthaven, a position created to assist the Administrator (CEO) and particularly to help with the planning, advertising, and selling of a proposed new home at Bellevue Heights.
After organising plans and printing, Ivon sold over $1 million in sites for the new home in the first year. Ivon retired from the position in March 1980.
After travelling around Europe with his wife for a year, Ivon returned to South Australia and volunteered with the Methodist Church. In 1983, he was invited to join the board of Resthaven and, after six months, was appointed Board Chairman. Ivon retired in 1992.
He was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the 1995 Queen’s Birthday Honours, for services to the community through the Uniting Church in Australia and to aged care.
Resthaven’s President of the Board from 1993–1995, Ron also served as a Board Member since 1986. Prior to this, he spent 30 years serving Aldersgate Village in Tasmania, before joining the Adelaide Central Mission.
Ron was pivotal in guiding Resthaven through a series of complex issues and establishing a solid foundation between the Executive and the Board. It was said that:
'Ron brought a singular wisdom, vision and integrity during his term of office – without which Resthaven would have taken a very different path.'
In 1983, Kelvin Dickens took up the position of Administrator (CEO) for Resthaven.
An innovative thinker, Kelvin encouraged the sharing of ideas and travelled overseas to investigate and immerse himself in international aged care practices. He returned with the concepts to develop aged care homes in a way that was as ‘home-like’ as possible, with modifications for greater accessibility.
Kelvin was a strong advocate for Resthaven, and aged care generally, nurturing an open dialogue with the Government on issues of funding and staffing. He stood down from the role in 1994.
Holding senior positions at Resthaven from 1986 until 2000 (when he retired), John was well known for his approachable manner and his ability to respond efficiently and effectively to matters as they came to hand.
Upon his retirement, Richard Hearn wrote:
‘John was a pillar of strength at Resthaven and an exemplary model of the values and mission of the Church in aged care. He is missed at Resthaven for his dedication, leadership and friendship.'
Geoff Bean AM was appointed as Resthaven’s Board President in 1995, having contributed many years of value service of the board previously.
Geoff was pivotal in the planning and establishment of Resthaven Craigmore, which opened its doors in 2004. His contribution guided Resthaven through times of extreme difficulty. In December 2005, Geoff retired as President.
Richard Hearn was Resthaven’s longest serving CEO, holding the position for 27 years. He commenced as Regional Director at Resthaven in 1986 and was appointed Resthaven CEO in 1994.
Under Richard’s stewardship, Resthaven grew both its offerings and geographic footprint, diversifying into home care and restorative services. Resthaven’s number of employees quadrupled during this time, but the focus remained on continually improving the quality of service.
Outside Resthaven, Richard’s advocacy for the aged care sector included many years of involvement at all levels of the Aged and Community Care Australia peak body, and he chaired the UnitingCare Aged Care Network from April 2017–2019.
Richard retired as CEO in 2020. Mark Porter, Resthaven Board President, said at the time:
‘Under his leadership, Resthaven has grown not only in its provision of residential and community services, but also in its reputation and standing in the community. Richard’s genuine concern for the elderly, the frail and the vulnerable, along with his capacity to master detail, understand the changing landscape of aged care in Australia, and develop strategy are impressive.'
Carole Davidson was appointed Board President in January 2006.
Excelling in the position, Carole had an outstanding commitment to all aspects of the organisation, visiting, on a continual basis, Resthaven sites around the state.
Carole completed her term as President on 31 December 2011 but stayed on as a committee member, retaining her role as a member of the Board’s Finance and Audit Committee.
Overall, Carole’s contribution to Resthaven was significant, having given nearly 15 years of service as a member of the Board and Board Executive.
Mark Porter joined the Resthaven Board in 2005, at a time when he served as Principal of Woodcroft College and was a Board Member of the State and National Associations of Independent Schools.
From the time he joined the Resthaven Board, Mark brought an energy and enthusiasm to his role that showcased his commitment to the organisation. On 1 January 2012, following the retirement of Carole Davidson, Mark commenced as Board President — a role he retains to this day. Mark is also a member of the Board’s Executive and serves on all Board Committees.
Over three decades, Mark’s visionary leadership, unwavering dedication and tireless efforts have played a pivotal role in guiding Resthaven to where it stands today. His work has made an indelible mark on the Resthaven community, with his lasting legacy an inspiration to all.
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