2010

Financial constraints were diminished, and application made to Government for increased community care places. This meant that strategic purchases could be made.

Carole explained the Board’s approach:

‘The Board has never really worried about expanding, as long as it was done in a planned manner. We did not want growth for growth’s sake. We were also very pleased to expand the Community Services sector at this stage. There was a deliberate desire to build this up and we were already along the track of funding being received by the client and were involved in pilot programs. Resthaven has always been willing to look at the changes that were coming and how it could cope and thrive in a new era of change.’

With enormous demand for services in the south, Resthaven Onkaparinga Community Services moved to a larger premises at Noarlunga Centre in May 2010.

Following this, in June 2010, a small in-home care provider, Strathalbyn Country Care, approached Resthaven to take over its operations. With Resthaven already offering home care in the Fleurieu from the Murray Bridge office, this was a prime opportunity to formalise presence in the area.

Following a due diligence process, Resthaven commenced operations at Unit 2/3 Donald Street, Strathalbyn, with the office managed by Resthaven Murray Bridge & Hills Community Services.

The final stage of the five-year restructuring of community services was completed during the year, following separation of Resthaven's Northeast and Inner West (NE/IW) locations to formally create Resthaven Western Community Services (incorporating the Kilkenny office and Regency Cottage). From this point on, Resthaven Paradise and Eastern Community Services incorporated the northeast component, including staff and services based at the leased Manningham premises.

The Commonwealth Government extended Resthaven’s Home and Community Care funding for programs in the western suburbs, in the Southeast region of South Australia and in respite services in eastern Adelaide. Additional community care packages and extended aged care at home packages were awarded for the Adelaide Hills and eastern suburbs.