Fosterton Retreat

15/10/2026

October is Mental Health month in Australia, 2026 theme "Together we thrive".
NSW's theme is "A little connection goes a long way"
Sometimes things that are good for our mental health can be hard to make time for (we won't just 'find' time). We can't help you with all of them but at Fosterton Retreat we can help with quite a few:
Planning things to look forward to: time with yourself or friend in the cabin, at a retreat (5 people have already booked into the Stained Glass Art Retreat in June 2027!)
Be curious and open-minded to new experiences, like a weekend in the country, exploring a country town/area you're not familiar with, joining in for an event in the Dungog shire.
Keep moving. Too easy on 100 acres, with walking tracks, 4 walking labyrinths, a lovely 'wild', river swimming spot less than 5 minutes away and a beautiful pool for people in Fosterton House.
Spending time in nature. Hard to avoid when surrounded by mainly bushland, so many different birds, wallabies,echidnas and the open starry sky at night.
Be kind (even to yourself) and help create a better world. A weekend away might be just what you need. (Tips from https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/our-best-mental-health-tips)
Connect with others, for a weekend with friends or family at Fosterton House. Or grow deep, meaningful relationships at a retreat: art, transformational or spiritual retreats.
Keep your perspective. Thinking flexibly, seeing situations from different perspectives is a powerful tool. Reflective retreats like 'Wrapping Up' can assist with this.
Living up to your values. Living a life consistent with your values means being aware of how you would like to lead your life, behave towards others, and treat yourself. Retreats like "A Gentle Walk Into Me: using the enneagram" deepen this awareness.
Improve your work-life balance by booking in a weekend or more ahead of time (then you're back at our first tip!) Even if you're retired you can find it all a bit hectic with responsibilities. Some of our visitors come each year for that restful, detox and unwind.
From https://psychology.org.au/about-us/news-and-media/media-releases/2018/10-ways-to-help-your-mental-health
Remember "If you don't prioritize your life someone else will" Greg McKeown. https://gregmckeown.com/if-you-dont-prioritize-your-life-someone-else-will-harvard-business-review-2/

27/09/2026

So many ways to get ready:
Ready for summer &
Ready to unplug, unwind and understand yourself better at our November retreat.

09/09/2026

Escape the daily grind & leave screens for green in our peaceful creative incubator at Fosterton Retreat (near Dungog).
Sketch, walk, and reflect among vibrant grasslands, valleys, and forests.
Return home with a boosted mood, lower stress levels, and a calmer mind, refreshed with a nurtured creative side.
9-11th october 2026 Book in now!
https://www.fostertonretreat.com.au/drawn-to-nature-anaturejournalingretreat

04/09/2026

Always something happening here. This is a great event with the whole town getting involved.
At Dungog by Design where I seel artworks, we have an amazing team set of Royal Dolton Crackleware in the window. It's gorgeous.

30/08/2026

LAST FEW DAYS TO BOOK IN!
Space for God- Saturday 5th September 10am-3pm
Whether you are a lifelong churchgoer or someone who often sits in the pews wondering, "What was that all about?", this retreat is for you.
We have all experienced moments where a service impacts someone else deeply yet leaves us feeling disconnected.
This peaceful retreat day helps you discover why we experience faith so differently.
Nestled in nature, you will spend the day engaging in gentle, guided, and creative reflective exercises where you will gain valuable insights into how you personally connect best with God. Plus learning to better understand the spiritual journeys of those ar you.
It is a restful space designed to dismantle comparison and unlock personal spiritual growth.
And you will leave equipped with practical, life-changing tools to go deeper in your relationship with The Great I Am.
We'd love you to join us. If you have questions give us a ring 0490 663 228 or book in online https://www.fostertonretreat.com.au/retreat-event-booking-formound

22/08/2026

We want to have a discussion about labyrinths. Max has written about them. We use them at all kinds of retreats: art retreats, spiritual retreats, personal growth retreats.
Max has run special days using them (e.g. World Labyrinth Day) & made them in the park when Art Bazaar is on. (It's on tomorrow at St Therese's Primary School Lambton but we won't be there.)
We'll use one at the next Retreat Day: Space for God, Saturday 5th September https://www.fostertonretreat.com.au/space-for-the-great-i-am
Yet there are still many people that don't know about them, or understand how we use them. But we're having trouble with the camera on our laptop, so we can't do a facebook live, posting a video will have to do.
WATCH THIS SPACE for when Max & I discuss "Labyrinths: not mazes but they are AMAZING!"

14/08/2026

This is at the Gloucester side of The Barrington Tops NP & World Heritage Area. We're only 1 hour away though!

Darryn Marshall took this at the Barrington Tops early yesterday morning. Snow fell across several elevated parts of the eastern interior overnight on Sunday. Thank you for sharing all your snowy shots with us!

12/08/2026

Science week - just next week.
There's plenty to do to to be involved. Here's a couple:
ABC is looking for vote on native flowers AND
Australia's Bug Hunt Bug Hunt - Become a bug detective today.
Step into the hidden world just beyond your doorstep! With only your phone and a curious eye, you can join thousands of Australians uncovering the extraordinary invertebrates that live in our gardens, parks and schoolyards.

Each photo you upload to Bug Hunt Australia on iNaturalist adds to vital knowledge – helping protect lesser-known but critical species and detect invasive species before they spread.
https://share.google/2tZGKIFof2BrmtBpt

Move over waratahs and banksias! These 10 flowers from the unsung understorey are not just pretty faces, they have surprising tricks up their sleeves.

09/08/2026

Last chance to join in this Stained Glass Art Retreat next weekend.
Much more than a workshop! Contact us asap [email protected]

01/08/2026

Yes, you can. Create amazing work to take home.