Resthaven Bellevue Heights

Resthaven’s Board received news that Mr P.G. and Miss Manson had bequeathed a portion of their land overlooking Sturt Gorge Recreation Park in the Adelaide foothills to Resthaven and two other aged care organisations. The Resthaven Administrator noted that the site offered significant scope for future development. However, due to limited funding, little progress was made on planning over the following few years.

Plans to develop the land donated by the Manson family were under consideration. Around the same time, another aged care provider that had also received donated land in the area submitted a development proposal. The proposal was rejected by the State Planning Office following significant public opposition, with Sturt Gorge widely described as an 'irreplaceable asset'. Observing these developments, the Resthaven Board chose to defer any plans for its own portion of the land and retain it for the time being.

With some financial relief available, Resthaven purchased a parcel of adjoining land at Bellevue Heights that had originally been bequeathed to another aged care organisation. With this addition, plans were developed for a large residential aged care home, financed on the ‘equity housing’ principle and supported by resident funding.

After many years of delays, plans for the new home were finally approved and put out to tender in August 1978, with construction commencing shortly thereafter. The design proposed a large facility comprising 72 'hostel' rooms and 76 'self-care' units.

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On 6 July 1980, the first stage of Resthaven Bellevue Heights was officially opened and dedicated by Rev. Keith Smith, Moderator of the Uniting Church in South Australia. The facilities reflected contemporary best practice, and construction of the second stage was already underway. Over the following decade, the home expanded in stages, gradually realising the vision of those who first championed its development.

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Plans were underway to add a further 21 self-care units, which were completed in the following years.

With extensive native gardens and lawn areas on site, an automatic watering system was installed. However, some manual operation was still required while the system’s reliability was being tested. The introduction of automation was considered essential due to the increased frailty of residents, fewer of whom were able to manage any form of gardening, including the moving of sprinklers.

A new television and video player were donated to the hostel, enabling residents to view their own films in the common area.

Resthaven Bellevue Heights purchased a van to support the transport of residents to local areas. The initiative received strong support from all involved, which was important as use of the vehicle relied on residents opting to drive it themselves. Residents also made significant contributions toward the ongoing running costs of the vehicle.

In partnership with the Blackwood Rotary Club, residents exchanged letters with students from St John’s Grammar School over a six-month period. Although they did not meet in person during that time, the Rotary Club later arranged a function for everyone to finally put a face to the name behind their correspondence. The event was a great success.

The 10th anniversary celebrations for Resthaven Bellevue Heights were held in April 1990, with many of the first residents in attendance.

On 2 June 1992, ‘Recreation for Older Adults’ program was introduced at the home. The exercise classes were designed to improve and maintain residents’ general health and fitness.

In June 1992, the Department of Health, Housing and Community Services advised that Resthaven Bellevue Heights had been granted funding for ten self-care units to be incorporated into the hostel outreach program, enabling residents to receive care within their own units. Eligibility required an assessment of residents’ health needs. Ultimately, the program allowed residents in self-care units to remain in their homes for a longer period.

The first edition of the new site newsletter, Bellevue Bulletin, was published. The newsletter, which continues to this day, helped keep the community connected.

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In November 1998, a 28-unit extension and modifications to the administration area at Resthaven Bellevue Heights were completed at a cost of $2.7 million. The new wing maximised hostel approvals by providing high-dependency care, including a number of ‘extra service’ units.

In August 2002, an Open Day was held at the home, showcasing the range of services and care provided at the facility. Many members of the community attended and appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the home.

Following residents’ requests, companion dog visits were introduced at Resthaven Bellevue Heights, particularly for those residents who missed the companionship of their pets.

As part of Resthaven's 2002–2007 Strategic Plan, the new position of Independent Living Unit (now known as retirement living) Coordinator was introduced. It was decided that this position would be based at Bellevue Heights, where there was the largest concentration of retirement living units. The role proved to be very beneficial.

The home celebrated its 25th anniversary with a range of activities and events for residents, families, friends and staff.

On 13 October 2005, Resthaven Bellevue Heights won the 'Every Generation – For Young and Old' award at the 2005 COTA National Seniors Awards for its intergenerational program. The program included a weekly onsite playgroup for mothers and young children, as well as regular activities involving primary and high school students, fostering meaningful connections across generations. Separately, the program also received an Aged Care Accreditation and Standards Agency 'Better Practice' award in recognition of its innovative approach.

In late 2005, Resthaven Bellevue Heights became the pilot site for the 'AutumnCare' electronic care planning and assessment system. Funded through a one-off Australian Government information technology initiative for residential aged care, the software transformed resident documentation from paper to electronic records, streamlining documentation, reducing duplication and creating efficiencies for staff. Following the successful pilot and comprehensive staff training, Resthaven decided to implement AutumnCare across all residential care sites in early 2006.

