Jazz age party held in Murray Bridge for Resthaven’s 90th anniversary
An aged care facility and associated community services team have joined forces for a celebration at the John Dohler Hall.
This story was contributed by Resthaven.
Resthaven staff, clients and community members have come together to celebrate the organisation’s 90th anniversary at a party at John Dohler Hall in Murray Bridge.
Around 150 people gathered in the hall on July 16, with another 100 residents and family members joining via video link from the nearby aged care home.
Residents built the menu for the event, and the same delicious food was served at both locations with chilled champagne served from teapots, as well as soft drinks, cucumber sandwiches and brandy snap baskets on offer.
Special guests included state MP Adrian Pederick, Resthaven president Mark Porter, residential services executive manager Kelly Geister, community services executive manager Mel Ottaway, residential services senior manager Sonja Dillon and community senior manager Sue Dahl.
Decorated in a 1930s jazz theme, the hall evoked memories of pre-war Australia, with live music from the Nostalgia Jazz Band adding to the atmosphere.
Staff at both locations were festively dressed in their flapper outfits, with sequins, feathers, and beads on display.
Resthaven Murray Bridge residential manager Charlie Roe and her wife Viv entertained everyone by performing a lively waltz.
In the hall, Nina Corlett gave an acknowledgement of country and a prayer, then Ms Roe joined with Murray Mallee Hills community services manager Kimberley Lord to welcome all guests.
Guests including Nilda Guadagnin and Martin Altmann, pictured cutting the cake, enjoy the 90th birthday celebrations. Photos: Resthaven.
Just down the road at the aged care home, Ms Geister gave a short speech before Dr Corlett led the residents in singing Happy Birthday.
The cake was cut by resident Nilda Guadagnin and site doctor Martin Altmann, whose mother, Pam Altmann, is also a resident at Resthaven Murray Bridge.
In the hall, Ms Roe and Ms Lord cut the cake together.
“It was wonderful to come together with Murray Mallee Hills Community Services to stage this event,” Ms Roe said.
“Our teams worked together to decorate the hall, transport residents and clients to the venue and to organise catering and entertainment.”
Guests have their photo taken on arrival. Photos: Resthaven.
Ms Lord agreed.
“Many of the clients and residents have crossed paths at some stage in their lives, so it was nice to hold a celebration where everyone was invited to come along,” she said.
“We enjoy working collaboratively and I think it shows in the standard of celebration we had, and the enjoyment on everyone’s faces.”
