On the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung People, 40 kinship, foster and permanent carers of First Nations children came together for a Learning and Development Retreat at Cleveland Estate, Lancefield. Over two days, carers immersed themselves in a series of enriching sessions designed to foster connection and learning.
The retreat commenced with a powerful Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Elder and Traditional Owner Uncle John Terrick and Elder Uncle John Xiberras. This culturally significant opening set the tone for a weekend of learning, reflection, and shared stories.
After a fun carer introduction session, carers engaged in an excellent session on Keeping Kids Connected to Culture, facilitated by Clarisse Slater, Aboriginal Therapeutic Specialist, Facilitator and Consultant and Senior Manager of VACCA’s External Training and Relationships Team. The session equipped carers of First Nations children with resources and knowledge strengthening their role in championing culture for the children and young people they support.
Later that afternoon, carers joined Uncle Lionel Lauch of Living Culture in an inspiring session on connection to culture. This session blended discussion and deep listening, concluding with a meditative Yidaki (Didgeridoo) experience.
Saturday evening allowed carers to unwind over a shared dinner and entertaining trivia competition.
The second day began with Wayapa Wuurrk®, led by Justine Cooper of The Barefoot Spirit. This uplifting session incorporated gentle movement and Indigenous earth connection practices and supported carers to explore wellbeing through a lens of environmental and cultural mindfulness.
This was followed by a lovely hands-on Traditional Weaving Workshop with Cassie Leatham of Wild Blak Arts. Carers crafted woven armbands from native grasses, learning about the stories and traditions embedded in the practice of weaving.
The retreat concluded with an informative session led by the Grandparent, Foster, and Kinship Carer Adviser from Services Australia, providing carers with valuable insights into navigating support services.
Carer Kafe acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung People, on whose traditional lands this retreat took place. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging, recognising their enduring connection to land, water, and community.
Feedback from carers highlighted the impactful cultural focus, wellbeing activities and sense of community built throughout the weekend.
“I gained some excellent information and supportive statements with regards to indigenous children connecting to culture.”
“Excellent venue and brilliant presenters, staff and all people who put this together were wonderful.”
“Great weekend away meeting other carers and being able to yarn and share stories of struggles and successes.”
“I wanted tools and companionship and this conference delivered both beyond my expectations.”
“I’ve met some beautiful people and learnt some new skills. Thank you for a fantastic retreat.”
“More informed about First Nations Social and Emotional wellbeing. Connected with wellbeing practitioners.”
“Workshops were culturally sensitive, informative and interesting. I learned new things I previously didn’t know.”
“Excellent speakers – the cultural side was amazing. I felt validated with my culture practices.”
“I got to talk to really honest and understanding people in the same boat as me.”
“Listening to Lionel and how passionate he is to help his people stay connected has ignited a fire within me to help within my community.”
On the lands of the Bunurong People, 40 dedicated Kinship Carers came together for a Learning and Development Retreat at Peppers Moonah Links Resort, Fingal. Over two days, carers immersed themselves in a series of enriching sessions designed to foster connection and learning.
The retreat commenced with a heartfelt Welcome to Country delivered by Josh West, a Bunurong Traditional Owner. This powerful opening set the tone for a weekend of shared experiences and meaningful reflection.
Carers participated in ‘Caring for kids, utilising wellbeing science and trauma-informed practice’ led by Megan Corcoran of the Wagtail Institute, equipping them with more strategies to create secure, supportive environments for children in their care. Carers gained practical tools to further support them in fostering a sense of safety, autonomy, and mental resilience, enhancing their capacity to nurture positive mental health outcomes in the children they care for.
Saturday evening was an opportunity for connection and fun with a trivia night! Carers tested their knowledge in a spirited competition. Laughter and friendly rivalry filled the room, strengthening bonds between participants.
The second day began with a rejuvenating Yoga and Mindfulness session, guided by Laura Grace of Awesome Beings. Carers explored gentle movements and breathing techniques, finding a moment of calm in their often-demanding roles.
Creative exploration was the focus of the Creative Arts Therapy workshop, led by Fiona McGrath (Water Ribbons Art Therapy) and Sara Grace (Arts Therapy Studio). Carers reflected on their experiences through artistic expression, creating their own ‘Inner Landscape’ as a means of self-care and personal growth.
The retreat also featured an informative session with the Grandparent, Foster, and Kinship Carer Adviser (GFKCA), providing carers with crucial insights into navigating Services Australia’s offerings and community support.
Carer Kafe acknowledges the Bunurong People, on whose traditional lands this retreat took place. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging, recognising their ongoing connection to the land, water, and community.
Feedback from carers was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the education, wellbeing sessions, and connections formed:
“I feel good to know there are others in similar situation to me. To be able to start conversations without a big back story as we are all similar.”
“I feel stronger more liberated and so much support information was gained. I feel empowered to get onboard for more support.”
“I got so much more than I expected. I feel 10 years younger, a spring in my step and can now see why it’s important to take time for me to make me a better carer.”
“You have no idea how changed I am from every single thing over the weekend. I feel very valued and I’m leaving alive, fresh, and feeling bloody amazing.”