On 24 February 2006, Hon Dr Andrew Southcott MP visited Resthaven Bellevue Heights following the Australian Government's allocation of 18 additional high-care residential aged care places in the 2005 Aged Care Funding Round. Plans were announced to construct a new specialist dementia care wing to support people living with memory loss and confusion. Following council approval, extensions to the home began, with four independent living units removed from April 2006 to make way for a new 15-bed secure high-care wing incorporating the additional funded places.

On 11 July 2007, Dr Andrew Southcott, Member for Boothby, officially opened the major extension to Resthaven Bellevue Heights. The project included 'Gum Tree Lodge', a new community meeting space for independent living unit (retirement living) residents, upgraded administration areas, and a new 18-place high-care dementia wing. The first residents had moved into the new wing on 7 May 2007, marking the completion of the project. The extension expanded specialist care services while enhancing facilities for retirement living residents, with residents and staff working together to successfully transition residents into the new spaces.

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In mid-2007, the Resthaven Board approved the conversion of five single-bedroom independent living units (ILUs) at Resthaven Bellevue Heights into rental units for older people who could not afford to pay an entry contribution (bond). The initiative expanded affordable housing options for older South Australians and improved access to retirement living.

On 1 February 2008, Resthaven Bellevue Heights’ Friday morning playgroup celebrated Pancake Day, with a group of toddlers and their carers joining residents and staff for a morning of pancakes, connection and fun. The intergenerational event was featured in The Advertiser and New Times.

Committed to developing the future aged care workforce, Resthaven Bellevue Heights strengthened its links with education providers through partnerships with nursing students and graduates. The site hosted Flinders University undergraduate nursing students, with the Manager conferred academic status with the University. A dedicated aged care graduate nurse program was also introduced, alongside new competencies and resources to assist registered nurses transitioning into aged care.

On 2 September 2008, residents of Resthaven Bellevue Heights featured on Channel 7 News as part of a story highlighting the home’s intergenerational program with Bellevue Heights Primary School. The program brought together students and residents to share stories, discuss different themes and build meaningful connections across generations. For many students from diverse backgrounds, the visits provided an opportunity to form bonds with older people and develop ‘adopted grandparent’ relationships, which were equally valued by residents.

In early 2009, Resthaven Bellevue Heights introduced a new 'Men’s Shed: Specialising in Demolition' program in partnership with the Blackwood Lions Club. Residents dismantled donated items destined for landfill, including computers, barbecues and stereo systems, separating recyclable parts while enjoying meaningful social interaction. The program provided residents with a sense of purpose, connection and the opportunity to contribute to the wider community.

As part of the continuing commitment to high-quality environments, facilities at the home received upgrades in mid-2010. This included widening low-care room doors for easier access and renovating the laundry to improve infection control. In the following year, upgrades were made to the servery.

On 13 October 2010, Resthaven Bellevue Heights held an Open Day with the theme ‘Australian bushland’ to commemorate Resthaven’s 75th anniversary.

Resthaven Bellevue Heights enhanced its bushfire preparedness following a review of natural disaster risks across Resthaven. Although the home already had emergency protocols in place, the review identified opportunities to further reduce bushfire risk through building and landscape modifications. The Resthaven Board committed significant funding to improve the home's bushfire resilience, with additional mitigation works, including the installation of diesel pumps for water tanks and replacement pipework, completed the following year.

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Resthaven Bellevue Heights commenced a long-term refurbishment program for its Independent Living Units (ILUs, now known as retirement living units). Upgrades were undertaken as units became vacant and included new kitchens, bathrooms and floor coverings, bringing the homes up to modern standards. The refurbishment program continued progressively over the following years, with units upgraded as they became available.

Resthaven Bellevue Heights retirement living residents joined the annual Operation Christmas Child project, packing gift boxes for children in need through the international charity Samaritan’s Purse. Introduced by residents June and Bob Heath, the initiative became a much-loved annual tradition, with boxes filled with health, education and play items bringing Christmas joy to children around the world.

On 4 December 2014, Resthaven Bellevue Heights celebrated its 35th anniversary with a festive afternoon tea attended by residents, staff, families, friends and Resthaven dignitaries. Guests enjoyed entertainment by a jazz trio, a historical slideshow and birthday cake, with Deputy Board President Lee Sando joining Manager Wendy Martin to cut the anniversary cake.

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To learn more about Australia's residential aged care sector, a group of students and academic staff from Chongqing Medical University (CQMU) and Shandong University in China, together with Airlangga University in Indonesia, visited Resthaven Bellevue Heights. The visit provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge and showcase contemporary aged care practices in Australia. Its success led to a second, similar delegation visiting the home the following year.

