Les became a member of the board in 2002 and then went on to become president. There were many challenges as a president with many changes made in head office and staff. He has seen many great staff come and go over the years. There were many building changes made and the highlight of his involvement with the board was the link up with the hospital. He was very thrilled to have been made a life member in 2018, and still enjoys his mornings and occasional lunches with the residents and staff. He is still a volunteer but is retired from the board. He states “thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives as part of my heart will always be with Murray Haven, be it residents, staff, management, workers and volunteers”.

Val was made a life member in 1999. She served the board until she began working at Murray Haven. She attended nearly all meetings once it was decided to have a home to look after people who were in need of help. This was in memory of her mother who had Alzheimer’s, and had to go to Kew Colleges as there was no help for them in those days. At the Auxiliary formation meeting, Val was elected Honorary Secretary/Treasurer on 14th March 1979, from there Val went onto the main board, but wasn’t there long before starting work at Murray Haven.

Bill was born in Minyip in 1933. He moved to Cohuna in 1954 with Sid Cagally to play football for Union. Bill married Pam in 1958 and soon after bought a dairy farm in Queensland. Since moving to Barham in 1979, Bill has enjoyed living in such a caring community and his time as a Board Member at Murray Haven was a particularly special time. He loved the interaction with the residents and a highlight was the building and opening of the beautiful lounge and kitchen, and the McConnell wing. He and wife Pam are enjoying travel, and spending time with their wonderful family, in their retirement.

Wes was appointed to the Board of Directors of Murray Haven Homes Inc at the 2014 Annual General Meeting.
He took on the position of Treasurer in 2015 and continued in that role until the November 2024 Board meeting. His financial guidance through these years contributed significantly to putting Murray Haven Homes on a financially viable trajectory. This has ensured that Murray Haven can continue to serve the community during any future challenging times and has provided us with the opportunity to grow and thrive in response to local needs.
He then took on the President’s role following the October 2023 Annual General Meeting and the retirement of Pam Waldron.
Wes has shown a long-term commitment to Murray Haven Homes and has proven to be a steadying influence at Board Meetings and in his dealings with the Executive team. He has had a focus on the provision of a service which meets the needs and wishes of our ageing community and is always looking to the future. He has been a mentor to Finance Managers over the last years and has encouraged members of the Executive Team to grow and lead in their positions.
There is a saying that if you want something done, then ask a busy person! Wes is certainly that, and with the support of his family and business, has been a volunteer of the highest calibre. He follows in the footsteps of a wonderful group of people who have made Murray Haven Homes what it is today – a much-valued and much-needed organisation in our community.