Our Story

For almost 58 years, I was blessed to share life with my beloved husband, Bernie. Together we built a beautiful family — children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren — and until moving to Rockhampton in 2014, we spent our lives on the land. Those years shaped us deeply through droughts, floods, grief, depression, and even the heartbreaking loss of our beloved property due to oil and gas developments and gave us a foundation of resilience, love, and purpose that continues to guide me today.

Many years ago, we attended a retreat that changed our lives. The knowledge and tools we gained there helped us navigate life’s challenges in a healthy and positive way. It was this transformation that inspired us to begin offering our own retreats in 2005. Over the past two decades, we have witnessed hundreds of people make powerful, life‑changing choices during these six days. Seeing others reclaim their self‑worth and step into their fullest potential became our shared passion and purpose.

Our dream has always been simple yet profound: That people of all ages develop a strong sense of their own self‑worth — because when you truly value yourself, you unlock the ability to live life to its fullest.

A Heartbreaking Pause

In 2026, with deep sorrow, I announced the cancellation of our retreats following the devastating passing of my beloved husband, Bernie. He was my best friend, my rock, and my partner in every aspect of this work. Together, we poured more than 20 years into creating a space where healing, growth, and transformation could flourish.

At that time, I did not know what the future would hold. The thought of continuing without Bernie felt impossible. Yet messages from past participants — sharing how the retreats had changed their lives — stayed with me, gently reminding me of the impact of this work.

A Year of Grief, Reflection, and Gratitude

Nearly twelve months passed. During that time, I grieved every day. I remembered, I journalled, and I leaned heavily on the very tools we teach in our retreats. I also felt immense gratitude — for the extraordinary journey Bernie and I shared for almost 60 years, and for the love and support of our beautiful family.

The retreats often entered my thoughts, but restarting them without Bernie was something I never imagined I could do.

A New Chapter — With Bernie Still Beside Me

Bernie and I always felt a deep responsibility to give back. Hosting these retreats and witnessing the transformation that could occur in just six days brought tremendous meaning to our lives. This work was never just something we did — it was something we believed in.

With the encouragement of my family, friends, our retreat team, and many past participants, I have made the heartfelt decision to reopen the retreats in 2027.

I truly believe this is something I am meant to do — and something Bernie would want me to continue. Though he is no longer here in the physical sense, I know his spirit, wisdom, and energy will remain present with me, with our team, and with everyone who chooses to attend.

It is with both gratitude and hope that I take this next step. I look forward to welcoming you to one of our life‑changing retreats in 2027.