In July 2016, approval was granted for a significant refurbishment of Resthaven Bellevue Heights. The project included upgrades to resident ensuites, new outdoor living spaces overlooking Sturt Gorge, improved pathways and landscaping, additional parking, a new entrance, and the replacement of retirement living units with stair access. Design work commenced soon after, with construction progressing throughout the following year.

On 27 September 2017, Resthaven Bellevue Heights hosted a community 'Listening Post' attended by Federal Minister for Aged Care, The Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, Federal Member for Boothby, Nicolle Flint MP, and Steve Murray, candidate for the seat of Davenport. Residents met with the visiting parliamentarians to discuss issues affecting older Australians, with feedback from the session helping to inform the Australian Government's aged care reforms.

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The major refurbishment project was completed, delivering enlarged and modernised ensuites in resident wings, new pergolas with planters and clear screening, a covered verandah adjoining the dining area, and upgraded pathways. The improvements enhanced resident comfort, accessibility and outdoor living while preserving views across Sturt Gorge.

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Plans were announced for a major $36m redevelopment of Resthaven Bellevue Heights, with a new extension proposed to modernise and expand the home. The redevelopment would include new service facilities, upgraded communal areas, additional car parking, and improved site access, creating a more connected and contemporary environment. Information sessions for residents, families and staff were held in August 2019 ahead of the planning approval process.

In late 2019, a development application for the site's redevelopment was lodged with the City of Mitcham. Plans included a new extension to incorporate the separate lodge accommodation areas, a dedicated memory support area, upgraded kitchen, laundry and service facilities, and a new staff room. The central entrance and café area would be transformed into a welcoming hub, with improvements also planned for communal spaces, the auditorium, car parking and site access.

In early 2020, Resthaven residential aged care homes adapted to the restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing strict infection prevention and control measures to safeguard residents and staff. Visitor restrictions, quarantine requirements, enhanced staff training and vaccination programs were introduced in response to evolving public health directions. To reduce social isolation, homes embraced new ways for residents to connect with family and friends, including video calls and window visits, while maintaining a strong focus on residents’ health, wellbeing and quality of life.

The planned redevelopment of Resthaven Bellevue Heights was deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the safety of residents and staff taking priority. Planning and design work continued while construction was postponed until conditions allowed the project to proceed.

Following planning approval from the City of Mitcham in and several delays due to COVID-19, redevelopment works commenced in May 2021. The demolition of seven retirement living units marked the first visible step in the transformation of the site, with works planned to progress over multiple stages.

On 17 September 2021, a ‘turn the turf’ ceremony was held to officially mark the beginning of the site redevelopment. The first sod was turned by Resthaven Deputy Board President, Ben Sarre, and Manager Residential Services, Mandy Micallef, with residents, Resthaven representatives, and project partners from Sarah Constructions and Brown Falconer also attending.

While redevelopment works experienced delays due to COVID-19 impacts, progress continued with strict protocols in place to support the safety of residents and staff. As part of the first stage of the major redevelopment, the Auditorium — a communal space from the original 1979 build of the home — underwent a significant transformation, completed in early 2022. Dated exposed brick walls and pine-clad ceiling were replaced with contemporary finishes, while the original timber truss beams were stained a darker walnut finish to create a feature within the refreshed space.

The first stage of the Resthaven Bellevue Heights redevelopment was completed in late 2022, with the new extension and refurbished areas ready for residents to move into. Stage 2 of the redevelopment then commenced, progressing the next phase of improvements across the site.

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Stage 2 of the Resthaven Bellevue Heights redevelopment was completed, with residents moving into the new areas in August 2024. This stage delivered 23 new rooms, a dedicated dementia-specific area, resident facilities including lounge areas, dining spaces and a library, as well as upgraded staff facilities and improvements to existing areas. The completion of the car park and reception entrance in December 2024 marked another significant milestone in the redevelopment.

In April 2025, a new public artwork by artist Gerry McMahon was installed at Resthaven Bellevue Heights as a finishing touch to the $36 million site redevelopment. Titled 'Push Me Higher', the sculpture reflects the site's leafy surroundings, connection to native wildlife, and the bonds between generations, depicting a grandmother and child on a swing beneath the watchful presence of a kookaburra and koala.

The $36m redevelopment was officially opened on 20 May 2025, with a ceremony led by Resthaven Board Member Rev. Dr Graham Vawser and Manager Residential Services Jess Margrate. Around 100 people attended, including Louise Miller-Frost MP (Federal Member for Boothby) and local dignitaries, with guests given the opportunity to tour the completed facilities. Resthaven’s 90th anniversary was also commemorated on the day, with live music and a special afternoon tea served by staff dressed in 1930s-themed attire.