Friday the 13th might be inauspicious for some, but it saw celebration at Resthaven, with the first sod officially turned on the $7.8m Resthaven Chiton Retirement Living development. 

Senior executives of the development partners got on the spades at the 7-star energy rated retirement village, but the most important guests were the residents of Resthaven Chiton Retirement Living.

Committee President Janine Wells donned her hi-vis vest and joined the team with dirt and spade while fellow resident Marg Dent watched from the sidelines.

“It’s so exciting to see it all happening,” Marg says.

“It’s really going to enhance the 29 units that are already here. They’re lovely units, and I’m sure whoever buys them will love living here.

“It’s a wonderful community, like a second family almost. We’re very lucky.”

Resthaven CEO Darren Birbeck and Executive Manager Community Services and Retirement Living Mel Ottaway were joined by Brown Falconer Managing Director Mario Dreosti, along with Kennett Builders Director James Kennett and General Manager Anthony Carbone at the ceremony.

Mr Birbeck echoed Marg’s sentiments, saying, “We are delighted to break ground on the eleven new retirement living units, garden reserve, and parking area for caravans; it will be a great addition. 

“Keeping with the green credentials of the village, the additional landscaping will use carefully selected plantings that complement the environmental rating of the village.”

Residents like Janine and Marg will be watching the progress with a keen eye.

Resthaven Chiton residents Marg Dent, Joan Driver and Janine Wells on the Lakehouse balcony.