Learning and Development Retreat for All Carers – Fingal 2026

Learning and Development Retreat for All Carers – Fingal 2026

On the 16th and 17th of May, 60 kinship, foster and permanent carers gathered on the lands of the Bunurong people for Carer Kafe’s Fingal Learning and Development retreat. 

Held at Peppers Moonah Links Resort, the two-day retreat provided an enriching space for carers to make peer connections and strengthen skills to support their carer journey.   

“The sessions were very informative and engaging. The focus was completely on our needs,” reflected one carer. 

Attendees shared that they felt “better equipped mentally”, and that being able to “connect with others going through similar situations was both comforting and informative.” 

The retreat began with a smoking ceremony, led by Uncle Mark Brown and James Brown of the Bunurong people of the South-Eastern Kulin Nation. The ceremony honoured the traditional custodians of the land, and invited everyone gathered to enter the space with open hearts and soft feet.  

Marina Dickson facilitated a two-part workshop, Trauma Informed Practice and Carers Wellbeing: Caring Sustainably, taking a relational and practical approach and covering achievable strategies that can be applied in everyday situations. 

The final session of the day, led by Sandra from Services Australia Grandparent, Foster and Kinship Carer Advisers, built carers understanding on how they can access and navigate Services Australia’s initiatives.  

The day concluded with laughs and connection over dinner and trivia. 

Sunday opened with a calming Mindfulness session led by Laura Grace from Calm Foundations covering nervous system regulation and wellbeing strategies. 

The day concluded with a Creative Arts Therapy workshop facilitated by Fiona McGrath AThR (Water Ribbons Art Therapy) and Sara Grace AThR (Arts Therapy Studio). Through creativity and craft, carers embraced expression and mindfulness in a collaborative and supportive space. 

We are so pleased to see the positive responses to our Fingal retreat from carers:  

• “The speakers were honest and provided helpful and engaging content. Loved how open and vulnerable carers were with each other.” 
• “That you’re not alone sharing with like-minded people who get it. Meeting very strong, wonderful people.” 
• “The sessions were very informative and engaging. The focus was completely on our needs.” 
• “I felt so relaxed. The guest speakers were very informative. A lot was taken in.” 
• “Beautiful setting, like-minded people, time to focus on my own needs, relaxing and safe environment to learn new skills.” 
• “Well suited environment with excellent information. Enjoyable time chatting and sharing with other carers.” 
• “Absolutely love the whole experience, would love a week of it lol.” 
• “My favourite part of the retreat was being able to connect with other carers hear their stories and feel a whole lot less alone.” 
• “Thank you for inviting me to this amazing weekend. I’m so grateful to have taken part. Meet beautiful people who I will hold close to my heart.” 
• “I feel better equipped mentally to continue this journey. Connecting with others going through similar situations was both comforting and informative. 
• “Provided tools. Met other people going through similar journey. Understanding I matter.” 

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.