Resthaven scholarships shape lives, futures

One of the ways in which Resthaven supports the future aged care workforce is through the provision of scholarships at all three major South Australian universities. These were funded in celebration of Resthaven’s 80^th anniversary in 2015 and continue.

The current group of scholarship recipients from the University of South Australia share their thoughts on how the Resthaven 80^th anniversary scholarships supported them to achieve their career goals.

Rose Nissen, Resthaven Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Scholarship

I am so grateful to have been awarded this scholarship, as it is enabling me to put a greater amount of time and dedication into my studies.  I am currently working as an aged care home support worker, which I find to be so rewarding. I am able to support and interact with many different people, and I learn so much from clients’ life stories.

When I graduate, I hope to work as an occupational therapist within a residential aged care facility and develop programs that will foster social participation, friendship, independence, self-worth and enjoyment in the lives of the residents.

Barry Rundle, Resthaven Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship

I would like to thank Resthaven for providing scholarships for students like me. Last year, I completed the Diploma of Health; this year I am a student at University of South Australia in my second year of a Bachelor of Nursing in Mount Gambier. Previously, I have been a Disability Support Worker for 15 years in the Northern Territory, Victoria and in Mount Gambier. My reasons for study are to improve my clinical education to be able to be a Registered Nurse, and afterwards to develop a career in community health nursing, while also supporting their carers. I enjoy working on real-world projects that share the health and wellbeing of communities.

I would like to thank Resthaven for being a champion in delivering positive person-centred services to the members of the community for 85 years. The Resthaven Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship will help me in achieving my goal to be a nurse to support and advocate for all people.

Kirralee Thomas, Resthaven Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship

I am 20 years old and from Port Pirie. I am currently midway through my second year of Bachelor of Nursing, and I would love to pursue a career in aged care once I finish my degree. It’s always been something I am extremely passionate about. My grandparents have been one of the biggest influences on my life, and I wish to give back to others as much as they have for me.

Congratulations to all scholarship recipients – we look forward to following your progress and supporting you to improve the health and wellbeing of older people now and into the future.

Liam McCabe (Physiotherapy scholarship) and Kirralee Thomas (Nursing scholarship) with Sue McKechnie, Executive Manager Community Services at Resthaven at the UniSA 2020 Scholarships and Grants Ceremony.