“That I am valued and supported, trauma informed, emotion regulated information has been my takeaway.”
“Retreat has been well above my expectations, speakers are amazing, organisers were fantastic.”
“It exceeded my expectations. So grateful and feeling amazing after this weekend.”
“Being able to talk to other carers was good. Don’t be on your own there are a lot of people who have been where you are.”
“We feel like it gave us both confidence that we are doing a lot right.”
“Very informative and gave us more avenues for help.”
On the lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung People, 50 dedicated Kinship, Foster, and Permanent Carers gathered for an enriching Learning and Development Retreat at RACV Goldfields, Creswick. Over two days, carers participated in a range of activities designed to promote connection and learning.
The retreat began with a Welcome to Country by Jason Kerr, a Djaara Traditional Owner, followed by a Carers’ Wellbeing session facilitated by Megan Corcoran from the Wagtail Institute. Participants explored strategies to enhance their emotional resilience, manage stress, and cultivate positive wellbeing. Megan created a space where both the joys and challenges of being a carer could be shared, fostering a deep sense of connection and understanding among participants. The energy in the room was palpable, with conversations flowing so freely that, on occasion, a glass had to be dinged to bring everyone back together!
After an evening of networking, the second day commenced with a calming yoga and mindfulness session led by Laura Grace of Awesome Beings. This session provided carers with gentle movement and breathing exercises designed to promote inner peace and relaxation.
The Services Australia Grandparent, Foster, and Kinship Carer Advisors (GFKCA) program representative delivered an informative session on navigating Services Australia’s services, payments, and available community resources.
The retreat concluded with a creative and reflective Creative Arts Therapy session led by Fiona McGrath (Water Ribbons Art Therapy) and Sara Grace (Arts Therapy Studio). Carers designed Wellbeing Collage Cards, using artistic exploration to express their experiences and take away a tangible reminder of their journey.
Carer Kafe acknowledges the Dja Dja Wurrung People, whose traditional lands hosted this retreat, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging. We extend our gratitude to all who participated and supported this meaningful event.
Feedback from carers was that they enjoyed the education and wellbeing sessions and found the experience of connecting with other carers invaluable:
“It was a safe, understanding, well suited, funny, amazing experience. Both serious and light moments. Loved it. I wasn’t sure what to expect but it far exceeded what I could imagine.”
“What was offered was wonderful. Both the informative sessions as well as the wellbeing sessions and opportunities to connect with others who understand.”
“Fantastic time just for carers, really appreciate these retreats as a carer. You all do an amazing job allowing us to have a fantastic time. THANK YOU”
“I got a chance to meet new carers that I shared a laugh with, were empathetic, and felt a sense of belonging and kinship with.”
“Able to discuss issues without being ignored or dismissed as happens with family and friends.”
“Thank you for creating a space for us to pause, reflect, be equipped, and get some refreshment.”
“The retreat has taught me that we are all special and not to be feeling so alone. Relaxing and best experience!”
53 carers met for an All-Home-based Carers Learning and Development Retreat with a carer wellbeing focus on the lands of the Wadawurrung people at Novotel, Geelong. There was a buzz of excitement all around the room from the very beginning as the Kinship, Foster and Permanent Carers met around morning tea.
The retreat commenced with a wonderful Welcome to Country from Kiah Morrison who used the rain and the subsequent cancellation of an outdoor Smoking Ceremony as the opportunity to incorporate rain drenched fresh gum leaves into her Welcome.
Carers then mingled during a fun getting-to-know-you activity introduced by Kylie Groen from VACCA. Megan Corcoran from the Wagtail Institute led a Carer’s Wellbeing session for the remainder of the day which saw great participation and enthusiasm from all.
The second day kicked off with a wonderful yoga and mindfulness session from Laura Grace of Awesome Beings. This was followed by a valuable and informative presentation from the Services Australia Grandparent, Foster and Kinship Carers Advisors (GFKCA) program. After a break for lunch, carers enjoyed a Creative Arts Therapy and Wellbeing session led by Fiona McGrath (Water Ribbons Art Therapy) and Sara Grace (Arts Therapy Studio). Carers were asked to swap tables for this activity to meet carers they had not yet met during the retreat. This was a resounding success as they enjoyed creating Wellbeing Collage Cards amidst the opportunity to connect with other carers.
Feedback from carers was that they enjoyed the education and wellbeing sessions and found the experience of connecting with other carers invaluable:
“Attending exceeded my expectations and to be honest never had any interest in peer support and engagement but this was a real value add and was inspired by such amazing people facilitating, organising and attending. Great vibe as in supportive, open and non judgemental.”
“It allowed me to meet so many Kinship Carers in the same position as I find myself and also the education component was very helpful.”
“I got so much out of the two days. Covers everything a carer needs.”
“It was an opportunity to connect with the OoHC village. I felt heard, validated and supported.”
“I loved so much about the weekend! Connecting with other carers probably my favourite takeaway!”
“It was more than I expected or hoped for.”
“I got to relax, got relevant information and felt supported.”
“I feel recharged in my caring role.”
