Resthaven received highly commended recognition in the Community Engagement category at the 2024 Future of Ageing Awards. This award celebrates programs, projects, or services that connect aged care providers with the wider community, fostering social wellness, promoting intergenerational relationships, and easing the transition for individuals entering aged care when needed. Results were unveiled at a presentation dinner in Sydney on August 29, 2024…To view all of the winners and read their stories…
Since 1997, Resthaven employees have been regular guests on Peter Greco’s Leisure Link program on Vision Australia Community Radio (1197AM). This ongoing collaboration provides a platform for Resthaven to share insights on aged care services, fostering community engagement and awareness.
With a cumulative monthly audience of 379,000, Vision Australia Radio (VA Radio) supports people with print disabilities (who find it difficult to read printed material) while also attracting a diverse general audience. Resthaven’s guest appearances strengthen community ties, provide professional development opportunities for employees, and help challenge negative perceptions of aged care.
Why it came about
Resthaven sought to proactively engage the community and promote positive images of ageing amid negative media portrayals in the late 1990s. By securing a regular slot on Leisure Link, Resthaven aimed to educate the public on available aged care services and counteract stereotypes. The initiative was part of a broader “Positive Images of Ageing” campaign launched in response to public concerns about the aged care sector. The commitment to this program has remained strong, with nearly 300 interviews conducted over 27 years.
How it works
Each year, Resthaven employees from various departments volunteer to discuss relevant topics on VA Radio, enhancing both public knowledge and their own media communication skills. Topics include retirement living, community services, dementia care, and workforce development. The shift from live broadcasts to pre-recorded sessions has expanded accessibility, as interviews are now available for download.
Who was involved
Over 200 Resthaven employees have participated in interviews, including executives, program managers, occupational therapists, and volunteer coordinators. Key participants include:
- Darren Birbeck (Chief Executive Officer)
- Sylvia Powell (Executive Manager, People and Culture)
- Julie Johinke (Senior Manager, Marketing and Communication)
- Sonia Hunter (Manager, Workforce Strategy)
Community members and volunteers have also been featured in discussions, enriching the program’s relevance and reliability.
Hearing from employees in a range of positions means that the community has developed a deeper understanding of how Resthaven’s services and products can support older people to live full and independent lives. It has helped our audience demystify the aged care sector and become familiar with how it works.
Peter Greco, Leisure Link announcer, Vision Australia
Evidence of success
The longevity of the partnership and audience engagement demonstrate its impact. VA Radio’s Adelaide listenership is approximately 49,000 per month, with podcast downloads exceeding 2,600 in the past year. Listeners from Australia, the U.S., U.K., and beyond engage with the content, broadening its reach.
Scalability and sustainability
This initiative remains cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. VA Radio provides airtime and production support at no charge, making it an accessible model for other organisations. The partnership’s success has inspired Resthaven employees to take part in broader media engagements, demonstrating the program’s long-term benefits for both the organisation and the community.
